Sarah Catlin (she/her), Executive Director

​Sarah was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, and relocated to Columbia from South Carolina in 1999 to work on a Ph.D. at the University of Missouri, focusing on women writers of the American South, folklore, and film. For the last decade she balanced raising kids and volunteering on non-profit boards and commissions, including Ragtag Film Society, CARE@Paquin, Citizen Jane Film Festival, YAAL Rock! (CoMo Girls Rock!), the Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network, and the Downtown Columbia Leadership Council. She has been a volunteer on-air programmer at KOPN 89.5 FM since 2007. Sarah is happy to be feeding her passion of providing opportunities to underserved communities through her work with Access Arts.

Lisa Franko (she/her), Interim Executive Director

​Lisa is an artist and educator living and working in Columbia, MO. Originally from Ohio, she received her BFA and Art Education degree from the University of Toledo and her MFA from the University of Missouri. Lisa serves as the coordinator for youth programs at Access Arts and can often be found in the classroom planning and teaching lessons. She has had a variety of teaching opportunities as a K-12 substitute teacher, a resident artist, and an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri and Missouri Valley College. When not working, Lisa devotes time to her own art practice, creating collaged and printed "room-scapes".

Kenna Weber (she/her), Director of Operations

​Kenna holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design and Commercial Art from William Woods University. She has worked as an Interior Designer in St. Louis and later served as a Senior Interior Designer at the University of Missouri Residential Life for over 20 years, where she was the lead designer of 16 facilities. Kenna also worked as a Project Manager at MU Healthcare before retiring in 2023. Outside of work, Kenna has contributed to the community by teaching art units for 4H, serving as a Scout leader, and teaching through Columbia’s adult education and Parks and Recreation. She is passionate about the arts and enjoys quilting, jewelry making, and creating nature collages. Kenna is also a Certified Aromatherapist with products featured at local businesses and runs a Furniture restoration business.

Marina Cano (she/her), Weaving Instructor

​Marina Cano has exhibited work in her hometown El Paso, Texas, and with LA ONDA, a traveling, migrating Latine-centered exhibit that continues to tour through Kansas City. Cano is a recipient of the Verna Welfekammer Art Doctoral Fund, the Windgate University Fellowship partnered with Arrowmount School of Craft and a Studio Assistantship with the Penland School of Craft. In 2019 she graduated with a BFA in Fibers at the University of North Texas and received an associate degree in Fashion at the El Paso Community College.

McKenzie Birdsell (she/they), Youth Programs Coordinator

​​McKenzie is an educator and multidisciplinary artist from Kirksville, MO. She enjoys exploring a wide range of media and techniques, both in her art practice and with her students. Her primary focus areas are fiber art, painting, and printmaking. McKenzie is currently a student at Columbia College, pursuing a Bachelor of Art and K-12 Art Education Certification, and is an active member of the Missouri Art Education Association. McKenzie has professional experience working with individuals with disabilities of all ages and is passionate about bringing quality art education to everyone. She is excited to build her presence in the community and continue to enrich the lives of others through the arts.

Tavia Sanza (she/her), Multimedia Instructor

Tavia Sanza was born in Florida in 1982. In 2005 she received a merit scholarship to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. There she explored her love of large environmental work. After earning her BFA she moved to New York City and worked various jobs in fashion, interior design, and education. In 2018 she moved to pursue her MFA at the University of Missouri. Recently she received a scholarship to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg Tennessee, exhibited her work in Kansas City, and at the True/False film festival in Columbia Missouri. Her work with be on display in New York later this year.

Bee Brookes (she/her), Youth Programs Instructor

​Bee is an artist and teacher from Columbia. She earned her BFA with concentrations in ceramics and sculpture from the University of Missouri in 2007. After a long break, she went back to school and earned her Masters in Art Education from Columbia College in 2020. Bee has taught art in public schools from preschool through high school and workshops for kids and adults. At home, you will find Bee hanging out with her daughter, hand-building clay, sewing costumes, or catching up on her favorite sci-fi shows and audiobooks.

Kate Dodig (she/her), Spinning Instructor

​​Kate moved to Columbia from Las Vegas in 2021 and apprenticed under Carol Leigh Brack-Kaiser. She is a multimedia artist who loves to spin, felt, weave, forage, and dye. She loves to share her knowledge of art history, fiber arts, and natural materials. She is now teaching the spinning classes at Access Arts and participates in community events with the Columbia Weavers and Spinners' Guild.

Much of our programming and other offerings are possible not only with the staff members listed above, but also due to the wonderful artists we have in attendance through our Artist in Residence program. Check out our current resident artists at the link below.

K-12 Summer Camp Teacher
This position is temporary and seasonal. The dates of camp are July 1-August 16, 2024. Camps run Monday-Friday of each week. Applicants will ideally be available for the full summer schedule, though we will consider applicants who are only available for some of the weeks.

Deadline to apply is May 1st.

We're hiring!

Summer Camp Adaptive Aide
This position is temporary and seasonal, with the possibility to extend into the school year on an as-needed basis. The dates of camp are July 1-August 16, 2024. Camps run Monday-Friday of each week. Applicants will ideally be available for the full summer schedule, though we will consider applicants who are only available for some of the weeks.

Deadline to apply is May 1st.