MEET THE FELLOWS

2025 ARTS FELLOWS

Mary Grace Burkett (Graphic Designer)

Mary Grace Burkett is a graphic designer, by trade, and a lover of creativity always! She is an Orlando native and a graduate of the University of Florida. Her work has provided the opportunity to design for a number of clients. She started her own freelance design business, MG Creative, in 2020, allowing her to build relationships with clients and to explore innovative ideas for organizations she is passionate about. She’s worked full time as a designer for Ligonier Ministries, 321 The Agency, and currently Generous Giving. In addition, she has done a variety of freelance projects that have enabled her to tell the stories of the ministries she cherishes. This diversity of settings has allowed her to hone her skills in branding, print design, illustration, typography, and digital media. In both large-scale projects and close/personal projects, her favorite part about design is using her skills to make someone else's vision come to life. Outside of design, Mary Grace is a long distance runner, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast. She loves adventure, creativity, coffee, and of course her family and community. She was a member of the 2019-2020 class of Orlando Fellows - a cohort dedicated to learning about the integration of faith and work while serving in the community. She also served on staff at the Eagle Rock Retreat Center and currently is involved in their creative ministry that helps Christians explore the integration of faith and art. Presently, she is serving as a small group leader with the First Pres middle school ministry.

Amanda Cortes (Oil Painter)

Amanda is a narrative painter. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico her earliest memories consist of the colorful historic old San Juan and the many natural wonders of the island. Growing up in central Florida, her first loves were poetry and nature. During her first year of college in New Hampshire as she experienced the beauty of the changing seasons and swam in the ancient insights of Aristotle’s Poetics and the classical tradition, she became entranced by the calling to be an artist. Later, she had the life changing opportunity to study in Rome, Italy, an incredibly formative experience that echoes in her work today. Returning from her studies abroad she worked as an apprentice for a master sculptor and trained in the technical aspects of the trade. In 2020, she was the recipient of the Academy of Realist Art Boston’s Scholarship Competition and began her studies in representational art, learning in the thoughtful and technically rich tradition of artist training that dates back to the Middle Ages. After her formal studies she became an Artist in Residence at St. Joseph’s Home for Artisans in Boston’s historic North End neighborhood. She was featured on the original television series, the Renaissance Room alongside other Christian artists. Her painting The Arrival of Beatrice was awarded the Alighieri Art Competition’s first prize by the Atheneum Center for Thought and Culture in 2024. She lives and works from her studio in central Florida where she draws on philosophy and nature to compose stories through painting.

Emmanuel Garilus (Saxophonist/Songwriter)

Emmanuel Garilus is an internationally acclaimed saxophonist and active performer for both corporate and civic events through Central Florida. In addition, Emmanuel spearheads The Garilus Ministry (TGM) Revival, a young adults choir he leads alongside his four siblings.The choir has released two albums featuring original music with him as a contributor. He is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences and has performed at several University of Florida events, including the Gator 100, which honors the fastest-growing businesses led by UF alumni, and the inaugural Gator Nation Leadership Award Ceremony, celebrating contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In December 2024, Emmanuel was featured and given special recognition at the City of Gainesville Christmas Parade by the mayor for his musical contributions. Special honors include being named one of two Gainesville winners in the Arts for Everybody Talent Show and being named a 2024 finalist within the prestigious Amateur Night at the Apollo. He will compete for the grand prize in June 2025 in New York City. Emmanuel maintains a steady social media presence with his YouTube channel boasting over 1 million views, pulling in over 60,000 monthly engaged listeners, and featuring hundreds of worship covers that resonate with audiences worldwide. When not performing, Emmanuel enjoys spending time with his family, reading, exercising, and worshipping Jesus through his acoustic guitar. His deep faith, dedication to excellence, and love for music make each of his appearances a medium for the goodness of God to be made evident.

Andrew Minear

With appearances across the United States, Dr. Andrew Minear is an active conductor, music educator, and choir leader. Dr. Minear is the founding Artistic and Executive Director of Orlando Sings (orlandosings.org) where he conducts the Orlando Sings Symphonic Chorus and the professional vocal ensemble Solaria. He also serves as Director of Music Ministry at All Saints Episcopal Church of Winter Park. Recent or upcoming engagements include Opera Orlando’s production of All is Calm, the National Concert Chorus at Carnegie Hall, the National Youth Chorus at Carnegie Hall, the American Choral Directors Association Southern Region SSAA Honor Choir, Music and Worship Arts weeks in Lake Junaluska and Montreat, ten all-state choirs, and chorus master for concerts with Opera Orlando and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. He has conducted multiple summers at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan and led the Florida Ambassadors of Music on performance tours of Europe. Dr. Minear’s passion for expressive music-making has been cultivated through over two decades of experience in children’s, church, community, middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional choral settings. Minear previously served as the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Alabama, and taught at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando when Cora Bella (SSAA) performed for State, Division, and National Conferences of ACDA. Dr. Minear received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from Michigan State University and his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education from Florida State University.

Aretha Rodney-McDonald

Born in Jamaica, Aretha has been delivering her poetry and songs of inspiration to audiences for over a decade. She was recognized in Orlando’s Voyager Magazine as one of “Orlando’s Rising Stars,”has been a featured performer in Orlando’s Annual Fusion Fest, and was awarded 2nd place winner for the 2022 Diverse Word Poetry Slam. Capable of performing on a diverse number of platforms, Aretha has presented her work on Afro TV Network’s Poetry Show (while also serving as creative writer), as a guest at Oklahoma State University, and at corporate events for ADP and Asurion. She has also made appearances and was interviewed on the nationally broadcast, Smile Jamaica. Just recently, her original production, Melodies of History, made its 2023 debut at the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and will be featured in the 2025 Voices of Freedom concert. Active in her faith community, Aretha leads worship at her church and has been a guest speaker/performer for women events for One Voice and Love Unveiled Women's Ministry. She is a wife and mother of two children and her heart’s desire is to inspire and motivate people to trust God. Aretha’s songs and poems are a reflection of God’s gift to her, so she takes great pleasure in being able to share it with the world. She is crazy about Jesus.

Naomi Williams

Naomi is a filmmaker, photographer, and multi-media producer. She is the co-creator and co-producer of award-winning short musical film When The Music Changes earning high accolades and honors at The Golden Door International Film Festival (2018), The Montreal World Film Festival (2018), The Canada International Film Festival (2019), and The Emerge Film Festival (2019). As a professional in the arena of film and photography, Naomi has collaborated on and created original content for Colby College, Reformation Bible College, and the Maine Forest and Logging Museum. Her photography has also been featured in Robert E. White Gallery and was awarded the Photographer’s Forum Best of Photography in 2017. Most recently, Naomi has served on the Creative Team for Ligonier Ministries producing educational content and helping craft stories that tell of God’s grace through film since 2022. In addition, Naomi has maintained her own professional photography practice, Naomi Williams Photography, since 2016. Her approach is to create work that is authentic, warm, and impactful - blending vibrant colors and poetic elements to create a stunning result for individual portraits, weddings and lifestyle photography. Beyond the camera, she cherishes spending time with her family and friends. She also loves traveling—fueling her creativity and inspiring her to capture the unique beauty and diversity of each new place. Guided by Colossians 3:23, she strives to bring purpose and excellence to every project. She believes every story is a gift, and she is grateful for the opportunity to help others share theirs with grace, creativity, and authenticity.

2024 ARTS FELLOWS

CAMARA GAITHER

Camara Gaither is a poet, speaker, and clinical social worker. She loves that poetry is a language for the most elusive, beautiful, and even atrocious human experiences. Alternating between page poetry and spoken word poetry, she shares to evoke a sense of collective resonance, hope, and a desire for change. Camara creates customized poetry, writing workshops, and motivational messages for organizations and special events. She has also won multiple spoken word poetry slam competitions throughout Florida. In her social work, she loves making creative and clinical things converge by incorporating artistic activities in trauma therapy with clients. Camara has worked with college students in ministry settings, survivors of domestic violence, youth in residential treatment, and veterans recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Camara also finds joy and artistic expression through roller skating and doing improv with her family. She is blessed with a vivacious daughter and a loving husband.

XAVIER MOSS

Always covered by God’s righteousness, and his own paint, Xavier Moss is a Jamerican artist exploring the intersection of flora, fauna, and faith. Raised in Okinawa, England, and Florida, natural history illustration has been a constant companion, allowing him to see his Creator through Creation. Studying biological illustration at the University of Florida opened his eyes to the seemingly disparate viewpoints of natural history and faith, and in his work, he seeks to create a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can pool their knowledge and unravel the significance of biblical biotas. Xavier believes that everybody is inherently creative, and embodies this in teaching at The Artistic Hand, The Orlando Museum of Art, and MassArt. As a digital missionary, he seeks to share His faith through his creative process. When not in the studio, Xavier explores the natural areas of Central Florida, enamored by the beauty of God’s creation.

MARIA PABLO

An American-Asian artist hailing from Manila, Philippines, and raised in San Diego, CA, this photographer developed an enthusiasm for art at the age of six. Introduced to photography by her father at 12, she was captivated by the camera, and it has since become the transformative lens through which she crafts visual narratives. Graduating with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Art History from San Diego State University, she is currently pursuing a Masters in Counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary. With over 15 years of professional photography experience, she has collaborated with the United Nations, Doctors for Africa, San Diego Chargers Foundation, Arc of San Diego, Salish Cancer Center, and various small businesses and entrepreneurs in the United States.
Enthralled by the camera from an early age, she utilizes it to forge connections and delve into the personal stories of individuals. Approaching photography with a Biblical foundation, she seeks to convey the glory of God through visual storytelling. Additionally, she employs her camera as a means of giving a voice to the voiceless, currently integrating photography into psychoeducation therapy for healing.

MELISSA RAMB

Soprano Melissa Ramb is an Orlando native and avid performer, teacher, and director. A former Studio & Affiliate Artist with Orlando Opera, she currently serves as Soprano Soloist/Section Leader and Director of Choristers at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke. Ms. Ramb has performed in opera, oratorio, concert, and musical theatre throughout the United States and abroad and has been praised for her clear soprano voice and her commitment to storytelling. She has performed with Opera Orlando, Orlando Opera, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, dell’Arte Opera Ensemble, Lake Placid Institute, First Coast Opera, Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando Symphony Orchestra, and UCF Chamber Orchestra. She is an avid yogi, reader, traveler, and loves time with her husband, two daughters, and their golden retriever.

KATHLEEN SAFI

Kathleen Safi is a self-taught artist who honed her craft through a daily painting practice. She works in acrylic and watercolor and creates pieces inspired by the beauty of Central Florida where she lives. Her paintings range from plein air landscapes to fanciful pieces featuring birds and nature. She believes that keeping art around helps us to lead better lives and experience the world in a more meaningful way- whether it's art that makes you chuckle, makes you reminisce, or makes you wonder. She is a student of Christian iconography and is interested in exploring how both sacred and gallery art can “open the eyes” of the viewer’s heart to see our Creator. Her work can be found in homes and stores across Florida. She lives in Oviedo with her husband and three children.

KRISTEN VALLE YANN

Kristen Valle Yann is a representational oil painter currently residing in central Florida. Born and raised in a rural town just north of Tampa, Kristen spent much of her childhood inspired by nature and the quiet beauty around her. In 2018, she obtained a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Florida State University, followed by a year as a resident artist at East Oaks Studio in Cary, North Carolina. Currently, Kristen is a full-time artist, working in subjects from portrait and figure, to landscape and still life, each representing a still and contemplative quality.
Kristen’s work has honored her notable recognition with organizations such as The Portrait Society of America. Her work can be found at Collins Galleries in Cape Cod and Sugarlift Gallery in New York along with private and public collections. Yann is currently developing a body of work that investigates her lived experience growing up in rural Florida.

2023 ARTS FELLOWS

NATALIE DOURTE

(Painter) With over a decade of experience working in watercolor, Natalie Brooks Dourte shares her love of nature through painting. Born and raised in Florida, her imagination has been captured by the coasts and the lush world between. Her work seeks a rhythm of breathing in nature and exhaling with paint, honoring her source of inspiration, and inviting others to join her in the practice of wonder. Natalie believes that art can change the way we see the world and enjoys teaching watercolor workshops and classes in Winter Park and Orlando. Natalie is a member of the Central Florida Watercolor Society, wife to the brilliant green thumb behind many of her painting subjects, and mom to their three kids (who keep growing up- no matter how many times she tells them to slow down).

VASHTI GORACKE-THEDE

(Choreographer) For over ten years Vashti has enjoyed a diverse career in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer, choreographer, director, instructor, and dance film producer. Her professional work includes working for companies such as the United Ballet Theatre, Continental Ballet, Twin Cities Ballet, Delta Airlines, Best Buy, AMC Theaters, Shop HQ, MAC, Dillards, Farmer's Insurance, and more. She is the founder of VG Talent & Services LLC, where she helps creatives digitally manage, package, and present their skills so they can monetize their talents and turn their passions into profits. Vashti is a native of Kansas City, KS, and is married to her husband, Jake Thede.

KARINA HORNBERGER

(Painter) is an American-Colombian artist with a deep passion for the arts. She grew up in Orlando, FL and recently graduated from Rollins College with a double major in English and Studio Art. Her first exhibition, Prograde & Retrograde, at the Rollins' Museum of Art showcased her technical ability in watercolor painting, where three of her pieces were purchased. Two of these paintings now permanently reside in the Rollins College Olin Library. Karina's faith was deepened throughout college as she was, and still is, greatly involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship where she acted within the organization as a student co- president for the Rollins chapter, a campus ministry staff intern at FSU and a current volunteer staff at Rollins College. With a love for writing and illustration, she is passionate about telling stories through her art, and this has culminated into a desire to share a narrative about the intricacies of her faith through her artwork.

JAKE THEDE

(Operatic tenor) has sung with renowned choirs and opera companies throughout the United States and beyond including Orlando Opera, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Chorale, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Des Moines Metro Opera, Eutiner Festspiele (Germany), Lawrence Opera Theater, Kantorei of Kansas City, and Deo Cantamus. Jake received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Kansas where he studied vocal performance under the direction of Dr. John Stephens. Above all, Jake loves to lift his voice to God in worship singing at churches and worship events throughout the country. Jake is a native of Urbandale, Iowa, and has been married to his wife Vashti for six years.

LAUREN THERIAULT

(Choreographer) is an Orlando-based artist and performer. She grew up immersed in the arts,and began her dance training at the age of 13 in ballet, modern, and jazz. Lauren attended Palm Beach Atlantic University and has degrees in Graphic Design and Dance Performance & Choreography. While she was there, she trained in ballet under the direction of Eileen Hebron (former Corps member with American Ballet Theatre), as well as Jin Hanley, Ivy Platt, and other internationally known modern and ballet dancers. Lauren has international dance experience as well as several awards,and enjoys both performing and choreographing in professional dance companies in the Orlando area. She has just recently received her Masters Degree in mental health counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. She has enjoyed exploring the intersection of all these areas, always finding new ways to tell a story, bring new perspective, and point others to the ultimate Creator, God.

DAN CROSBY

(Sculptor) Dan has been an artist since a young age, spending hours a day with clay, pencil, or brush in hand. While attending college in Orlando, he married Rebekah, and in 2006 they moved to Boston so that Dan could study fine art at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sculpture and worked for a local bronze foundry until 2010, when he moved back to Orlando with his young family to become a model-maker. For several years, Dan helped to design and create aerospace replicas for notable museums, including the Kennedy Space Center and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. In 2015, Dan partnered with a fellow craftsman to start a custom woodworking and furniture business, Grit & Grain Co., while continuing to create both personal and commissioned artwork. A narrative artist who enjoys telling stories through the use of a variety of materials and mediums, Dan is intrigued by the pursuit of deeper truth woven throughout humanity and motivated by a desire to see the Creator’s hand in the most insignificant places and objects. He lives in Winter Springs with wife Rebekah and their two daughters.