Play. Create. Perform. Repeat.
Meet the Playcrafter Kids Team
Leadership & Admin Team
FOUNDER / OWNER & EDUCATOR
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Deanna Mae (she/her) is the founder and heart behind Playcrafter Kids Preschool. With over 20 years of performance and teaching experience, she brings a joyful, play-based approach to early childhood education rooted in safety, creativity, and connection. Deanna holds a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education and an M.A. in Literacy (Birth–Grade 6) from Mount Saint Mary College. A lifelong learner and passionate arts advocate, she launched Playcrafter Kids in 2019 to preserve the magic of childhood and make space for creativity in early learning. Her program blends storytelling, music, and the performing arts with the rhythms of preschool life—creating an intentional community where young children thrive.
Deanna joyfully raises her beautiful teenager in Fort Collins. She loves to play, create, and perform whenever she gets the chance!
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
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Ashley (she/her) began acting and singing in early elementary school and hasn’t stopped since. She started teaching preschool right out of high school and has incorporated her love for music and movement into her teaching style. With over 10 years of experience in childcare and 15 in the performing arts, Ashley is so excited to be a part of Playcrafter Kids. She seeks to foster a love for learning paired with an appreciation for and an understanding of healthy, joyful movement in each child she teaches. In her free time, Ashley sings, bakes, and reads. She lives in Fort Collins, spending her time with her wife and their 3 year old husky.
CREATIVE OPERATIONS MANAGER
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Liz (she/her) is a lifelong musician and proud "theatre kid" who is thrilled to join Playcrafter Kids as their Creative Operations Manager. Since earning her B.A. in Music & Leadership from Spring Arbor University, Liz has spent 15+ years performing in local bands and theatrical productions while building workplace experience as an administrator, operations coordinator, and general manager for local businesses. For the past 8 years, she has also served the NoCo community as a voice and piano teacher, where she’s unlocked her true passion for arts education. Liz is excited to work behind the scenes to support Playcrafter Kids, a valued, educational environment where young artists can grow creatively, personally, and confidently!
Outside of work and performing, Liz enjoys hiking, kayaking, and other Colorado outdoor activities, or relaxing at home with her husband and their three fur babies.
PLAYCRAFTER KIDS MASCOT
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Frankie the dog is a 17 lb Westie/Jack Russell mix. He loves to curl up and listen to stories, enjoys going down slides, and can make any place comfy. This well-behaved, loyal pup loves to make his rounds to say hello and jump for his treats. When he needs space, he retreats to his crate and kids learn to respect his space. He is the owner of Deanna Mae :).
Preschool Program
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & EDUCATOR
“Storybook Forest” Lead Guide
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"STORYBOOK FOREST" LEAD GUIDE
Josiah (he/him) was raised and currently resides in Fort Collins. He attended Colorado Early Colleges, where he graduated early with his high school diploma as well as an associate degree in Arts, specializing in business. After working through school and making pizzas, Josiah was eager to find a career in which he was passionate about. Josiah decided to try out childcare and has said that it was one of the best decisions he has ever made. Josiah began working with children back in 2022 as an assistant teacher, then quickly became a lead teacher in a two-year-old classroom. From there, he transitioned to a preschool room. He quickly learned that he adores this field and loves building connections with children and their families! Josiah is also a martial artist and has been learning and competing since he was seven years-old. Additionally, he is part of a martial arts performance team who have performed at various local events and locations: New West Fest, Elitch Gardens, The Lincoln Center, various elementary schools, and more. Josiah is also the proud owner of a personal, in-home, constantly expanding, jungle of plants.
EDUCATOR & FLOAT
“Storybook Forest” Lead Guide
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“STORYBOOK FOREST” LEAD GUIDE
Hello! I am Miho. Originally, I am from Osaka Japan. I live in Loveland with my husband, a daughter, and a cat (Oreo). I used to like dogs, but now I love cats! I attended Colorado State University from 1996 to 2000. My concentration was Early Childhood Development in Human Development and Family Studies. In 2004, I returned to CSU and completed the Early Childhood Education program and obtained a teaching license. Afterwards, I worked at the CSU Early Childhood Center for 10 years as a lead teacher. When I moved to Loveland, I ran my own in-home preschool for the last 4 years. When teaching children, I love the moments when I see their bright, curious faces and smiles, of course! I am very happy seeing them motivated, and eager to explore and share their findings with me. I love to hear, "Miho! Look! Look!"
EDUCATOR
“Musical Meadows” Lead Guide
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Hannah (she/her) has been collecting experiences and piecing together the puzzle of who she is for as long as she can remember. She got her start in theater at Debut Theatre Co as a wee lass, and her passion for theater and film eventually brought her to California for a bachelor’s degree in communications media, with an emphasis in acting and production. After graduating, she found herself working as a preschool photographer, where she learned that little compared to the joy of coaxing smiles and giggles out of the tiniest humans. Hannah moved back to her hometown of Fort Collins in 2020, and soon began working as a preschool teacher for a classroom of 1 year olds. Most recently, she worked as a registered behavior technician, helping children with autism and other mental and developmental disabilities learn how to navigate and thrive in this tricky world of ours.
Through all these experiences, Hannah has developed a strong passion for fostering independence, confidence, and creativity through play and secure relationships. When she’s not working, she can usually be found enjoying time with friends, watching movies, or being outside “photosynthesizing”. She continues to enjoy theater when she can, whether by attending shows at the local community theater spots, or singing Broadway musical numbers in the safety of her own car.
EDUCATOR
“Musical Meadows” Lead Guide
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Brieanna (she/her) is passionate about infusing creativity into everyday life and believes in the power of personal expression and kindness. She is eager to help children explore their unique voices through a nurturing environment.
With a lifelong love for theater, music, and production, Brieanna is always seeking new ways to connect with the arts and share that excitement with others. She’s absolutely thrilled to step into this new role and be part of shaping a joyful, supportive space for kids to grow and learn.
When she’s not creating a vibrant atmosphere at Playcrafter Kids, you can find Brieanna enjoying long walks with her dog Charlie, experimenting with new cookie recipes, or getting lost in the pages of a great novel!
SPECIALIST
Speech Language Pathologist
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Jessica, who also goes by “Jecca,” is a passionate speech language pathologist (SLP) who received her bachelors and masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Illinois State University in 2011. She has worked as a speech language pathologist in the school system for over a decade and is the owner of Elation Speech Therapy. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders in preschool and school-aged children. With speech and language being the foundation for literacy (aka: reading, writing, speaking, and listening), Jecca’s expertise provides a service which is extremely valuable in the development and success of early learners.
Central to Jecca's approach is the belief that children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. Her playful and joyful demeanor naturally draws children in, creating a supportive and enjoyable environment where they feel valued and motivated. Jecca is elated to partner with Playcrafter Kids and join in on the learning and fun!
In addition to being a SLP, Jecca is the percussionist in Fancy Bits, an all-female based, alternative-pop band. She enjoys being outside and attending local, community events with her husband and 3-year-old daughter, Mia Jubilee.
EDUCATOR
“Let’s Play!” Teacher / Preschool Aide
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Kristy (she/her) has been performing for as long as she can remember– starting with her very first role as the Nutcracker in second grade. With a passion for both music and working with young children, she’s always searching for creative ways to blend the two, and Playcrafter Kids has given her the perfect space to do just that. Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Kristy moved to Colorado in 2022 for her graduate studies. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Voice Performance from Ithaca College, and a Master’s degree in Voice Performance from Colorado State University. Kristy teaches private voice and piano lessons locally, and sings professionally in the Fort Collins area whenever she can. One of her favorite parts of teaching is watching her students discover the incredible range of sounds the human voice can make. She spends her free time playing tennis, navigating complex board games, listening to podcasts, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
SPECIALIST
Occupational Therapist
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Jade Studee is our new part-time occupational therapist who graduated from Colorado State University in 2018. She is passionate about supporting early childhood learning and development through play. Jade’s role at Playcrafter Kids utilizes an embedded approach instead of 1:1 sessions, which supports all children’s classroom and play participation with through collaboration with teachers and play-based, group-centered activities. She has experience supporting children and adolescents with mental health and behavioral difficulties, developmental delay, motor delays, and learning disorders to support their school readiness, executive functioning, sensory processing, self-regulation, handwriting and fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and social skills. Outside of work, Jade enjoys spending her free time getting outside with her friends and family, dabbling in painting and ceramics, and reading.
SUBSTITUTE / SPECIALIST
Yoga Instructor
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YOGA INSTRUCTOR / SUBSTITUTE
Chantel Akers (she/her) RYT-500, RCYT is a Colorado native and received her associates degree from FRCC and bachelors degree from CSU in Fort Collins. She took her first yoga class in 2005 has been practicing asana for years. When at a Mommy & Me class with her daughter she had an “aha moment” and decided it was the time to pursue yoga teacher training! Fall of 2017 Chantel received her 200 hour certification from Om Ananda Yoga, a ShambhavAnanda Yoga affiliate. In pursuance of her new found passion to learn about the many aspects of yoga, she continued with the Upper Level Teacher Training program at OAY and received her 300 hour certification in December 2018. Chantel became a Certified Children’s Yoga Teacher in the summer of 2019 as she truly believes all ages can benefit physically, mentally and spiritually from yoga. Chantel is a lead trainer for Om Ananda Yoga’s 200 hour yoga teacher program and is co-leading their 95 hour children’s yoga teacher program this summer (2021). Chantel has taught multiple kid sessions at Om Ananda Yoga, a weekly series at Moxi Yoga Works, at a local elementary school, and is returning to Playcrafter Kids, LLC summer camps for her fourth year. In class kiddos learn yoga poses, different breathing techniques, basic anatomy, mind-body awareness, practicing mindfulness, and being present.
Learn more about our preschool program.
Theater Programs
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER
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OWNER/ EDUCATOR / PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Deanna (she/her) has been performing since the age of 10 and has spent the last two (almost three!) decades inspiring creativity in students of all ages. A performer, director, and teaching artist, she founded Playcrafter Kids in 2019 to bring more imagination and heart to youth theater programming. She has developed and led a wide range of theatrical classes, camps, and productions throughout Northern Colorado. Deanna recently published her debut children’s book, Liv Perdue, What Will You Do?, and is currently developing a Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) musical based on the story. Whether she’s teaching preschoolers their first lines or directing tweens in full-length musicals, Deanna’s mission is simple: to help kids grow through story, play, and performance.
Deanna joyfully raises her beautiful teenager in Fort Collins. She loves to play, create, and perform whenever she gets the chance!
MUSIC DIRECTOR
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Veronica May has been “musicing” her whole life. What makes her special in this role is the hat she wore for 11 years working with primarily children as a music therapist. She understands well the power of music and the impact it has on community. She loves providing creative music strategies within music direction. She enjoys good coffee mugs with good coffee and won’t ever pass up a good pun.
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
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YOGA INSTRUCTOR / SUBSTITUTE
Chantel Akers (she/her) RYT-500, RCYT is a Colorado native and received her associates degree from FRCC and bachelors degree from CSU in Fort Collins. She took her first yoga class in 2005 has been practicing asana for years. When at a Mommy & Me class with her daughter she had an “aha moment” and decided it was the time to pursue yoga teacher training! Fall of 2017 Chantel received her 200 hour certification from Om Ananda Yoga, a ShambhavAnanda Yoga affiliate. In pursuance of her new found passion to learn about the many aspects of yoga, she continued with the Upper Level Teacher Training program at OAY and received her 300 hour certification in December 2018. Chantel became a Certified Children’s Yoga Teacher in the summer of 2019 as she truly believes all ages can benefit physically, mentally and spiritually from yoga. Chantel is a lead trainer for Om Ananda Yoga’s 200 hour yoga teacher program and is co-leading their 95 hour children’s yoga teacher program this summer (2021). Chantel has taught multiple kid sessions at Om Ananda Yoga, a weekly series at Moxi Yoga Works, at a local elementary school, and is returning to Playcrafter Kids, LLC summer camps for her fourth year. In class kiddos learn yoga poses, different breathing techniques, basic anatomy, mind-body awareness, practicing mindfulness, and being present.
MUSIC DIRECTOR
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LET’S PLAY! TEACHER / MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
Kristy (she/her) has been performing for as long as she can remember– starting with her very first role as the Nutcracker in second grade. With a passion for both music and working with young children, she’s always searching for creative ways to blend the two, and Playcrafter Kids has given her the perfect space to do just that. Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Kristy moved to Colorado in 2022 for her graduate studies. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Voice Performance from Ithaca College, and a Master’s degree in Voice Performance from Colorado State University. Kristy teaches private voice and piano lessons locally, and sings professionally in the Fort Collins area whenever she can. One of her favorite parts of teaching is watching her students discover the incredible range of sounds the human voice can make. She spends her free time playing tennis, navigating complex board games, listening to podcasts, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
DANCE INSTRUCTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER
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Hi, I’m Kisha, a fun loving mother of 4!
I began my dance journey around 3yrs old. I studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop as well as performing in the Show Choir. I was in my twenties when I found Belly Dance and fell in love. Nowadays, you can find me leading Adult Belly Dance, Adult Hip Hop and a youth Hip Hop class weekly when I'm not leading the littles in dance. I'm also a Full Spectrum Doula.
I love life, meeting new people and spreading joy in all the spaces I grace. I like to laugh uncontrollably. I like to sing & dance. I like to cook with my daughter.
To be honest, my favorite thing about PCK is all the things. I'm honored to be a part of such a great team while being a guiding light for our littles. The time I have with the littles truly fills my cup.
I learn just as much from them as they learn from me!
IMPROV INSTRUCTOR
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Summer first discovered improv in 2001 at Loyola University Chicago, where she performed with the troupe Cornered by Squirrels. Decades later, she brings that same love of quick wit and creativity to the Fort Collins improv group, Scam Likely, which she has been a part of for the last four years. Summer loves improv for the mental gymnastics, creative freedom, and shared laughter—because laughter really is some of the best medicine and ways of connecting with others.
Offstage, she’s a community nutrition educator and the proud mom of two fun and high-energy boys, ages 5 and 7.
DIRECTOR
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Hannah (she/her) has been collecting experiences and piecing together the puzzle of who she is for as long as she can remember. She got her start in theater at Debut Theatre Co as a wee lass, and her passion for theater and film eventually brought her to California for a bachelor’s degree in communications media, with an emphasis in acting and production. After graduating, she found herself working as a preschool photographer, where she learned that little compared to the joy of coaxing smiles and giggles out of the tiniest humans. Hannah moved back to her hometown of Fort Collins in 2020, and soon began working as a preschool teacher for a classroom of 1 year olds. Most recently, she worked as a registered behavior technician, helping children with autism and other mental and developmental disabilities learn how to navigate and thrive in this tricky world of ours.
Through all these experiences, Hannah has developed a strong passion for fostering independence, confidence, and creativity through play and secure relationships. When she’s not working, she can usually be found enjoying time with friends, watching movies, or being outside “photosynthesizing”. She continues to enjoy theater when she can, whether by attending shows at the local community theater spots, or singing Broadway musical numbers in the safety of her own car.
“Let’s Play” INSTRUCTOR
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LET’S PLAY! TEACHER / MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
Kristy (she/her) has been performing for as long as she can remember– starting with her very first role as the Nutcracker in second grade. With a passion for both music and working with young children, she’s always searching for creative ways to blend the two, and Playcrafter Kids has given her the perfect space to do just that. Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Kristy moved to Colorado in 2022 for her graduate studies. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Voice Performance from Ithaca College, and a Master’s degree in Voice Performance from Colorado State University. Kristy teaches private voice and piano lessons locally, and sings professionally in the Fort Collins area whenever she can. One of her favorite parts of teaching is watching her students discover the incredible range of sounds the human voice can make. She spends her free time playing tennis, navigating complex board games, listening to podcasts, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.