Jenni Samuelson is an award-winning soprano, educator, and arts leader with over 30 years of experience in performance, teaching, and youth programming. A Merced native, she holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Northwestern University and currently lectures in the Global Arts Studies Program at UC Merced, teaching music, theater, and performative storytelling.

Jenni is the founder and director of the Merced Children’s Holiday Choir and the Executive Director of CREATE. She continues to work directly with students as a choir director with Merced Sings!, leading multiple site-based after-school choirs across the community.

Camille Mays is an early childhood education leader whose passion is professional development, curriculum design, and supporting statewide coaching initiatives that shape the quality of early learning programs across California. She currently serves as Program Manager for Early Learning and Development at WestEd, where she leads coaching and training efforts that support educators statewide

As CREATE's Curriculum Development Specialist, Camille designs joyful, developmentally appropriate, and research-based music experiences for young children. She leads CREATE's Tiny Tunes program across multiple school districts, creating lesson frameworks that integrate foundational musical skills and social-emotional learning.

Uriah Brown is a music educator, performer, and Central Valley native with a strong passion for choral and performing arts education. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from San Diego State University and has served as the Musical Theater Director at Seaside Arts Center, where he instructs voice, piano and acting.

Uriah currently serves as the Assistant Director for CREATE, leads multiple site-based after-school choirs through Merced Sings!, and teaches with El Nido Sings!, helping students grow as musicians and as individuals through the power of choral music.

Jodi brings a unique blend of operational expertise and care for children and families. After more than 20 years as a business analyst at Hewlett-Packard, she transitioned into education, working with children at UC Merced’s Early Care and Education Center. A proud mother of six and abuelita to ten, Jodi is deeply committed to CREATE’s mission and to removing barriers so every child can access meaningful arts opportunities.

Jodi serves as CREATE’s Business Manager and plays an active role as an on-site coordinator for Merced Sings!, helping oversee operations across multiple site-based after-school choirs.

Madison Mitchell is a seasoned performer and passionate educator, proudly shaped by the Central Valley theater community. She is the founder of MAC Theater Camp at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center and has taught students of all ages across the region, including at Playhouse Merced, the Merced County Office of Education, Stone Ridge Christian School, and several schools within the Merced Union High School District.

Madison currently serves as CREATE’s Operations Manager, overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring programs run smoothly; from coordinating school visits to building this very website. In addition to her operations role, she teaches with Merced Sings!, supporting students in site-based after-school choirs.