Our experienced team of administration and art and music instructors who range from self-taught to Master’s Degrees. Many retain a personal practice outside of LYS and can routinely be found presenting their work locally as well as nationally and internationally. The diverse collective of instructors ensures our resident artists have access to quality, well-rounded instruction needed to tackle any artistic venture they desire.
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director & Sculpture and Textiles Instructor
She started as an intern before the 2011 opening and has held multiple positions. With a bachelor’s in fine art and psychology from UNL (2012), she specializes in torch welding and foundry work. She now creates sculptures from found objects and teaches art at LYS.
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director & Printmaking Instructor
As a traditionally trained printmaker who specializes in etchings, Micah received his BFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and MFA from Ohio University. He joined in 2016 and has taught relief printing, screen printing, and private music lessons. He makes techno music and art about chicken-strips in his free time.
Studio Program Manager & Ceramics Instructor
Originally from Athens, Ohio, Sam holds an undergraduate degree in Art Education from Ohio University and a Master’s in Special Education from Baldwin Wallace. She has over 14 years in special education and is “a collector of ceramics, jewelry, vinyl records, and plants.” She enjoys live music and family time.
Supported Services Program Manager
With LYS since 2019, Jessica teaches dance, cooking, and life skills. Previously in special education at a high school, she describes herself as spreading “smiles and happiness” and believes making “a world of difference in one person” fulfills her purpose.
Quality Assurance Manager & Film and Writing Instructor
A film enthusiast influenced by directors like Spielberg and Cameron, Sam graduated from UNL’s Film and New Media department in 2008. He worked on MTV’s “Ridiculousness” and wrote the 2018 independent film “Concessionaires Must Die.”
Compliance and Regulatory Incident Manager & Photography and Painting Instructor
From Idaho, Shanda became a Direct Support Professional in 2010 and was “hired as Live Yes Studios’ very first employee nearly a year before the program officially opened.” She pursues painting, photography, spoken word, and piano in her free time.
Education Coordinator & Printmaking Instructor
A science fiction printmaker with a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and an MFA from the University of Iowa. His work has shown nationally and internationally in venues including Boston, Vietnam, New York, and Romania.
Studio Coordinator & Performing Arts Instructor
With a Theater Arts degree from Nebraska Wesleyan, Erin performed at Lincoln Community Playhouse as a child and spent ten years performing professionally in Chicago and St. Louis before returning to Nebraska four years ago.
Gallery Manager & Visual and Performing Arts Instructor
From Louisiana and Florida, Stephanie earned her BFA from University of Louisiana at Lafayette and her MFA from UNL in 2017. She “still cries while watching The Lion King” and creates “nihilistic depictions of animal imagery.”
Visual Arts Instructor
Started at LYS in August 2013 in residential housing, transferred to the art studio in December 2013. He moved to Nashville in 2018, realized country music wasn’t for him, and “missed Nebraska and the studio so much he moved back” in March 2020.
Painting & Drawing Instructor
From the Ozarks and Carolinas, she holds a BFA in graphic design from Harding University and completed her MFA in Painting and Drawing at UNL in 2024. She’s been an artist-in-residence at multiple centers and “chugging coffee” is among her preferred activities.
Music Instructor & Game Master
Teaches vocal and instrumental music plus tabletop RPG Dungeons and Dragons. His background includes Nebraska Wesleyan University Chamber Singers and playing guitar in local bands. He also serves as game master for comedy streaming shows.