Arts Staff
Chris Bevis (Physical Education) spent most of his youth in the gorgeous outdoors of Colorado. This inspired him to pursue his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado. There he received his Bachelors of Science in Sport and Exercise with an Emphasis in K-12 Physical Education. He coordinated the Jump Rope 4 Heart Program, and was able to raise over $1000 for the cause with his students. Additionally, he served as the Head Coach for the Mesa Arts Academy Dragons Flag Football team who won the 2008 league championship.
Josh Fesmire (Choir/Computers/Multimedia) has been active in the valley performing arts community since he was a child. Josh most recently taught music and drama at the Mesa Arts Center for Stageworks. Additionally, he has been very active onstage as well as off. Mr. Fesmire has appeared as Ensemble in Jekyll and Hyde at Arizona Broadway Theatre, Thuy in Miss Saigon, and Maxwell in Beauty and the Beast at Broadway Palm West, and Man 2 in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (AriZoni Nomination), Senora Tortuga, and The Emperors New Clothes at the Mesa Arts Center.
Molly Lajoie Plutnicki (Dance/Tap/Creative Movement) is a very busy performer and choreographer in addition to her work as a teacher. As a performer she has appeared as Susan in Company, and Z’s Favorite in Will Roger Follies (AriZoni Nomination) at Phoenix Theatre, Marty in Grease at Arizona Broadway Theatre, Bird Girl #3 in Seussical at Childsplay, and Val in A Chorus Line at the Broadway Palm West. Ms Lajoie Plutnicki is a graduate of both the University of Notre Dame and AMDA, and has choreographed shows like Curtains, The Producers (AriZoni Nomination), Lucky Star, Busy Town, Mulan, Pinocchio, Beauty and the Beast, The King and I, and Peter and the Wolf.
Jessica Lavelle (Photography) is an avid photographer and art enthusiast. Her career is based on her degree from Arizona State University which is a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Photography. Since her graduation she has pursued professional opportunities to work in many different galleries like the Nelson Art Center, and the North Light Gallery. Before joining the Mesa Arts Academy team she has spent quite a bit of time teaching all ages the joy and technique behind photography.
Troy McDonald (Guitar and Performing Arts) has studied music for over 20 years. He began playing saxophone in elementary school and has learned several instruments since. After relocating to Phoenix Mr. McDonald has had the opportunity to spend some time in the recording studio laying down tracks for several different CD’s. Additionally, when Mr. McDonald is not in the classroom or teaching private lessons he can be found performing himself with several different bands throughout the valley.
Emily Mulligan-Ferry (Director of Arts & Special Events/Drama/Musical Theatre) is an equity actress that has performed at many theatres in the Phoenix area as well as nationally. Some of her favorite roles have been Mae in The Pajama Game at Arizona Theatre Company, Meg Brockie in Brigadoon and Smitty in How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying (AriZoni Award) at Arizona Broadway Theatre. Ms. Mulligan-Ferry is a graduate of the Illinois State University School of Theatre and when she is not on stage shecan also be found behind the scenes directing projects like I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Pinocchio. Ms Mulligan-Ferry is active in the commercial and voice over industry, and has been a guest teacher for companies like East Valley Children’s Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, and Stageworks.
Phyllis Multari (Visual Arts) refined her skills in the visual arts field in Youngstown, Ohio where she pursued her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Youngstown State University. While studying at Youngstown State, Ms Multari interned for the Mill Creek Metro Parks where she designed maps, illustrations, and backdrops for the organization. Ms. Multari has had two exhibits of her artwork over the years, and has received many personal ribbons for he pieces from both country and state fairs. Her students have also received numerous ribbons on both the state and county level.
ARCELIA TOVAR (Photography and Service Learning) pursued her education at the East LA College. A passionate photographer she can always be found with her camera on her, and is the official Mesa Arts Academy event photographer. In fact, some of her pieces have even been published. Ms Tovar also supervises the Mesa Arts Academy Service Learning program. She coordinates all external volunteers, and has led our students in numerous service projects like the Pennies for Patients program, the MS Walk, and the Red Ribbon Week Activities, and serves on the task force for the Week without Violence program.