Reverend Casey Casamento Ph.D.
CYT Wichita Board Member Chair
Casey grew up in Wichita, Kansas where he earned a soccer scholarship to attend Johnson County Community College and later Friends University. It was during this time he heard a call to the ministry and forfeited his scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Boyce College in Louisville, KY. Following graduation Casey married his high school sweetheart, Amy and jumped right into a Master’s Degree in Christian Education from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. Casey has served as a youth pastor in several churches in Kentucky and currently serves as Director of Student Ministries at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kansas. In addition, Casey has recently completed his doctorate in Leadership from Southern Seminary and is passionate about helping young people grow in their character, integrity, and leadership. Casey and Amy have two young children.

Reverend Monte Evans, BS
CYT Wichita Board Member Vice Chair
Monte grew up in Wichita and Los Angeles where he felt a call to ministry as a youth. A graduate from Oklahoma Christian University, Monte obtained his degree in Ministry and became an Ordained Minister. It was in Kansas City, while serving as the Youth Pastor of Northland Mission Church that Monte became enthralled with CYT. Many of his students participated in CYT Kansas City, and the confidence, poise, and character gained through participation in quality Christian Youth Theater arts programs, amazed him. Upon hearing of the launch of CYT Wichita, Monte and his wife Becki enrolled 2 of their 4 young children in summer and fall classes. Monte is serving as the Set Manager of Robin Hood, and is pleased to watch their eldest, Reagan, gain skills and character through her performance of Robin Hood. A teacher, church and YMCA volunteer, Monte and his family attend Eastside Community Church.

Justin Bergen, BBA
CYT Wichita Board Finance Chair
Justin was raised in Wichita Kansas as the oldest of 11 children in a homeschooled family. A Wichita State University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems, he is currently employed at LSI as a Software Engineer. For a long time, Justin and his Laura have had a desire to start a Christian theater group in Wichita. After attending an initial brainstorming session, they both felt called to serve on the Steering Committee. “Since then, I have been continually amazed at what God has been doing through CYT, and I am thrilled to be serving as the Treasurer of the Board,” Justin shares. Justin and his wife Laura attend Heartland Community Church along with their five month old son, Braxton. Favorite past times include working on computers, riding his motorcycle, and remodeling homes.

Cheryl K. Yavornitzki, BA
CYT Wichita Board Secretary
Cheryl is a life-long Wichitan, banker and payments professional. A graduate of Wichita State University with a major in English and a minor in Economics, she is also a Certified Cash Manager and Accredited ACH Professional. As the Payments Relationship Manager at LendingTools.com, Cheryl uses her expertise in the strategic development, implementation and daily management of commercial banking and payments products to support LT's customer financial institutions that serve community banks. She also serves as a speaker and content expert for national banking conferences and industry payment rules committees. Cheryl is married to Steve and they have two grown daughters one of whom is currently pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance at Friends University. Long time member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Cheryl enjoys sewing costumes, singing with ensemble groups, teaching middle school Sunday School and serving on the Youth Advisory Committee. Cheryl is pleased to be a part of bringing a Christian alternative to youth theater in Wichita.

Traci Pickert, BS
CYT Wichita Board Member at Large
Traci obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business in 1983 from the University of Kansas and began her career auditing for Union Pacific Corporation in Nebraska. She returned to Kansas to marry her college sweetheart Bill, and went to work for the Bank of Kansas City. She spent 10 years with Oak Park Bank and Hillcrest Bank groups as VP & Senior VP/Controller. Traci became a full time mom in 1996 raising their 4 children. A committed volunteer, Traci has taught Sunday school & various Bible studies, directed Youth Choir and served as Chair of various women's groups. Currently Traci is a Deacon at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Traci is also devoted to making a difference in public education by serving as PTO Co-President of Andover Middle School, PTO Co-Treasurer of Martin Elementary, 5th grade leader of Chat-n-chew and 5th grade girls Bible Study leader. Traci was enticed to join the Board because of the commitment CYT has to impact the environment for youth both front and back stage.

Linda McGinness, BA
CYT Wichita Artistic Director
Linda received her BA in Elementary Education at Wichita State University. She studied Theater and Voice at Kansas University, Friends University and Wichita State and has taught vocal music for 8 years. She is a composer and lyricist and has enjoyed a career as a vocal solo artist nationally in both secular and Christian venues. Linda has performed professionally in music theater as well as directed, choreographed, and scripted over 25 musicals for regional schools and churches. Circumstances and time created a new chapter and Linda was encouraged to investigate the possibility of bringing Christian Youth Theater to Wichita. As she visited CYT in other cities, she realized the impact for Jesus it offers communities and was captured by the motto, “Developing Character…one stage at a time.” A vision caster at heart, Linda has been at the helm of launching CYT in Wichita; watching God raise His gifted people in our local community affirms the reality, “This is His.” Linda and her husband, Tim, attend First Evangelical Free Church and have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.