Counselors

Acting

Sean Smith, Liaison

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Sean Smith is the drama teacher at Harding Fine Arts Academy High School in Oklahoma City, the school from where he just so happened to graduate. Following high school, Sean attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a B.A. in Political Science. He then attended Oklahoma City University in Los Angeles and the University of London, Goldsmiths where he received an M.F.A and M.A. in Screen Acting (respectively). Since returning to Oklahoma, Sean has enjoyed teaching, making films, watching the Thunder, and playing the guitar and golf—though not at the same time. He is very excited for the summer and looking forward to his first ever OSAI experience.

"I'm so excited to be going to Quartz Mountain and to experience OSAI for the very first time this summer. Not only am I looking forward to working with the students in my discipline, but I'm also very excited to get to see all of the other disciplines perform and showcase their art at camp."

Chorus

Kaytlyn Eagleton, Liaison

Inola, Oklahoma

Kaytlyn Eagleton recently graduated from Oklahoma City University with her degrees in Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance. She loves songwriting, making new friends, reading, and learning Italian. She also an OSAI chorus alumna and attended as a student from 2020-2022!

"I am thrilled to be back on the mountain this summer! I can't wait to be surrounded by endless creativity and wonderful people."

 

Avery Hamlin, Liaison

Edmond, Oklahoma

Avery Hamlin is from Edmond, Oklahoma, and is currently pursuing a Vocal Performance degree from the University of Arkansas. She is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful and caring staff as an OSAI alumna who knows the long-lasting impact of those two weeks at the mountain! Most of Avery's free time is spent outside hiking at her favorite local Arkansas spots or indoors with her cat, Winston, and a good book. She is very fortunate that her degree and future career are also her favorite hobby! Avery most enjoys singing in operas and gospel/spirituals in the University of Arkansas’ Inspirational Chorale. She can’t wait to be back where the magic happens at Quartz Mountain! 

"I am looking forward to forming meaningful connections with the students and staff, and helping create the same supportive and fun environment that meant so much to me as a former chorus member!"

Creative Writing

Kylee Harzman, Creative Writing Liaison

Alva, Oklahoma

Kylee Harzman is a client services representative at a pet resort and is set to graduate with her Masters degree in General Psychology from UCO this winter. She previously attended OSAI as a student in both creative writing (2018) and acting (2019, 2020). Poetry and performance are very much still a part of her life, and she hopes to bring that creativity into the mental health services field.

"I am really looking forward to working with Dave Lucas and the creative writing students again! They give me just the kind of magical inspiration only OSAI can bring."

Dance

Gray Blevins, Dance Liaison

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Gray Blevins is a drawing and painting OSAI alum. They are currently pursuing a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from the University of Central Oklahoma. They teach at Aspiring Attitudes Dance Studio, where they are passionate about creating a safe space for others to play through dance. When not teaching, choreographing, or performing, Gray loves to spend time outside, play with their cats, and be an arts-and-crafts jack of all trades.

"I’m really looking forward to seeing the friendships that students create over the two weeks! I’m also looking forward to spending time in the beautiful nature of Quartz Mountain."

"I am so excited to see the arts practiced in a beautiful place like Quartz Mountain! There is something so special in being surrounded by other artists not in your discipline that inspires you."

Favorite treats: coffee, Dr. Pepper, Zebra Cakes, Swedish Fish, donuts

Drawing & Painting

Mercedes Smith

Drawing & Painting Liaison
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Mercedes Smith AKA Pink Pigeon Art is an artist/educator. She is inspired by silly animals, comics and animation. She loves to tell everyone about her pet pigeon Pierre! This is Mercedes' 4th year as the drawing and painting liaison and counselor.

"I am so excited to reunite with everyone! I am also excited to help these students create and learn!"

Favorite treats: Cream cheese danish, creme soda, Twix, pizza

Film & Video

Lily Tucker

Film & Video Liaison
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Lily Tucker is a filmmaker from OKC, where she earned her B.F.A. in Film Production in 2024 from Oklahoma City University. She recently founded the Okie Women Film Festival, which aims to spotlight women filmmakers from Oklahoma and just finished it's successful first season. She has worked with local productions as a Camera Assistant, Director of Photography, and Assistant Director, as well as writing and directing her own short films. She will be moving to Los Angeles this fall to start her M.F.A. in Film and Television Production with an emphasis in Directing at Loyola Marymount University. This is Lily’s 3rd year at OSAI as the Film & Video Liaison, and she cannot be more excited to be back.

"My favorite part of OSAI is getting to witness students fall in love with filmmaking! I'm so excited to help them dive into their passion and express themself through film!"

Favorite treats: Celcius, Pickles, Sour Worms, Skinny Pop

General Operations and Office

Burnie Conner

Store Manager/Town Runner

More information coming soon!

Kyle Shaw

Office & Operations Assistant
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Kyle Shaw (orchestra '08-10) attended OSAI as a violist, but as an adult pulled the classic move of trying out a slightly different art form (choir) and never looking back. He spends his workdays tricking kindergarteners into thinking that therapy is just a fun game of Uno, and debating which Extended IPA symbol to use for a newly-encountered misarticulation. Fun facts: Kyle does not enjoy throwing baby showers; overthinks playlists; and is 90% sure the appendectomy worked. He is also left-handed but tries to be a good person anyway.

"I'm so excited to see students branch out from what they're familiar and comfortable with, where they learn more not just about what they love, but who they are and want to be."

Favorite treats: Kit Kat, Reese's, chocolate covered pretzels, M&Ms; Diet Coke/Diet Pepsi, Diet Cherry Limeade; soy caramel macchiato, hazelnut soy latte - most things as long as there isn't tree nut flavoring (e.g. almond flavor, pecan flavor, walnut flavor, etc.)

Orchestra

Gloria Atoyebi

Percussion Liaison
Edmond, Oklahoma

Gloria Atoyebi is a percussionist who earned a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree with a Minor in Computer Science at the University of Oklahoma. Based in Edmond, Oklahoma, she has performed in many different groups on a variety of instruments, including Resistance Indoor Percussion and the OKC Thunder Drummers. Gloria has also created percussion arrangements of many songs under multiple genres. Gloria was an orchestra student at OSAI in 2018 and 2019.

"Being a counselor for the last two years was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to help students grow in the arts again this year!"

Favorite treats: Pixy Stix, Nerds Rope, Snickers, White Reese's, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, and pretty much any type of coffee that isn't just black coffee.

Caleb Gammill

Orchestra Liaison
Mustang, Oklahoma

Caleb is a passionate musician and trombone player who loves to participate in all kinds of chamber groups and large ensembles. During college he engaged in many, including trombone octets, quartets and wind bands. In his spare time, he loves to spend time with his friends and family, whether that’s relaxing outside in the sun or inside watching some shows.

"I’m so excited to get to know all of the amazing people and students this summer at Quartz Mountain! We don’t often get to come together in such a unique environment, so this summer camp is gonna be a blast!"

Favorite treats: Coffee, candy, Sweet Tart ropes

Lynslie Higgs

Orchestra Liaison
Greensboro, North Carolina

Lynslie Higgs is a flutist and music educator based out of Greensboro, North Carolina. She began her OSAI journey as a PR Assistant in 2023 and has had the pleasure of working as an Orchestra Liaison for both 2024 and 2025! During the school year, Lynslie teaches general music to Pre-K through fifth grade students, and she’s passionate about creating inclusive spaces where young artists feel supported and inspired. Outside of teaching, she’s an avid reality TV binge-watcher, activist, and proud cat mom to Penelope.

"OSAI is my favorite, most magical part of the year! I am thrilled to work with the orchestra for a second year and cannot wait to witness the incredible talent that each student, counselor, and staff member brings to Quartz Mountain."

Favorite treats: iced coffee/lattes (vanilla, caramel, lavender, mocha, really anything!), Celsius', Alanis, Sour Skittles, dark chocolate, Sour Patch Kids, Reese's cups, salt and vinegar chips, Chex Mix (cheddar or original), buffalo pretzels

Sydney McLeary

Orchestra Liaison
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Sydney McLeary will be an orchestra liaison this year at Quartz Mountain. Sydney is a OSAI orchestra alum from 2020-2022. She is a violinist, currently completing her degree in Instrumental Music Education at Oklahoma City University. Sydney loves making music with her friends, crocheting, and taking every adventure that she can!

"I am beyond excited to be returning to Quartz Mountain this year! I am thrilled to meet our new generation of young artist, and have the opportunity to experience their art forms and the process behind the magic!"

Favorite treats: Nerds Gummy Clusters, Reese's cups, Diet Coke, and Cheddar Ruffles.

Photography

Jenna Dooling

Photography Liaison
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Jenna is a third-year counselor at the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute and a portrait photographer based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She shoots editorial work for local magazines and runways, freelances, and is always working on creative side projects. Jenna was a photography student at OAI in 2019 and 2020, and her experience there still impacts her work and life today. When she's not behind the camera, you can find her in her garden or going on adventures with close friends. She's also a proud cat mom to Hugo, whom she’s raised since he was only a day old.

"I think I might say this every year, but I'm most excited to be surrounded by all the different art forms and to watch everyone grow so much in only a couple weeks!"

Favorite treats: Coffee, grapes, fruit (all kinds), Swedish Fish candy, Takis, pretzels, coconut water.

Public Relations

Georgia Jones

Photography Assistant & Documentary Videographer
Durant, Oklahoma

Georgia Jones is a 2021 OSAI film & video alum who has recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Creative Media Production. She will be joining the OSAI 2025 staff as the Photography Assistant and Documentary Videographer. As a producer and senior editor at Gaylord Hall Productions, Georgia has worked on national and regionally recognized projects, such as the "Engineering with Nature" short documentary series in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, multiple award-winning short films, and various profiles on extremely cool people.

"OSAI is a place full of amazing, talented people who share the love of art. I am so excited to be a part of the magical place that helped make me who I am today."

Favorite treats: Beef jerky (any flavor except teriyaki), Red Vines, Naked Juice (Green Machine, Rainbow), and Coca-Cola in a bottle. I also love dark chocolate, homemade masala chai, and cortados.

Fabian Salcedo

Performance & Documentary Videographer
Norman, Oklahoma

Fabian is a filmmaker studying at the University of Oklahoma and an OSAI alumnus from 2022. His hobbies are being mediocre in chess, pickleball, weightlifting, and running.

"I can't wait to be in nature doing what I love!"

Favorite treats: A nice caffeinated beverage.

Kyleigh Taylor

Public Relations Assistant
Edmond, Oklahoma

Kyleigh Taylor is a poet and artist from Oklahoma. Having attended OSAI for writing in 2019 and 2020, Kyleigh is excited to work at OSAI this Summer as a PR Assistant and Counselor! When not working for OSAI, she can be found playing board games, running TTRPGs, or watching scary movies.

"I'm excited to meet all the students and to help support them in their creativity journeys, however that looks!"

Favorite treats: Iced coffee (with oat milk), sweet tea, chocolate, popcorn, trail mix, or spicy anything, really!

Site/Stage Crew

Jacob Diaz

Site & Stage Crew
Liberal, Kansas

Jacob attended OSAI as a chorus student in '18 and '19 and as a site & stage crew counselor in '23. He has spent the past year as the vocal music director for an Oklahoma middle school. Time outside of school is occupied with music making, as well as reading and taking long walks. He is excited to return to OSAI for another summer of QM magic.

"I cannot wait for student and faculty showcases in the PAC! I learn the most from watching all these talented people perform."

Favorite treats: Coffee (hot, iced, sweet, unsweet), Coke Zero, Gatorade, iced tea; any chocolate, fruit, Slim Jims.

Cheldon Gatz

Site & Stage Crew
Piedmont, Oklahoma

Cheldon Gatz is a recent graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Percussion Performance. He is a proud alum and was a percussionist of the OSAI orchestra in 2020 and 2021. Outside of everything to do with music, he enjoys gaming, the gym, and the Oklahoma City Thunder (Thunder Up!). He is thrilled to create an unforgettable experience for students at OSAI!

"I am beyond excited to see the actual Quartz Mountain for the first time! My two years within the program in were online and at USAO. Even though they were still both special and incredible experiences, I am excited to see the home of the Quartz Magic!"

Favorite treats: Wild Berry Skittles, Nerds Gummy Clusters, M&Ms; Cool Ranch Doritos, cashews; Powerade, Arnold Palmers; any iced coffee with and vanilla/caramel.

Audrey Morales

Site & Stage Crew
Coweta, Oklahoma

Audrey is a full-time student at Oklahoma State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry. She works as a stagehand for both the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts and the Greenwood School of Music on OSU’s campus. She specializes in low brass, with tuba as her primary instrument. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, creating EDM music, working with sound and lighting technology, sipping coffee, and taking naps when she can.

"I look forward to getting to know the students and watching them grow as both artists and people."

Favorite treats: Tootsie Rolls, Extra Toasty Cheez-Its, Dr. Pepper, Iced Americano with vanilla syrup and oatmilk

Danny Valdez

Community Lab Liaison/Front of House Assistant
Moore, Oklahoma

Danny was a student in the chorus in 2012 and this is his fourth time returning as a camp counselor. He is an Elementary Music Teacher in Norman, Oklahoma who loves playing D&D and board games.

"OSAI at Quartz Mountain is my favorite three weeks of the year. I'm enthused to again dedicate that time to support excellence in creative expression in so many forms."

Favorite treats: Most things chocolate, especially chocolate covered nuts, and chips.

Alisabeth Westfall

Site & Stage Crew
Tulsa, OK

Alisabeth Westfall is excited to come back to OSAI as a counselor on site and stage crew! Alisabeth graduated in December '24 from Oklahoma City University with her B.F.A. in Design and Production and will be joining Florida Studio Theatre as a stage management intern this fall. When she’s not at OSAI Alisabeth loves dancing, watching YouTube, and hanging out with her family.

"I’m excited to meet and spend two weeks making art with all the students and faculty! I love seeing all the growth that happens when you put a bunch of artists together!"

Favorite treats: Dr. Pepper, Crunch bars, cookies, Chex Mix, Goldfish, Reese's cups, and ice cream

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