President
After seeing two wonderful CYT productions in 2009, four of Dr. Daniel Wolfe’s seven children decided to participate in their first CYT production in 2010, with two more participating over the years (his youngest is still actively participating). After nearly 30 productions of serving backstage and actively involved as the HYPE (High School Youth Pursuing Excellence) Parent Leader in DuPage Chapter, Dan became a board member in 2017. Being able to combine being both a lawyer and a psychologist into a professional career as a jury consultant, Dan brings an unique perspective to the board (if you want to check out the CBS show “Bull” you will get a flavor of what he does). Dan and his wife Cathy of 36 years have participated in musical theatre since high school and were blessed that their children “caught the bug” themselves. A true blessing to be part of the CYT community and serving with the other truly gifted board directors and staff. 
Micah 6:8

Secretary
Wade is a serial entrepreneur with an executive background in a variety of successful startups. Wade learned Korean in the US Army at the Defense Language Institute. He honed his leadership skills as a sergeant in the US Army, where he led a squad of Korean and US soldiers on the Demilitarized Zone in South Korea. He accomplished deployments of millions of dollars’ worth of equipment and soldiers to the National Training Center in California as part of the 101st Airborne Division. Post-military, he forged a career in Information Technology, working as an IT executive in three separate startups in quick succession which have all successfully exited via sales to larger entities.

His wife Lori launched the Milwaukee chapter of CYT Chicago. They have 5 children together. Wade is also active in his local church and serves Jesus as a board member and adult Sunday School teacher.

Executive Managing Director
Carol found CYT in 2008, when her oldest of four children attended CYT summer camp and then auditioned for his first show. She is thankful for the opportunity to use her financial and management experience to serve the CYT community that has positively affected her family. Her prayer is that the families she serves will be better equipped "...to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God." Micah 6:8 

Aleece Root

Executive Artistic Director Aleece found CYT through a church friend that invited her young family to see a production of “The Wizard of Oz”. She and her husband, Chip, were amazed at the quality of the show, but more so, the heart of the organization. They didn’t know a company existed that so beautifully blended the performing arts as a means to reflect the beauty of Jesus. At that time, her children were too young to participate, so they waited patiently to jump into programming. 13 years and countless shows later, her life has never been the same. Her prayer for those that participate in CYT is that students and parents alike will walk away with a greater understanding of who God is and how He uniquely designed each of us to use our gifting for the good of those around us and for His glory alone. Aleece’s favorite role she’s ever played is wife to her husband of 30 years (and high school sweetheart) and mom to 2 incredible young women, Tahlia and Ella. She also loves her goofy mutts Scout and Alfie even though they shed an absurd amount of hair on the daily.

Eirik's parents were on and off broadway actors, so theater runs in his family. His own family has been involved in CYT since the first show of the DuPage chapter in 2004. Eirik's wife, Jeanne, founded the Kenosha chapter in 2009 after the family moved to Wisconsin. Eirik's whole family has been involved in CYT with Jeanne continuing to teach and direct, three children graduating from CYT, two children currently in the program, and one child running a spotlight at most Kenosha shows. With so much family involvement, Eirik has seen firsthand what CYT can do for its students! As a pastor and an MBA, he brings both ministry and business experience to the board. Eirik is passionate about CYT's powerful combination of introducing kids to Jesus, while maturing them in the performing arts. Seeing kids grow in their knowledge and love of God, as every child's extraordinary dignity and creativity is encouraged and celebrated, is a great joy for him and his family. Eirik is grateful to be able to serve on the board!  

Sarah was first introduced to CYT at the National Headquarters in San Diego while working for La Jolla Playhouse. After teaching for CYT San Diego, she transferred to Chicago in 2008 and was afforded the opportunity to serve in various functions from Customer Service to Director of Education, overseeing camps and classes, with a period as Interim Artistic Director. The privilege and joy of being a part of directing teams for 13 shows across 5 Chapters is one of the highlights of her career. While Sarah’s love for theater has forever been a part of her life, the Lord graciously led her into full-time ministry in 2014, overseeing Children’s Ministry at Harvest Bible Chapel. Sarah is honored to be serving CYT as a board member amongst professionals who see the importance of sharing the love of Christ to children through theater. Her prayer is that all children will come to firmly accept and believe…”For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9