Pete the Cat

Heidi Van

Heidi Van grew up watching her mom and her friends perform children's theatre, and fell in love with the process. From the first rehearsal to closing night bows, she loved watching the evolution of a creative production. Now, as a Kansas City-based theatre artist, she's dedicated herself to creating bold, welcoming spaces for live performance. Heidi has worked at The Coterie in multiple roles, including as an actor, teaching artist, playwright, director, and Interim Producing Artistic Director. Recent directing credits include RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023), MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT, and PETE THE CAT at The Coterie; DANCE NATION, THE WOLVES, and PROJECT DAWN at the Unicorn Theatre; SHOWS FOR DAYS, BELFAST GIRLS, DRY LAND, DEATH BY SHAKESPEARE, MOTHERFREAKINGHOOD! THE MUSICAL! at Fishtank Theatre; and MY FAIR LADY at Music Theater Heritage. Heidi is a graduate of Dell ‘Arte International School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake, CA. As a leader at The Black Box, Heidi develops original programming, immersive events, cabaret experiences, and educational opportunities that center connection, creativity, and belonging. Her work blends humor, spectacle, and emotional honesty while championing emerging artists and unconventional storytelling. Heidi is currently developing the original stage work BLOODY BLOODY KANSAS, inspired by the infamous Bender family murders. She has produced and supported a wide range of performances spanning theatre, music, drag, improv, and experimental work, with a focus on making art accessible, collaborative, and deeply human. Keep up with Heidi on Instagram @theheidivan and on Facebook under her name, Heidi Van!

Anthony T. Edwards

Anthony T. Edwards was a young accomplished pianist who had won many national awards, when a local theatre company in Bells, TN, needed a pianist and conductor for ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. He said ‘yes’ and conducted and played his first show when he was only fourteen years old. Anthony returns to The Coterie after serving as music director for THE LIGHTENING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2014, 2016, 2018 and 2023), DOCTOR DOLITTLE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, PETE THE CAT (2022), THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!", BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM - THE MUSICAL, GARFIELD: THE MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE, MADAGASCAR - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, THE WIZ, LYLE THE CROCODILE, SHREK THE MUSICAL, SPRING AWAKENING, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, and LUCKY DUCK. Nationally, Anthony has been the music director for theaters across the country including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts where he performed for four years in ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE. Currently, Anthony is the resident music director for the Unicorn Theatre, Starlight Theatre, KC Rep, All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, and Eventology. Anthony is proud to be an endorsed Kurzweil artist. He holds a BA of Music degree from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, and graduate studies in piano performance from the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music. 

Marc Wayne

Marc Wayne started dancing when he was 15 years old when his high school theatre department needed dancers for the winter musical, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Marc’s work has been seen on The Coterie's stage since 2012, including LILLY AND THE PIRATES, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD (2024), THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, the world premiere of ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, PETE THE CAT (2022), A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2017, 2019, and 2022), TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE (2022), AKEELAH AND THE BEE, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, SHREK THE MUSICAL, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2014, 2016, and 2018), and BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE. Other recent productions include ONE OF THE GOOD ONES (fight choreographer), A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE COLOR PURPLE (fight choreographer), NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN, and THE RIPPLE, THE WAVE THAT CARRIED ME HOME with Kansas City Repertory Theatre; the upcoming production of THE WIZ (co-director/choreographer), SWEENEY TODD, GODSPELL, PORGY AND BESS, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' (director/choreographer), TITANIC: THE MUSICAL; HAIR, RAGTIME, CAROUSEL, SHOWBOAT with Music Theater Heritage; Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company; Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders; Störling Dance Theater; and MaxxasDance Theater. Regional: NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN with Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Belhaven University Dance Department (Jackson, MS), Dance Revolution (National Tour), Saint Louis Dance Theatre (St. Louis, MO), CARMAN Ministries (National Concert Tour), The Bibleman Adventure (Video series and National Tour). International: Continental Singers (World Tours). Marc also appeared in THE COLOR PURPLE at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; RAGTIME, OKLAHOMA!, HAIR, CAROUSEL, GUYS AND DOLLS, the upcoming production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Music Theater Heritage); UNDERGROUND (Störling Dance Theater); and ON CYPRUS AVENUE (Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company). Education: The Ohio State University: Dance. Marc and his wife, Jen, have nine children.

Mackenzie Goodwin*

Mackenzie Goodwin met the theatre through her parents, and she doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t constantly participating in or going to theatrical productions– including at The Coterie! Her mom is a theatre actor, director, and educator. Her dad was an acrobat and a lighting and sound technician. Mackenzie returns to The Coterie after having worked on numerous productions, including serving as production stage manager for LILLY AND THE PIRATES, the world premiere of THE DRUM CLOSET, ELECTRIC POE (2025), A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD (2025), CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE, the world premiere of JUST ASK!, FINDING NEMO TYA, the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, ROALD DAHL'S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT (2022), THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES, and as a production assistant and an actor in DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT. Other recent credits include associate director on A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Kansas City Repertory Theatre (2022, 2023, 2024); director of THE BUTCHER’S SON (Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, Winner: Most Promising New Musical), swing stage manager on NEWSIES, ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS, DREAMGIRLS, and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for New Theatre & Restaurant; stage manager for workshops of NINA SIMONE: 4 WOMEN and 4 DIRECTIONS at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; production stage manager on THE PRICE and DOT for Kansas City Actors Theatre; SHOWS FOR DAYS for Fishtank Theatre; production assistant for MY NAME IS ASHER LEV, BLACKTOP SKY and DISTRACTED at Unicorn Theatre; and TITUS ANDRONICUS and MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE for The Living Room Theatre; lead ASM and youth coordinator at Kansas City Ballet; and safety coordinator at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Mackenzie is the co-producing artistic director for Brother Octopus Productions at The Black Box (formerly Stuffed Buffalo Productions), former producing artistic director of Westport Center for the Arts, an intimacy director, a voice over actor, and a member of Actors' Equity Association and Stage Managers’ Association. She won a fellowship at the O’Neill Center through the Eugene O’Neill Critics’ Competition (American College Theatre Festival) and was a founding member of Omaha’s Ætherplough company as well as a member of Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab (2015/16) & Chicago Directors Lab (2018/19). She studied theatre, dance, and Latin American literature at Kansas State University. “Theatre for young audiences is the last true bastion of the avant garde.” For more about Mackenzie visit www.goodwincalling.com.

Derek Trautwein

Derek Trautwein is a Kansas City theatre artist with a wide berth of professional and educational experience. Derek recently made his Coterie directing debut with the world premiere production of the Theatre for Young Audiences version of ELF - THE MUSICAL. He has served as technical director on The Coterie's LILLY AND THE PIRATES, the world premiere of THE DRUM CLOSET, A WRINKLE IN TIME, CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE, JUST ASK!, FINDING NEMO T.Y.A., ELECTRIC POE (2024 & 2025), the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023). After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance, Derek received his Master of Arts Degree in Theatre History in 2012 from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). During his time at UCM, Derek began his journey as a carpenter and Technical Director to accompany his endeavors in acting, directing, and playwriting. From 2013 to 2023, Derek served as faculty amongst the Department of Theatre and Dance at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Initially hired as the Technical Director, as he oversaw all sound, light, and scenic elements, Derek was promoted to Assistant Professor and Department Chair in 2021. Derek’s final directing spotlight at Benedictine, THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie, received a Meritorious Achievement Award for Play Direction from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2023. Around Kansas City, Derek has worked with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Public Theatre, KC MeltingPot Theatre, Relevance Productions, Card Table Theatre, and Stuffed Buffalo Productions. Since 2012, Derek has been an active participant in the Kansas City Fringe Festival, producing over a dozen pieces of original works written by other artists as well as his own, including DECEIT, which earned Derek the inaugural Mark Edelman Best New Play Award in 2019. Derek’s original plays have also been featured multiple times each for Kansas City Public Theatre, Olathe Civic Theatre Association, and the Kansas City Horror Play Festival. Lately, Derek has been bouncing around multiple spaces in the Kansas City theatre community including performing on stage in THIS RANDOM WORLD: THE MYTH OF SERENDIPITY at Just Off Broadway Theatre and ELF - THE MUSICAL with Padgett Productions, as well as serving as technical director of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at The Black Box and THE SHOOTER produced by Trish Mitchell at Just Off Broadway Theatre. Moving forward, Derek seeks to create on his own terms while aiding artists of all kind to find their voices and venues.

Carlos-Antonio Aceves

Carlos-Antonio Aceves is a multidisciplinary Designer and Theater Maker whose practice focuses on new plays. Selected scenic and projection designs credits include: RETURNING TO HAIFA with Golden Thread Productions; THE BOILING and MACBETH at the Magic Theatre; YAGA and JUSTICE at Marin Theatre; SUNSET BABY at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre; THE DISPLACED at Crowded Fire Theatre; BREAKDOWN with San Francisco Mime Troupe; PREP PLAY or BLUE PARACHUTE at New Conservatory Theatre Center; CARRIE: THE MUSICAL (projection design) at American Conservatory Theatre Young Conservatory; CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA at West Edge Opera; CYRANO at Aurora Theatre Company; HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH with Shotgun Players; THE DAY THE SKY TURNED ORANGE at San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company and ZSpace; and LA COMEDIA OF ERRORS at Marin Shakespeare Theatre. Carlos-Antonio extends his heartfelt gratitude to the creative and production team of PETE THE CAT for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. Explore more of Carlos-Antonio's past and upcoming work at: CarlosDesignsSets.myportfolio.com

Arwen J. White

Arwen J. White found her love for storytelling at an early age, being in theatre since she was a young girl. She found her specialty in costume design early on, designing her first show at fourteen years old. At The Coterie, Arwen previously served as costume designer on FINDING NEMO TYA, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, DOCTOR DOLITTLE and DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, as well as co-costume designer on PETE THE CAT (2022). She is a Kansas City based costume designer and founder of Juste Jaquet Designs, a creative studio for costume design and fine art. She has designed theatrically throughout the city including on productions of WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME and FLOOD at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; H.O.T., JOURNEY TO THE POLES OF INACCESSIBILITY, MARY'S SEACOLE, THE SOUND INSIDE, CLYDE'S, TONI STONE, TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS, LIFESPAN OF A FACT, WHO'S YOUR BAGHDADDY?, THE REVOLUTIONISTS, and SWEAT at Unicorn Theatre; SKETCHBOOK FOR OLLIE at Lyric Opera of Kansas City; GREAT COMET OF 1812, MOTHERFREAKINGHOOD, GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES at Fishtank Theatre; R&H UNPLUGGED at Music Theater Heritage; LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS for Padgett Productions; SOMETHING ROTTEN, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, and PETER PAN at The White Theatre at The J; TOMMY at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; CHAINSAW at The Living Room Theatre; TARTUFFE at Landlocked Opera; WICKED CREATURES at Confluence Theatre; and on the stage play, THE LIGHT BURNS BLUE. Other credits include the film, "Plot to Kill Jesse James," for the History Channel. Arwen is also an Entertainment Contractor for Norwegian Cruise Line, stitching for BURN THE FLOOR, PARADIE, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, and BAND ON THE RUN. She received her degree in Theater Design and Construction from University of Missouri-Kansas City. A Teaching Artist throughout Kansas City, she loves the opportunity to help young artists grow and explore through theatre and design. For more of Arwen's designs, visit www.arwenjwhite.com, and keep up with her on Instagram @arwenjwhite.

Thomas Newby

Sally Farrand

Sally Farrand began her theatrical journey helping out a family member; when her brother's school play needed crew assistance, she stepped up! From there on out, Sally found herself stage managing throughout high school and college. However, her memories of theatre go further back, as she remembers the taste of gingerbread cookies when her family would take her to see Kansas City Repertory Theatre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Though Sally has worked with The Coterie before, stage managing ELECTRIC POE (2020), working as the associate lighting designer on ELECTRIC POE (2025), and working as the house manager of HOW TO SNAG A SEAMONSTER, this is the first time her own designs have hit the Coterie stage! Other notable lighting design credits include BRIGHT IDEAS and BARE: A POP OPERA at The Arts Asylum; I LOVE THE 80S and OUR FAVORITE THINGS with Heartland Men's Chorus; TROJAN WOMEN MCI and FAT HAM at the Unicorn Theatre; and THE TOXIC AVENGER at LSH Productions. Sally earned her BA in Theatre and Business Administration from Drury University. In her free time, she works with students in the Raytown School District and assists them in desigining their own shows. She is also a member of a roller derby league in town. Keep up with Sally on Instagram @camocowz!

Taylor Adams

Taylor Adams began building props out of a refrigerator box that their parents got when they were four years old. From the moment they turned that box into a helicopter, they knew that they wanted to make cool things for cool people! In fact, their own black cat, Francisco, has ensured personally that all of the painting for the props in PETE THE CAT are as groovy and cool as possible. Taylor returns to The Coterie after previous work in costume design in ELF - THE MUSICAL and JUST ASK!. When not at The Coterie, they work as a props artisan at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, having created props for BROKE-OLOGY, EMMA, THE COLOR PURPLE, DRACULA, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, ONE OF THE GOOD ONES, and THE WIZARD OF OZ. Outside of Kansas City, Taylor has directed the world premiere of POPULAR COACH at The Rose Theater, alongside RUTHLESS! at Creighton University. Notable scenic design credits include: RIOT, REPEAT (Creighton APO, American College Theatre Festival Excellence in Scenic Design, 2020); BENT (SNAP!); INTO THE WOODS (Papillion-La Vista COmmunity Theatre); and LIZZIE (Shelterbelt Theatre). Taylor earned their BFA in Theatre Performance and Direction at Creighton University. You can keep up with them on Instagram @make.art.with.taylor. Taylor would like to thank Fabian, their partner, for allowing a Volkswagon bus to be built in their living room for a week. Much love. 

Dorian Allen

Dorian Allen got started in live music before eventually migrating to working in theatre. Dorian has recently served on The Coterie's technical team for several productions over the last few years after spending time in stage management and performance work across the city. Recent credits include playing guitar in FUN HOME with Olathe Civic Theatre Association and in BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROL KING MUSICAL with The Barn Players Theater; assistant stage manager for NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 with Fishtank Theatre; and stage manager for The Living Room Theatre's No Sleep November festival. When not on a ladder or covered in paint, you can find Dorian serving drinks at The Black Box or seeing shows at local dives. He would like to thank his family, his dog, and Heidi Van for their continued support.

Lillian Manuel

Lillian Manuel has always loved being onstage, starting dance at a young age, and discovering her love for theatre at a middle school camp! In the following months, she auditioned for her first play, and has been pursuing theatre ever since! Lillian loves the staff and environment at The Coterie, and has been house managing since 2024, working on THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, ELF - THE MUSICAL, LILLY AND THE PIRATES, THE DRUM CLOSET, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, A WRINKLE IN TIME, HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, and JUST ASK!. However, PETE THE CAT marks her wardrobe debut at The Coterie, and Lillian couldn't be more excited! Stage management credits include LONG TIME SINCE YESTERDAY and FENCES at KC MeltingPot Theatre. Additional wardrobe credits include MACHINAL and TARTUFFE at Benedictine College, where she earned her BA in Theatre Arts Management. Additionally, Lillian has worked various positions at Kansas City Public Theatre, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, the Unicorn Theatre, and, of course, The Coterie. When not working at the theater, Lillian can be found honing her costuming and styling skills through the art of cosplaying, and looks forward to what's to come next for her in the industry! 

Ethan Shaffer

Daisy Melton

Briana Maruco

Kelsi Richardson

Aly Bates

Esme Van Thies

Esme is excited to be a contributing artist for Pete The Cat! She is about to be in first grade and has grown up in rehearsal halls and theatres in Kansas City alongside her sisters, Marianne and Pauline. She loves cats, dogs, and her family. Esme hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Khalia Davis Philp

Khalia Davis Philp was eleven years old when she was cast in her first role in an original play at a theatre summer camp. At the top of the show, when she said her first line, the audience actually laughed and she knew she was hooked! For Khalia, that is the magic and beauty of live theatre: that special exchange you share with the audience, knowing that your art is the reason they are transported for a short time to new worlds, learning, and experiencing new stories. Khalia co-leads The Coterie with the managing director to bring the organization’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. She previously directed The Coterie's production of FINDING NEMO TYA. Khalia is a multidisciplinary artist and arts leader who most recently served as the Assistant Director for the Broadway-bound world premiere, THE HIPPEST TRIP: THE SOUL TRAIN MUSICAL. As the former Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theatre (BACT), she led the world premieres of A KIDS PLAY ABOUT RACISM, which brought together over 40 theater producing partners, including The Coterie, and was viewed on Broadway on Demand nearly 80,000 times during its limited run then became a free resource for educators and their students; and THE IMAGINARIES: AN IMMERSIVE MUSICAL, an original new work that transformed their theater into an accessible playground created by the newly-formed BACT Writer’s Room, which was created as a direct response to the lack of opportunities for BIPOC playwrights and composers specializing in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) projects. During the COVID pandemic when theaters were closed in the Bay Area, Khalia worked in partnership with former Executive Director of BACT, Nina Meehan, to conceive and produce various forms of theatrical digital and audio content for young audiences that activated their creativity and imaginative play, showcasing the potential for future digital and theatrical collaborations in TYA programming. Khalia directed and devised other new works like the award-nominated world premiere, SHE PERSISTED, THE MUSICAL, based on the popular children’s book by Chelsea Clinton; the Off-Broadway world premiere of an original adaptation of Maya Angelou’s I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS with New York City Children’s Theater; and the world premiere ARTHUR AND FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL! based on “Arthur,” the longest-running animated series on PBS with First Stage. Other prominent theaters include: A.C.T., Atlantic Theater Company’s Atlantic for Kids, New York City Children’s Theater, Disney Theatrical Group, Spellbound Theatre, and more. As a producer, Khalia has helped organizations reach hundreds of thousands of young people through interactive “edu-tainment” with the nationally known STORY PIRATES, generated new digital pre-school content with Spellbound at Home, and produced children’s media with her personal company, Kids at Heart Productions. Before assuming her role as Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theater in 2020, Khalia served as the Director of Inclusion and Education with Brooklyn Children’s Theatre restructuring their children’s musical theatre programming through an anti-racism lens. Khalia is a proud board member for TYA/USA, Spellbound Theatre, and The Story Pirates. Awards include: 2019 Emerging Leader Fellowship-TYA/USA, 2019 NYCCT Leader Fellowship, 2021 Corey Medallion Award-Children’s Theatre Foundation of America, and the 2026 Jubilee Honoree Spotlight-National Impact in Theatre for Young Audiences. Khalia has a BA in Theater Arts from the University of Southern California. To find out more, visit www.khaliadavis.com.

Jonathan Thomas

Jonathan Thomas serves as Managing Director of The Coterie Theatre, having stepped into his role managing operations after the tragic loss of Executive Director Joette Pelster. He co-leads the organization with the Producing Artistic Director Khalia Davis Philp, working to bring The Coterie’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. Jonathan began his path as a professional opera and musical theatre performer out of college, working locally with many area performing arts organizations including the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Chorale, Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and New Theatre & Restaurant. After seven years building a successful insurance and financial advising agency, he moved to San Francisco to follow his passion in arts administration. Before returning to Kansas City in 2018, he served as the development manager for The Walden School for three years, where he oversaw organizational fundraising strategies and expanded alumni relations. At ArtsKC, he served as Senior Development Manager, which greatly expanded his knowledge of the Kansas City arts sector. Prior to joining The Coterie, Jonathan served as the Senior Manager for Individual Giving and Partnerships at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, combining his love for the performing arts with his passion for leadership and fund development. Jonathan received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Kansas. He continues his commitment to educating and advocating for the arts by serving on the Kansas City Chorale Board, the Johnson County Park and Recreation Artist Selection Committee, and by chairing the Theatre in the Park Advisory Council. He is a frequent guest speaker about the economic impact of the arts in Kansas City, appearing at the NAAAP Leadership Conference, Arts Day for Centurions, and at the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Jonathan is married to Gail Nakano and is a father to Sofia, a senior at Cornell University, Tristan, a senior in high school, and Cassia and Koda, two littles who haven’t decided on college plans to date.