Current Staff Members:
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.
Carol Engelhardt
Executive Managing Director - Carol found CYT in 2008, when her oldest of four children went to CYT summer camp and then auditioned for his first show. Carol enjoyed mentoring children as backstage chair and camp coordinator as well as meeting parents as house chair prior to joining executive leadership. 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)
Kristen Schinkel
Bookkeeping Manager - Kristen has worked in customer service since 2001, first working at American Hawaii Cruises, then for Kohl’s, and now for CYT. She loves working for an organization that has such an impact in the lives of children and getting the chance to interact with parents on a daily basis. Kristen attended McHenry County College, and has a Travel/Tourism degree. She loves reading, walking and hanging out with her family.
Regan Rohde
Costume Manager — Regan has been involved with CYT since she was five years old. She has performed in seven shows across numerous chapters. When Regan is not working as one of CYT-Chicago's Costume Manager, she can be found serving on directing teams, teaching classes, taking classes, attending as many live theatrical performances as she possibly can, and watching things that make her cry. She has a passion for history, especially the aesthetic aspects, which lends itself well to her costuming position. Regan truly believes that God can use anything and anyone to show us His love. Including theatre. Hearing a beautifully composed song, watching the triumphs and struggles of a character, or even seeing the details of a costume piece reminds us that God has individually given us all talents and passions. We can choose whether we use those for His glory or not. CYT has a passion for making sure kids have a community to grow those talents and passions for His glory.
Sharon Didier
Production Manager
Garrett Wells
Sets Warehouse Manager
Josiah Payne
Sets Warehouse Assistant
Alec Kinastowski
Technical Manager - Alec is thrilled to continue the collaboration with CYT Chicago. He has been immersed in the technical entertainment industry for over fifteen years and obtained a BFA in lighting design from The Theatre School at DePaul University. Since then, he has refined his aesthetic through lighting, sound, and scenic design endeavors for a countless number of productions and theatre companies all over Chicagoland including The Metropolis, Big Deal Production, The Devonshire Playhouse, Bravo, Wishing Star, Highland Park Players, St. James Productions, Schaumburg On Stage and many more. Alec is also the owner of Kinasthetics, Inc., a supplier of lighting and audio products, services, and installations for all facets of the entertainment industry with a portfolio all of its own.
Kathryn Johnson
Marketing Manager
Cindy Yach
Accounting & HR Specialist
Julie Kohlieber
Graphics & Media Specialist