Staff

Michele Anderson
Rural Director, Fergus Falls Office
michele@springboardforthearts.org 218-531-1594
she/her
Programs: All Rural Programs
Background: Music (classical piano, teaching) and Administration (community development). Michele Anderson is a composer, creative writer and pianist with a BA in Music from Lewis and Clark College, and an MA in Cultural Sustainability from Goucher College, where she was awarded the inaugural Rory Turner Prize in Cultural Sustainability. In 2015, Michele was selected by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits for their Catalytic Leader Award.

Ricardo Beaird
Community Development Director, Saint Paul Office
ricardo@springboardforthearts.org 651-243-4419
Any pronouns
Programs: Community Development Programs
Background: Ricardo Beaird is a theater maker, teaching artist, and cheese curd enthusiast originally from Nashville, Tennessee. Their recent work is informed by the unfinished business of ghosts, dis/connection through the internet, and sometimes Beyoncé. In addition to performing with Pangea World Theater, Park Square Theatre, Red Eye Theater and Ten Thousand Things Theater, Beaird is a Core Artist with Full Circle Theatre, advisory council member with the queer-led theater collective Lightning Rod, and an Artist Council member for the 2021 Northern Spark Arts Festival. Ricardo brings deep experience in collective visioning, workshop facilitation, and community organizing.

John Bell
Business Manager, Saint Paul Office
john@springboardforthearts.org 651-789-0163
he/him
Programs: Incubator
Background: Visual Art (painting, sculpture) and Administration (accounting). John Bell received his undergraduate degree from Grinnell College in 2008 and his MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2010. His paintings and sculptures have been shown in Minneapolis at Soo Visual Arts Center and The Bell Museum of Natural History. His work was featured in a 2011 issue of New American Painting. johnmartinbell.com.

Sam Buffington
Community Organizer, Saint Paul Office
sam@springboardforthearts.org 651-789-2084
he/him
Programs: Community Development
Background: Sam Buffington was the community organizer for Frogtown Neighborhood Association for almost 10 years, and helped the organization become one of the most representative, innovative and influential district councils in St. Paul. Sam has worked for the League of Pissed off Voters, using Hip-Hop and the arts to encourage young people to become active participants in the electoral process. Through this experience, as well as his family's deep connections to the arts, Sam has recognized the power of arts and artists to create positive change in the world.

Amanda Cortés
Community Development Program Manager, Remote
amanda@springboardforthearts.org 651-304-1014
she/her
Programs: Community Development
Background: Amanda works at the intersection of racial justice, grassroots community development, art and culture. She is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and draws inspiration from her upbringing in working class, Latinx communities. Her practice includes speech communication, civic engagement, mediation, artist career coaching, and audio storytelling. Amanda’s independent work explores alternative models for community owned real property with the Pilsen Housing Cooperative , a newly formed limited equity co-op for artists and working families on Chicago’s Lower West Side. Amanda serves on the board of the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, continues her work coaching artists and creatives as an Artist Career Consultant at Springboard and is a member of the Chicago ACT Collective.

Destiny Davison
Communications Director, Saint Paul Office
destiny@springboardforthearts.org
she/her/hers/they/them
Programs: All Programs
Background: Destiny is a writer, cartoonist, animator, performer and multi-media maker from Minnesota with a history of supporting communications for arts organizations, theaters and fellow artists both locally and nationally. A graduate from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Destiny’s work explores the crossroads between the real, the unreal, and the in-between. To date, her work has been featured at Gamut Gallery, White Bear Lake Center for the Arts, Fresh Eye Gallery and as part of the Minnesota Billboard Project. More at destinydavison.com

Dominic Facio
Rural Program Coordinator, Fergus Falls Office
dominic@springboardforthearts.org 218-998-4037
he/him/they/them
Programs: All programs, Resources
Background: Visual & Performance Arts (photography, design, make-up, alternative performance art). Dominic Facio is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on subculture, and challenges the status quo and provokes curiosity. Dominic has been creating since the mid-2000s, beginning with makeup design and photography, expanding to wearable art and, what they’ve become known for today, unique inclusive live production experiences with immersive ethereal aesthetics. You can read more about Dominic on Creative Exchange..

Zhané Jackson
Economic Opportunity Program Coordinator, Saint Paul Office
zhané@springboardforthearts.org
she/her
Programs: All Programs
Background:

Zhané Jackson, a.k.a Ruby a.k.a TENACITY, is a passionate dancer, choreographer, writer, vocalist, creative director and event coordinator based in the Twin Cities. In 2016, she and 5 other multi-faceted artists created New Black City (NBC): an all black, femme, urban dance collective. NBC’s mission is to use their platform to uplift and engage with the community—paving a pathway into leadership and development as individuals, as a group, and as a village.

Throughout her time with NBC, she adopted other skill sets like business and event management, and community development; making the most out of her career and leadership in the Twin Cities.

Molly Johnston
Rural Program Manager, Fergus Falls Office
molly@springboardforthearts.org 218-203-8209
she/her
Programs: All Rural Programs
Background: Dance, choreography, community organizing. Molly Johnston lives and creates in Battle Lake, MN. Dance has taken Molly to Philadelphia (BFA, Modern Dance Performance), Eugene, OR (MFA, Dance) and back to rural Minnesota where she has been encouraging her community to gather through her work with DanceBARN Collective, the Fergus Falls School of Dance, the Lakes Area Community Center and more. She has traveled around the country speaking about dance in rural communities but loves coming home to enjoy nature and small town life with her husband and two wild sons.

Amanda Kaler
Advancement Director, Saint Paul Office
amandak@springboardforthearts.org
she/her
Programs: All Programs, St. Paul site
Background: Amanda Kaler (she/her) brings over 16 years experience in development, fundraising, and arts and culture leadership to Springboard for the Arts. Prior to joining Springboard, she spent nearly nine years at Minnesota Center for Book Arts directing their fundraising initiatives through a variety of development and executive leadership roles, most recently as their Associate Director. She is a 2021 graduate of the Rockwood Leadership Institute.

Amanda holds dual master's degrees in Nonprofit Management and Arts Administration from the University of Oregon, with an emphasis in Community Arts. Her artistic background ranges from book arts, letterpress printing, and writing, to clown, theater, and movement practices. When not at work, she can be found with her husband and young daughter tending their community garden plot and conducting improv puppet theater in their living room.

Mollie Lacy
Relationship Manager, Saint Paul Office
mollie@springboardforthearts.org
they/them
Programs: All Programs
Background: Mollie Lacy is a nonbinary lesbian poet, proud to be living and creating art in the Twin Cities. Their poetry has appeared in Paper Darts, Typishly, Drunk in a Midnight Choir, and on Button Poetry. Their work has been presented by Pangea World Theater, Patrick's Cabaret, Word Sprout, and Mother Goose's Bedtime Stories. Before joining Springboard, Mollie spent seven years working at Pangea World Theater. Mollie deeply believes in the power of artists and arts to create change, and is honored to be part of Springboard for the Arts.

Cassie McDuffie
Community Coordinator, Saint Paul Office
cassie@springboardforthearts.org
she/her
Programs: All Programs, St. Paul site
Background: Cassie McDuffie is a community organizer and leader with a strong lineage from the Rondo community. She will be graduating in 2021 from Metropolitan State University with an Individualized Study B.A in Music Business Marketing and Management Coordination and a minor in Advertising. She has DJ’d as well as played her beats at live events all across the Twin Cities on stages such as 7th Street Entry, Walker Arts Center, Guthrie Theater, and one of the Midwest's largest music jubilees, the SoundSet music festival. As an advocate for local artists, she understands the importance of providing opportunities for marginalized BIPOC communities, through the arts, for the betterment of society.

Zaraawar Mistry
Program Specialist, Saint Paul Office
zaraawar@springboardforthearts.org 651-789-2282
he/him
Programs: Professional Development, Resources
Background: Theater (acting, directing, producing). Zaraawar Mistry is a co-owner of Dreamland Arts, a 40-seat theater attached to his home in St. Paul. He has performed in and directed many works for several Twin Cities theater companies, and mentored dozens of artists in the creation and production of original works for the stage. He has an M.F.A. in Theatre from UC, San Diego and a B.A. from Bennington College in Vermont. http://dreamlandarts.com/zaraawar-mistry/.

Adam Pankow
Programs and Activities Coordinator, Fergus Falls Office
adam@springboardforthearts.org, 218-531-1654
he/him
Programs: All Rural Programs
Background: Adam attended Concordia College, Moorhead where he earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts. After working across the country with a variety of theatre organizations, he returned to the Fargo area and enrolled at Minnesota State University Moorhead, graduating with a B.S. in English Education. Adam has actively contributed to the area artistic scene through his extensive work as an arts educator, director, technician, actor, and administrator. For 11 years he served as the Director of Theatre at two high schools in the West Fargo (ND) Public School system. His school programs received multiple awards and accolades during his tenure. Since 2017 Adam has led, created, and revived artistic opportunities with local non-profit organizations through his advocacy of community placemaking and artistic excellence.

William Pierce
Operations & Finance Director, Saint Paul Office
william@springboardforthearts.org,
he/him
Programs: All Programs
Background:

William Pierce has been a performing musician, songwriter, and music producer in the twin cities for over 20 years. He played keyboards and bass guitar at local venues, improv theaters, and houses of worship with some of the metro area’s prominent musicians, singers, and actors.

William holds a B.S. in Business Administration with accounting and nonprofit financial management certifications. In addition, he has 15 years of leadership experience in various management roles. William believes that great organizations start with great people and is passionate about mentoring, motivating, and developing future leaders.

Andy Sturdevant
Artist Resources Director, Saint Paul Office
andy@springboardforthearts.org 651-294-0907
he/him
Programs: Resources, MN Lawyers for the Arts, Job Board, Accessibility, CSA, Professional Development
Background: Visual Art (public art) and Literature (non-fiction). Andy Sturdevant is a public artist, writer and performer. He has written about art, history and culture for a variety of Twin Cities-based publications and websites. His artwork has been exhibited at venues in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Seattle, and he has presented public programs with many organizations locally and regionally. Andy holds a B.F.A. in painting from the University of Louisville. www.andysturdevant.com.

Sara Sawicki
National Program Manager, Saint Paul Office
sara@springboardforthearts.org 651-789-1488
she/her
Programs: All Programs
Background: Sara has worked to support artists and their partners in creating original community-engaged projects across the country as a program manager with organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and Center for Performance and Civic Practice (CPCP). Prior to moving to St. Paul, Sara was based out of Chicago. She is a theatre artist with a focus on devised and participatory work. Sara is a company member with 20-year old ensemble theatre company, Sojourn Theatre, and tours internationally with Emmy Award-winning cinematic puppetry company, Manual Cinema.

Adia Morris Swanger
Program Manager, Professional Development, Saint Paul Office
adia@springboardforthearts.org 651-789-1488
she/her
Programs: All Programs, Professional Development
Background: Theater (acting, directing and teaching) and On Camera (film, commercial, hosting). Adia Morris Swanger is Program Manager, Professional Development at Springboard for the Arts, where she oversees the Artist Career Consultant roster, leads the Work of Art Intensive, teaches business skills workshops for artists, and connects artists to funding opportunities with the Incubator Fiscal Sponsorship program. Adia is also a freelance theatre artist, writer, and educator based in St. Paul, MN. She appears on Twin Cities Public Television's Almanac and was the host of TPT's TV Takeover for Seasons 1 and 2. Adia earned her BA in Classics from Duke University.

Peter Haakon Thompson
Site Manager, Saint Paul Office
peter@springboardforthearts.org 651-292-4381
he/him
Programs: Community Development, ReadyGo
Background: Artist. Peter Haakon Thompson’s primary mediums are participation, interaction and conversation. Some of his works include: The A Project, Art Shanty Projects, Expeditionary Conversation Tents, Mobile Sign Shop and the Temporary Table Tennis Trailer. He is a past recipient of a McKnight Fellowship for Photographers and holds a BFA from the California College of Arts and Crafts and an MFA from the University of Minnesota. www.phtpht.com

Al Valdovinos
Office Coordinator, Saint Paul Office
al@springboardforthearts.org 651-292-4381
they/them
Programs: All Programs
Background: Visual artist (painting). Al uses acrylic and crayon mediums to express scenes of quotidian life around them in paintings and drawings. They bring some elements and connections of community safety to Springboard and are available to chat about de-escalation or Naloxone training offerings around the cities, which are available to all who seek those skills. Al looks forward to learning how to make all resources and information even more accessible to the community around Springboard.

Wone Vang
Economic Opportunity Director, Saint Paul Office
wone@springboardforthearts.org 651-204-0223
she/her
Programs: Economic Opportunity
Background: Textile Arts and Craft Markets. Wone Vang has been working with artists for over a decade, developing artists and curating events in the community. She studied at the University of Minnesota, and worked in retail for many years before moving into working in the art community. She and her sister Youa Vang are artists and work under the moniker Third Daughter, Restless Daughter, carrying the tradition of cross stitch passed on from their grandmother. Their work has been showcased at the M, Centro, and Northeast Food Co-op. She lives in the Rondo neighborhood with her family and their dog, Zoey.

Jun-Li Wang
Associate Director, Saint Paul Office
jun-li@springboardforthearts.org 651-789-2084
she/her
Programs: Community Development
Background: Craft Arts (textiles, design) and Community Organizer. Jun-Li Wang is a connector of people, places and ideas, with extensive experience in asset-based community development and place-based organizing. Jun-Li has received multiple grants for her projects Saint Paul Hello, an initiative welcoming newcomers, and Board Repair, a network supporting people of color on nonprofit boards. She holds a BA from Vassar College and an MPS in International Development from Cornell University.

Springboard is an organization for artists, by artists. Our staff work locally, regionally and nationally from our two offices in Saint Paul and Fergus Falls, MN. Learn more about our team and their work below!