Jefferson Fietek President
Jefferson Fietek has been teaching youth the performing arts for over 15 years all over the Twin Cities. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Directing from Minnesota State University Moorhead and his Master of Fine Arts Degree in Directing from Western Illinois University. He has been privileged to have directed over 30 productions in the past decade as a professional director. He has also had the opportunity to direct in both Minnesota and Illinois. In the Twin Cities he has directed at such theaters as the Youth Performance Company, Lakeshore Players, Stage Hands Theatre, Playhouse 15, and Anoka Children's Theatre. He currently serves as the head of the drama department at an arts middle school in Anoka. He can also be heard regularly on FM107's "The Kevyn Burger Show" and "The Lori and Julia Show."
jefferson@youngartistsmn.org

Benjamin Lacina Education Director
Benjamin is the founding Education Director of the Youth Arts Initiative and Performing Arts Youth Conservatory. Benjamin has a BS Degree in Vocal Music Education and a MS Degree in Gifted Education & Talent Development. For seven years he served as Music Specialist for Highwood Hills Elementary School on Saint Paul's East Side, producing more than 10 original student-written plays and musicals. He now serves as Curriculum Integration Coordinator for Fred Moore Middle School Center for the Arts, a new magnet school in Anoka, Minnesota. Benjamin presents nationally about interdisciplinary curriculum and the arts.
benjamin@youngartistsmn.org

David Holewinski Operations Manager/Secretary
David Holewinski has a Masters of Clinical Social Work with a minor in Chemical Dependency Counseling from the University of St. Thomas. David is currently working in the field as a Mental Health Social Worker at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis. He has prior experience working with diverse populations including persons with disabilities and traumatic brain injury. David has multiple experiences working with kids in the social services field and is excited to increase his involvement with YAI. David has been involved with the organization since it's inaugural season. We're excited to have David as a integral member of YAI!
david@youngartistsmn.org

Tara Nitz Art Director/Web Designer
Tara wishes there were programs like YAI where she grew up (and thank you Mom, for giving me the chances when they did appear!) A graduate of Bemidji State University, she studied Graphic Design, Theatre and Visual Arts. Over the years, she's worked with many different art and theatrical organizations, including Rosetown Playhouse, The Minnesota Fringe Festival, Fred Moore Middle School for the Performing Arts and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. She's also worked on films with Wholecrüe Productions.
tara@youngartistsmn.org

Kris Wolla Treasurer