Our Staff

Janiece Lipsey, Executive Director
creativeartscouncil@gmail.com

A longtime member of the Creative Arts family, Janiece has been an integral part of the organization for over 15 years. Her journey began in 2008 when she joined as a ballet instructor, sharing her passion for dance with students of all ages. Recognized for her dedication and leadership, she soon took on additional responsibilities, working in the office to support the growing organization.

In 2014, Janiece was promoted to Assistant Director of Operations and Outreach, a role in which she played a pivotal part in expanding Creative Arts’ reach within the community. She was instrumental in launching an outreach program with the Wells Community Boys & Girls Club, bringing arts education to children who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. Her commitment to making the arts accessible to all has remained a cornerstone of her work.

Janiece’s leadership and vision led to her promotion to Executive Director in 2019, where she now oversees the entire organization, ensuring its continued growth and impact. She is dedicated to fostering an environment where creativity thrives and where students can develop both artistically and personally. Despite her administrative responsibilities, she remains deeply involved in the artistic side of Creative Arts. She continues to teach dance classes, inspiring young dancers with her expertise and enthusiasm. Additionally, she choreographs and directs the Creative Arts Youth Dance Company’s annual production of Excerpts from The Nutcracker, a beloved tradition that showcases the talent and dedication of the students.

Janiece’s background in both education and business uniquely equips her for her leadership role. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Educational Ministries from Huntington University, providing her with a strong foundation in teaching and mentorship. She further honed her administrative and organizational skills by earning a Master of Business Administration degree from Southeastern University. With her deep passion for the arts, commitment to education, and strong leadership skills, Janiece continues to shape Creative Arts into a vibrant and inspiring hub for performers and students alike.

Tammy Ray, Director of Creative Services
cacray49@gmail.com

Tammy’s journey with Creative Arts began in 2013 when her daughter was cast as an Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. As a supportive parent with a deep love for music, she quickly became involved, and the following summer, she took on the role of piano accompanist for South Pacific. Her musical talents soon became an integral part of Creative Arts' productions, and she went on to serve as a rehearsal accompanist for several summer theater productions, helping bring performances to life through her skilled accompaniment.

Recognizing her dedication and organizational expertise, Creative Arts welcomed Tammy to the team in 2019 as an Executive Assistant, where she provided essential administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of programs and productions. Her leadership and commitment to the organization continued to grow, and in May of 2022, she transitioned into the role of Director of Creative Services. In this position, she plays a key role in overseeing the artistic and logistical aspects of Creative Arts, ensuring that each production and program runs efficiently and maintains the highest level of creative excellence.

Tammy’s background in both business and music uniquely equips her for this leadership role. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a minor in Piano Performance from Huntington University, combining her passion for music with her strong organizational skills. She further advanced her expertise by earning a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. With her diverse skill set and deep appreciation for the arts, Tammy is committed to fostering a thriving creative environment at Creative Arts, where performers and students alike can grow, express themselves, and experience the joy of the performing arts.

Ainsley Werich, Manager of Arts Programming creativeartsdesign74@gmail.com

Ainsley’s journey with Creative Arts began when she was a young student in the Ballet School, where she developed a strong foundation in movement and performance. Her love for the stage quickly expanded beyond dance, leading her to her first theatrical role as an Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2013. From there, she continued to grow as a performer, making memorable appearances in productions such as South Pacific and Music Man Jr., further solidifying her passion for theater.

Her connection to Creative Arts deepened in the summer of 2022 when she returned as an intern, gaining hands-on experience in theater production and arts administration. Since then, she has continued to be an integral part of CAC’s creative team, assisting with The Wizard of Oz and taking on the exciting challenge of directing Winnie the Pooh: Kids Edition. This year, she also led the Early Stages Workshop, guiding young performers as they took their first steps into the world of theater. Her dedication to mentoring aspiring artists reflects her passion for storytelling and her commitment to fostering a love of the performing arts in the next generation.

Currently, Ainsley is in her senior year at Purdue University, where she is pursuing a degree in Theater along with Film and Video Studies. She also minors in Organizational Leadership, a testament to her drive to not only perform and create but also to lead and inspire within the arts industry. With her diverse skill set and deep love for theater, Ainsley is excited to continue growing as an artist, educator, and leader in the creative world.

Board of Directors

Ted Smith, President
Mike Downey, Vice President
Eric Blessing, Treasurer
Meagan VandeLaar, Secretary
Jennifer Bultemeier
Natasha Gilgen
Jeanette Lundeen
Ralph Tuttle
Janelle Valenti
Nancy Wagner