Board of Directors

Anna Starnes Blair

Anna (she/her) is thrilled and honored to support Cadence! A former teacher, Anna is passionate about education, the arts, and connecting members of the community to opportunities for creative expression. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she majored in American Studies and performed in the school’s student-run musical theater organization. Since moving back home to Richmond in 2009, Anna has performed in a few local musicals, performed with a few local bands, and taught at Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School. She left teaching to care for her now 4-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter, but a huge piece of her heart still lives at AJC. Currently, Anna is interested in pursuing a career in counseling. She has begun the process by recently completing 2 years of training in the Hakomi method of therapy. In joining Cadence, Anna is looking forward to getting even more involved in the local theater scene and theater education.

Christopher Corts 

Christopher (he/him) is Professor of Law, Legal Practice at the University of Richmond School of Law. Since joining the UR Law faculty, he has co-founded and co-facilitated a number of educational programs, including: the Law, Race, and Power Speaker Series; Let’s Talk About It, a dialogue for students, faculty, and staff that is designed to raise consciousness about the different ways they experience power dynamics and systemic inequities in legal education and the broader profession; and Just Practice, a small-group initiative that integrates contemplative practices, self-reflection exercises, and constructive dialogue to help first-year law students learn how to manage stress and burnout by aligning their personal goals with a larger social purpose. An appellate attorney licensed by the State of Florida, he has argued cases before the Florida Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He holds a B.A. in Music and Theatre from Otterbein College; an M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary; and a J.D. from the University of Virginia. A professional actor for over thirty years, he is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.

Cassandra Diane Freeman
President

Cassandra Diane Freeman (she/her) was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been employed by Capital One for over 24 years. Recognizing the impact that her mother, grandmother, aunts, and uncles collectively made in her life, Cassandra is passionate about giving back. She is a volunteer at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, where she works with staff to develop events and activities to inspire youth. She works with the Kisura & Lions of Judah mentoring group to teach high-school students life skills and founded A LYFE LLC, an organization that exposes youth to new opportunities. Cassandra is also the recording secretary for the Renascent Chapter of the Young Women's Christian League, which focuses on giving back to the community. As a product of Richmond Public Schools, Cassandra is passionate about volunteering with the students of that school system. She enjoys spending every available moment with her husband, mother, kids, other relatives, and friends.

Barry D. Gabay

Barry Gabay (he/him) is an attorney with Burtch Law PLLC, where he handles employment matters for businesses of all sizes, independent schools, non-profits, executives, and professionals. He is named a “Virginia Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine (2021-present) in the employment and labor category. Barry graduated from the University of South Carolina and the University of Richmond School of Law. A 5th generation Richmonder, Barry is devoted to keeping the city a place where art and culture thrive. He, his wife, two sons, and two dogs live in the Near West End.

Dana Martin Johnson

Dana Martin Johnson is a public school teacher who teaches both Civics/Economics and Public Speaking/Debate in Chesterfield County.  Although trained as a lawyer, she is truly a teacher at heart and enjoys teaching both public school and classes for adults on religion, political issues and social justice. She is a member of the Sappony Tribe and previously taught Federal Indian Law at the University of Richmond.  During her time at the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, she worked in the Health, Education, and Social Services Division, where she specialized in Disability Law and Indigenous Issues.  As a “hobby”, she has also served as Music Director for three middle school musicals: Croaker (2022), Into the Woods (2023), and Legally Blonde, Jr. (2024), as has taught Musical Theater in Chesterfield’s Extended Day Summer School programs.

Dana has a strong commitment to Equity and Inclusion, and conducts training in various areas relevant to LGBTQ Inclusion and racial equity/reconciliation.  She is the Equity Lead and part of the Chesterfield County Equity Team, and serves as Chair of the Equity Committee at Tomahawk Creek Middle School.  She is also a “Mirror Me Mentor”, assisting future teachers and working to expand opportunities for diversity in school settings.  As a volunteer, she serves on her tribe’s Education Committee and on the Inclusion Team at Woodlake United Methodist Church.  She serves as an Ambassador for the Reformation Project, advocating for LGBTQ inclusion in the church.  She is also part of the United Methodist Church Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission, and is the RVA Regional Lead for Free Mom Hugs.

Dana has Bachelors’ Degrees in Political Science and Sociology from Virginia Tech and a Juris Doctorate from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. Dana is a “Theatre Mom” to her only child, Eden, who is a Senior at Columbia University.

Anna Senechal Johnson
Ex-Officio

Anna Senechal Johnson, (she/her) is the founding Artistic and Managing Director of Cadence and is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, where she holds a B.A. in theatre and dance. She was a co-founder of Richmond’s award-winning Firehouse Theatre Project, served as Company  Artist for Company of Fools (COF) in Hailey, Idaho, and is the founding Artistic Director of St. Thomas Playhouse in Sun Valley, Idaho. Recently, she directed The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse, 13  by Jason Robert Brown, Dan Elish, and Robert Horn, Gloria by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (RTCC Winner for Best Play), Appropriate by  Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (RTCC Winner for Best Play and Best Director) and Rabbit Hole by David  Lindsay-Abaire. Other credits include Peter Shaffer’s Equus, Sam Shepard’s A Lie of the Mind, and the Richmond premieres of Lisa D’Amour’s Detroit and David Lindsay-Abaire’s Good People (RTCC  Nomination Best Play and Best Director). Favorite Richmond directing credits include Next Fall (Richmond Triangle Players); Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas (Virginia Repertory Theatre); Sons of the Prophet (Cadence Theatre in partnership with Virginia Repertory Theatre); Kimberly Akimbo (Cadence Theatre in Partnership with Virginia Repertory  Theatre); Fool for Love (Cadence Theatre); Godspell (Cadence Theatre); My  Children! My Africa! (Theatre IV) and A Devil Inside (Theatre IV); And Then They Came for Me:  Remembering the World of Anne Frank (Jewish Family Theatre); Tone Clusters (Firehouse Theatre Project). Acting credits include roles in Steel Magnolias, Rabbit Hole, Sight Unseen, and Bus Stop (COF). Anna also serves on the board of the Campfire Foundation in Boise, Idaho, and has worked with the PTSA and Drama Boosters at Maggie L. Walker Governor's School. Since Cadence’s inception, she has also been involved in areas of educational programming, production, marketing, volunteer recruitment and management, publicity management, development, and administration. In her spare time, Anna enjoys hiking, going to the theatre and ballet, watching movies, jogging, and spending time with family, friends, her daughter, and her pets.

Emily Knerr
Treasurer

Emily (she/her) is a CPA and a Senior Tax Associate at Brown Edwards. She graduated from the University of Mary Washington where she was also a member of both the Cross Country and Track & Field teams. She was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, and grew up in Short Pump with her mom, dad, younger brother and sister, and their many cats. She still enjoys running in her free time. She especially enjoys participating in the Richmond Half Marathon and the Monument Avenue 10k. She loves exploring Richmond by running, walking, or visiting new restaurants as often as she can.

Andrew Lambert

Born and raised in New Orleans, Andrew Lambert (he/him) lives in Richmond with his wife, two sons, and dog. He fell in love with Virginia as an undergraduate at Washington & Lee University where he obtained a B.A. in Classics. After a brief return to Louisiana for law school, he's happy to be back and eager to get invested in the Richmond community. Andrew has been involved with the theater since the fourth grade all the way through college, and he's excited to get involved with Cadence. He returns to his musical theater roots whenever he's alone in the car, singing as loudly as he wants. When not working or taking care of kids, Andrew enjoys cooking, running, and stressing out over the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers. 

Lauren Leinhaas-Cook

Lauren (she/her) has been acting and singing professionally in Richmond for over 40 years, performing with numerous theatres, including Cadence, and working with several churches as a soprano soloist and section leader. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Applied Voice/Vocal Performance from VCU and studied with the preeminent, L. Wayne Batty. In 2021, Lauren retired from Williams Mullen where she worked for 22 years as a paralegal, specializing in asbestos litigation. Prior to joining Williams Mullen, she worked as a legal assistant at McGuire Woods. Lauren has extensive catering experience and was a partner in Two Church Ladies Catering. Lauren’s service to the community includes three terms on the Vestry of  St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church as Chair of the Hospitality Committee and a member of the Outreach, Music and Fundraising Committees, and one term on the Board of St. Thomas’ Day School. Currently, she is a volunteer chef with Lasagna Love, a global nonprofit that provides homemade meals to families in need. Lauren lives in the Oakwood neighborhood of Richmond with her husband, fellow actor Larry Cook and their three cats. Her passions include cooking, entertaining, travel, gardening, reading and spending time with her adorable granddaughter, children, family and friends.

Sommer Ashleigh Ortiz

Sommer Ashleigh Ortiz (she/her) is a theatre teacher in Richmond City Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Archaeology from Randolph-Macon College and a Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary. During her time at Randolph-Macon, Sommer had the opportunity to act, direct, write, and stage manage various productions. She also gained a deeper appreciation for stage crew by working on campus to assist with set building and lighting.

Raised by educators, including her parents, aunts, and maternal grandmother, Sommer has developed a strong sense of empathy and compassion. She is dedicated to serving her communities, with a particular focus on today’s youth. Sommer has experience as a camp counselor and served as the head counselor for Randolph-Macon’s Convergence camp, which aimed to bridge the gap between faith and science. Additionally, she has been involved as a co-moderator and moderator of the Black Caucus at Union Presbyterian Seminary.

In her free time, Sommer cherishes moments spent with her daughter, siblings, father, and friends.

Alexyn C. Scheller

Alexyn C. Scheller (he/him), born and raised in New Jersey, began his work with Cadence in 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rutgers University and M.B.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University and currently works as a Senior Brand Manager for Procter & Gamble. When not working on building and managing brands, Alexyn owns and operates a photo and video editing business (aptly named Alexyn & Video), a side passion project he's had for over a decade. A self-described film geek, he got involved with Cadence after volunteering to help film drone footage for a project in early 2021. After working on several projects with Cadence, he came on as a board member where he can bring his love of film and branding together. Outside of volunteering and work, Alexyn enjoys traveling, mentoring, and building forts with his son. Alexyn currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wonderful wife Jennifer Scheller and amazing son Cassian Scheller where he sometimes explores the far reaches of space and time.

Robin E. Walker
Vice President

Robin Walker (she/her) moved to Richmond in 2006 after obtaining her law degree from William & Mary Law School and resides in Byrd Park. Robin practices law in Richmond, Virginia.  Previously, Robin worked for Capital One, where she handled commercial banking and labor matters.  A proud graduate of the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), she is a devoted college football fan.  Robin has been a theatregoer since early childhood, when her mother began taking her to high school performances, and now makes it a point to see as many productions as possible in Richmond, along with the occasional trip to NYC to take in a Broadway show or two.  When not watching football or at the theatre, Robin loves to read, do jigsaw puzzles, try out new restaurants, and spend time with her friends and beloved cat, Ollie.  Robin is honored and delighted to be involved with Cadence and the fantastic work they do.

Ren Klinovskiy
Secretary

Ren (she/her) is an attorney at Byrne Canaan Law in Richmond, where she defends medical providers in malpractice actions and regulatory matters. Ren was born and raised in coastal Georgia, where she first developed an interest in theatre. Ren holds a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and English from the University of Georgia and a law degree from the University of Richmond, and her background includes trauma-informed care, crisis counseling, and family law. Ren lives in Richmond with her husband, Yevgeniy, and their three cats, Beren, Lúthien, and Beatrix. In her leisure time, Ren likes to go to rock concerts, hike, and play Dungeons & Dragons—and, of course, take in as much theatre as she can. Ren is so proud and excited to support Cadence in their work in this community.

Ujwala Warek

Ujwala Warek (she/her) is the Director of International Regulatory Strategy at Altria. She is a growth-focused technology leader who approaches science from a business mindset and can drive critical initiatives while optimizing performance, efficiency, quality, productivity, and profitability. Ujwala has over 30 years of global work experience in both large corporations and startups. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from VA Tech and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at UVA. She has lived in India, Southern Africa, Germany and now calls Richmond, VA her home. When not working, Ujwala enjoys music, theater, cooking, and traveling with family and friends.

Cindy Creasy Woolfolk

Cindy (she/her) is an advertising and public relations executive with a passion for the Richmond community offering support to the entertainment industry, small businesses, and local organizations that enrich our community. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University with a specialization in advertising.  With a professional background in broadcasting and advertising, Cindy founded Creasy Woolfolk Concepts and has enjoyed representing local, regional, and national brands for over 30 years, contributing to their success in Central Virginia. She has also enjoyed serving as an adjunct professor at VCU in the Public Relations Department of the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture. Throughout the years Cindy has served on multiple boards with varied interests, from the environment and education to women in business and support of cancer patients.

Joni Albrecht

Frona Colker

Omiyẹmi (Artisia) Green

Laura A. Heymann

Joe Hoyle

Katie Sharrar Mattes

Betsy Rawles

Monica F. Rawles

Lynn Schwartz

Elizabeth Sinnenberg

Susan Wynne