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.

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, and several schools within MCSD and MUHSD.

Madison serves as CREATE's Director of Instructional Programming for the SINGS! Division, providing instructional leadership, mentoring teaching artists, and ensuring consistency across CREATE’s music education programs. She also serves as Director of Marketing and Executive Director Administrative Assistant, supporting CREATE’s communications, outreach, and organizational operations. Most importantly, she loves working directly with students and regularly teaches in both classrooms and after-school choirs!

Samantha Harrison is a soprano, music educator, and program coordinator with nearly a decade of experience in music education. She holds a Master of Music in Historical Performance from Boston University and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from CSU Stanislaus.

With an extensive background in performance, ensemble direction, and community music-making, Samantha is eager to bring that experience to her role as Program Lead at CREATE.

Rebekah combines a deep passion for music with a heart for education and youth development. She has experience teaching private piano and flute lessons, helping students build confidence and a lifelong appreciation for music. Currently a second-year Biological Science student at Merced College, she brings a strong work ethic, thoughtful leadership, and exceptional organizational and communication skills to every role she takes on.

As the Tiny Tunes Program Coordinator, Rebekah helps lead and support early childhood music experiences for young learners and their families.