Our STORY & Staff
Our MISSION
Croton Academy of Arts in Westchester County, NY,
provides unique programs for children, teens, and adults
that foster creativity, communication, self-awareness, confidence, and social interaction
Our Story
Croton Academy of Arts was founded in 2003, by two theater professionals, Catherine Riedel and Myrlin Valerio, to help children and teens develop their self-expression and individuality through creative exploration.
The initial program, Croton Academy of Comedic Arts (caca) began with a class of 18 students in Catherine's living room. Performances were staged in village auditoriums and restaurants, and caca troupes traveled to schools, shelters, and other area venues for benefit performances.
Initially focused on improvisational and sketch comedy, Croton Academy has grown to include other performing and fine arts classes, summer camps, after-school care, and theatre shows for all ages.
In 2012, CAA moved to their permanent location at 8 Old Post Road South, Croton on Hudson, NY. The center includes space for workshops, rehearsals and performances.
Well over a thousand students have participated in Croton Academy programs, with enrollment expanding every year.
STAFF
Director
Myrlin Valerio
Myrlin is a theatre director, producer, and costumer working in the Hudson Valley for over 25 years and director of Croton Academy of Arts since its formation in 2003. Myrlin works with children, teens, and adults teaching drama and comedy improvisation. She is a professionally trained actress, director, and community arts activist. Myrlin served as director and drama club advisor at Croton Harmon High School for nine years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre.
After School Program Director
Meaghan Willimann
Meaghan has recently accepted the position of Director for the CAA After School program after years of working at the CET CAA program as a teacher. Meaghan is also the Director of Circle School, a pre-k program in Croton, where she has taught since 2005. She has a BS from St. Mary’s College and an MS in Special Education N-6, 7&8 non-departmental, from Fordham University. Previously, Meaghan taught both Nursery School and Elementary school. With her family, she was a founder of Croton Young Children’s Theatre and directed plays for young children for many years.
Site Supervisor, CAA-CET After School Program
Janice Paganelli
Janice came to CAA with many years of experience working with children as the Resident Choreographer for Actors Conservatory Theatre. Janice is an Ossining Girl Scout leader for 24 years as well as the Community Director for 8 years and has worked as a Child Behavior Specialist for Andrus Children's Home. Janice was Director of our CAA after school program CONNECTIONS before taking on the after school program at CET Elementary School in Croton on Hudson.
Site Supervisor, PVC-CAA After School Program
Jovonna Smith-Simmons
Jovonna Smith-Simmons is a dedicated afterschool professional with over 10 years of experience working with children. She leads the program while creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment for students. Jovonna is passionate about STEM education and enjoys engaging children in hands-on learning that encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. With her leadership, patience, and genuine care for each child, she strives to make the afterschool program a place where students feel valued, inspired, and excited to learn.
Producer
Ollie Asch-Mei
Ollie first started attending classes at CAA when he was just 8 years old. Over the years, Ollie’s CAA life expanded off the stage as well, working as crew for many years. Ollie has worked at both the after school program and CAA’s summer camps, serving as Stage Manager for the CAST summer productions for several years and taking over as Camp CACA’s improv teacher. After graduating from the University of Hartford with a BSBA in accounting, Ollie joined CAA full-time as a producer and improv teacher.
Board of Directors
​Leadership
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Patrice Davidson (Secretary)
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Maria Rykowski (Treasurer)
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Melissa London (Vice President)
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Myrlin Valerio (President)
​Board Members
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Amelia Coccaro
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Adam Decker
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Khamla Erskine
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Susan O’Keefe
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Abbey Rayburn
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Cindy Secunda