Arts & Learning

Arts & Learning Staff


	Conservatory Director and Orchestra - Debora Wondercheck Mrs. Wondercheck is the Executive Producer of the Arts & Learning Conservatory. She is an Adjunct Professor of Music at Vanguard University, and also serves as the Director of Music at the Waldorf School of Orange County. Debora has instructed as a strings specialist for ten years in the Irvine Unified School District where she was a Master teacher of string pedagogy. She received her B.A. in Music Education from Vanguard University in 1994, and her Masters of Science in Education Administration from California State Fullerton University in 2000. While teaching in the Newport-Mesa School District, Debora was a recipient of the Teacher’s of Excellence Award. Debora has also served as conductor of the Irvine All- District Elementary Honor Orchestra, and Chamber strings for five seasons. Debora highly values children and truly loves the process involved in nurturing and developing their talents. She counts it a complete privilege to serve the children, parents and staff of Arts & Learning in the capacity of Administrator and Educator.

	Theater Director - Christina Smith Mrs. Smith has an extensive background of over 20 years in the Arts. She has performed in over 50 productions at Highlands Community Theatre, dramas, musicals and benefits; winning Best Actress twice. Chris has served on the Board of The Children’s Academy of Theatre (CAT), for over six years. She worked with CAT in partnership with the School Board of Highlands County in the development, co-writing and production of WAIT, a series of vignettes handling sensitive issues facing the 21st Century students. The vignettes were performed by At-Risk students, touring all middle and high schools in the county. Chris, an Artist in Residence, taught Arts Integration for K-5th grade for 2½ years. Chris has received training at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center and with the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

	Theater Director - Michelle K Markwart Deveaux Mrs. Deveaux began performing on stage at age three. A childhood in musical theatre gave rise to production and direction of the voice and stage. She made her directorial debut at age 16 with the play The Lottery, and her operatic debut at age 17 in Bizet’s Carmen. Other credits include Absolute Zero (Producer/Director), Beautiful Mess (Writer/Director), Completed By His Coming (Writer/Producer/Director), Estes Park Oratorio Society (Alto Soloist), Livermore Valley Cantata Group (Soprano Soloist), Catherine in The Heiress, Mrs. McLean in Susannah, Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes, Yenchna in Fools and Kate in The Taming of the Shrew. Michelle holds her BA in Sacred Music from Patten University and MA in Worship, Theology and Art from Fuller Theological Seminary. She lives in Santa Monica with her husband, Paul, and their fish Mr. Fish.

	Operations Manager - Cambria Larson Mrs. Larson received her B.A. in Theatre from Vanguard University. At Vanguard she was involved in numerous productions as an actor, dancer, choreographer, and stage manager. She received the "Stage Manager of the Year" award for her work on Into the Woods. She loves opportunities to dance with Rock Harbor church and choreograph Bride & Groom first dances. In addition to her role as Operations Manager, Mrs. Larson has had many other positions with A&L as choreographer for Peter Pan, High School Musical, and Aladdin and director for Cinderella, Willy Wonka, and High School Musical. She has also taught after-school theater classes throughout Orange County as a part of Arts & Learning After-School enrichment. Mrs. Larson enjoys her work with A&L and hopes the students come to appreciate the many wonderful facets of live theater.

	Voice - Caran Holland Ms. Holland has been teaching intermediate school choir and music for 11 years in Santa Ana. During this time, Ms. Holland has single-handedly transformed the choral program at Spurgeon Intermediate school, currently boasting a thriving program with over 300 students. Her students consistently win 1st and 2nd place Awards in District and inter-district competitions, and engage in public performance receiving excellent and superior ratings at district festivals. She specializes in working with junior high school students but has worked with all ages in various church, community, private and school situations. Ms. Holland was selected Teacher of the Year by Spurgeon Intermediate faculty members in 2004. Ms. Holland also teaches voice privately, preparing students for auditions, recitals and other performance opportunities. As an accomplished pianist, vocalist and composer, she has participated in many church music programs as well. She received her BA in Liberal Arts, specializing in music, and Post Graduate Credentialing at Vanguard University.