Meet Our Board
Our board members are passionate advocates for youth arts education and bring a wealth of experience in arts, education, business, and community leadership. Their strong ties to Ojai and commitment to fostering creativity and opportunity make them invaluable stewards of OYES. Through their professional expertise and community networks, they help guide the vision and sustainability of our programs.
Amber Young-Gay (Board Chair) holds a Bachelor's Degree in Writing and Literature from Union Institute & University and has over a decade of experience in administration and event management. She served as an Administrative Analyst for the City of Ojai for six years and has been the Operations and Events Manager for the Ojai Music Festival since 2017. In addition to her work in the arts and community engagement, she is the co-owner of Sam's Place Restaurant and Bar in Ojai and a dedicated mother.
Megan Sicotte Kelly (Co-Artistic Director and Secretary) has a background in television production, technical theater, and arts education. She holds a B.A. in Film and Digital Media from U.C. Santa Cruz and has worked for Warner Bros., Silvercup Studios, and MPH Entertainment. After rediscovering her passion for theater in New York, she pursued further training at HB Studios and later worked as a freelance designer, collaborating on productions at the Getty Villa and with director John C. Reilly. Since joining OYES in 2013, Megg has played a vital role in over 16 productions, serving as Technical Director, Theater Manager, Production Manager, teacher, director, and designer. She currently works as an educator for Ojai Valley School and Production Designer for Oak Grove School Theater.
Daena Santoyo (Co-Artistic Director and CFO) Artistic Executive Director of OYES since 2016, has been dedicated to fostering theater arts education in the Ojai Valley since joining OYES in 2012. A trained Speech Level Singing vocalist studied voice and performance with Julliard trained Broadway actress Anne Kerry Ford. She studied voice, acting, and theater arts at Santa Monica Playhouse, Ventura College, and Theater 150 and directed over 25 musical productions. With a background in acting, music, and movement, Daena brings a wealth of experience as a director, educator, and producer. Passionate about creating a nurturing space for young performers, she is committed to providing children with opportunities for growth, creativity, and artistic expression.
Sarah Arlon (Fundraising Chair) joined OYES in 2017 as an assistant director of choreography and has since directed and choreographed numerous productions. She holds a BFA in Theatre from Arizona State University and has performed in stage, television. Passionate about arts education, and with a background in Fundraising Sarah joined the OYES board in 2023 and is currently the Head of School at Monica Ros School in Ojai, CA.
Briana Beebe (Advisory), an OYES board member since 2012, brings extensive experience in finance and operations as co-owner of Quarter Mile Films, Inc. since 1997. She holds a BA from Cornell University and an MA from UCLA in Art History and Latin American Studies. A longtime Ojai resident and active community volunteer, Briana has supported local schools and the Ojai Community Assistance Program. With a deep connection to OYES through her children's past participation, she is committed to the organization’s growth and sustainability.
Steve Beebe (Advisory), an OYES board member since 2012, is the President of Quarter Mile Films, a local post-production boutique operating for over 20 years. With a BFA in theater and a background in musical theater performance worldwide, he brings both business expertise and a passion for the arts to OYES. As a father of two performers, he is dedicated to supporting youth theater in the community.
