Our Team

César Torruella: Executive Director of Arts Education

Drives the mission and vision of the Department of Arts Education, directs the strategic implementation of the CPS Arts Education Plan and associated initiatives in service of increasing the quality and equity of CPS arts education programming.

Lilian Blaser: Manager of Professional Learning

Leads planning, design and delivery, and evaluation of all arts professional learning for teachers, Arts Liaisons, administrators, and other stakeholders in the arts community.

Layne Drinkwater: Theatre Content Specialist

Plans, designs and delivers, and evaluates standards-based arts professional learning opportunities for teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders in the arts community.

Alicia Kopec: Visual Arts Content Specialist

Plans, designs and delivers, and evaluates standards-based arts professional learning opportunities for teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders in the arts community.

Amanda Suckow: Music Content Specialist

Plans, designs and delivers, and evaluates standards-based arts professional learning opportunities for teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders in the arts community.

MK Victorson: Dance Content Specialist

Plans, designs and delivers, and evaluates standards-based arts professional learning opportunities for teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders in the arts community.

Danielle Holtz: Director of Student Programs

Sets and implements the vision for all departmental student programs, ensuring alignment with district priorities and equitable access for students.

Jackie Larry: Manager of Student Programs (All-City and RE•VER•BER•ATE)

Coordinates districtwide student programs, including All-City Performing and Visual Arts, and the RE•VER•BER•ATE Interdisciplinary Festival.

Kendall Hill: Student Programs Coordinator

Provides administrative and logistical support for DAE student programs, including All-City Performing Arts, All-City Visual Arts Exhibitions, RE:VER:BER:ATE Festival, and RE:ALIZE.

Jeff Waraksa: Manager of Strategy

Oversees arts strategy, policy, and analysis of arts data, with a focus on ensuring equity of arts access for all students. 

Jonya Leverett: Arts Data & Evaluation Strategist

Designs and disseminates qualitative and quantitative analysis tools; captures and analyzes data related to arts teaching and learning in the district.

Jessica Rodrigue: Public Art & Partnership Support Specialist

Coordinates and executes a range of daily operations for the Department of Arts Education, including implementing the district's works of art policy, school grant management, procurement processes, and arts vendor support.

Dr. Mitchell Davis: Fine & Performing Arts School Manager

Guides effective school implementation of Fine and Performing Arts curriculum, instruction, assessment and intervention, with a specific focus on the district’s Fine and Performing Arts magnet cluster schools.

Frank Cademartori: Fine & Performing Arts School Specialist

Guides effective school implementation of Fine and Performing Arts curriculum, instruction, assessment and intervention, with a specific focus on the district’s Fine and Performing Arts magnet cluster schools.

Adam Tafoya: Fine & Performing Arts School Specialist

Guides effective school implementation of Fine and Performing Arts curriculum, instruction, assessment and intervention, with a specific focus on the district’s Fine and Performing Arts magnet cluster schools.