Staff

Melissa (She/her)

Executive Director: Melissa Paolercio joined our staff as Executive Director in June 2019. She has been managing non-profit arts organizations for over 20 years and is excited to be at CCArts. Melissa is a passionate theater and visual artist who holds a B.F.A. in Acting from Arcadia University, a M.F.A. in Theater Management from Yale School of Drama, and an M.S. in Community and Trauma Counseling Art Therapy Concentration from Thomas Jefferson University.

Taylor (She/her)

Program Manager: Taylor Bogan is a theatre artist, educator and arts administrator originally from the Jersey shore area. Taylor holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Monmouth University and a Dual M.F.A. in Theatre for Young Audiences (Directing) & Acting from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Taylor has worked with a variety of arts organizations across the country, most recently serving as Education Director of Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre & Academy. 

Pam (She/her)

Pottery Studio Manager & Facilities Manager: “ Clay has been a material that has enriched my hands and mind for many years.  The ability of clay to bring community together is amazing…especially considering it is a seemingly simple material.  Clay’s magnetic quality to join humans in rituals to celebrate life’s little moments has entranced me for as long as I can remember. 

Growing ideas with others in a community studio, firing work with folks in a woodkiln, or using clay pots as a backdrop for a nurturing meal continues to excite me.  I am thankful for the human interactions brought about by clay and cannot wait to help encourage possibilities with the CCArts community!” - Pam Lau

Ava (She/her)

Communications Coordinator: Ava joined the CCArts team in February 2024 after earning her B.A. in communications and marketing from the University of Delaware. Previously, she interned at the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden in New York, focusing on non-profit communications and community engagement. Now in her third year at the Center, Ava assists in internal and external communications, as well fundraising and development processes.

Emma (She/her)

Front Desk Administrator & Assistant Camp Director: Emma began working at CCArts during the summer of 2025 as Assistant Camp Director shortly after earning her B.A. in Theatre and Creative Writing from Muhlenberg College. Previously, she has worked as a Box Office Associate/Front of House Manager and Marketing Intern at Muhlenberg College's Theatre Department. After completely falling in love with the center, she became part of the front desk administrative team during the off-season. Emma can be found behind the desk on Saturday mornings, during event rentals, or on the occasional weekday pitching in wherever she can. 

Board of Directors

NOREEN

President, Board of Directors: Noreen Campbell joined the CCArts board in 2018. She is retired from Nemours/A.I. duPont as an Operations Manager. She also serves as a Teacher/Naturalist for the Delaware Nature Society.

KARI

Vice President, Board of Directors: Kari Getchonis is the senior gardener at Longwood Gardens and is also an experienced ceramic artist. Kari supports the ceramic studio with maintenance support, new glaze mixing, pottery sales, and odd repairs. She also lends her expertise to the grounds and helps with yard clean-up and pruning.

SUSAN

Secretary and Treasurer, Board of Directors: Susan Lipscy has supported CCArts since 1984 when her oldest child first took clay classes. She herself has dabbled in stained glass and even ballroom dance.  A reference librarian at the Newark Free Library, Susan has volunteered on the Board since 2007.

CELIA

Member, Board of Directors: Celia Payen

CHRISTINA

Member, Board of Directors: Christina Fabris

JUNAID

Member, Board of Directors: Junaid Butt

MANISHA

Member, Board of Directors: Manisha Antani

MELINDA

Member, Board of Directors: Melinda Hardie

MONICA

Member, Board of Directors: Monica Alvarez

NEVILA

Member, Board of Directors: Nevila Kote Nace, PHD

STEPHANIE

Member, Board of Directors: Stephanie Przybylek

WE ARE SEEKING NEW BOARD MEMBERs!

Are you a student, teacher, parent, event attendee, or CCArts supporter who:

  • Shares the CCArts belief that the arts are essential to human development, academic success, & cultural enrichment?

  • Would like to guide the organizational decisions that impact your experience?

  • Eager to spread the word about the work CCArts does on its Yorklyn campus & in the community?

Since CCArts offers a range of arts classes for children, adults, and families, we would particularly value adding the perspective of parents and young adult students to the voice of the Board.

Click here for the full role description.

To learn more about the CCArts Board and what this commitment might mean, please reach out to Board@CCArts.org