Linda McGinness, BA
CYT Wichita Artistic Director & Board Member
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.

Charity Schaulis, BA
CYT Wichita Board Chair
Charity completed her education at the Biblical Institute of Los Angeles, California with a degree in Psychology. She developed her skills in Human Resources in her family’s development company and then as a insurance claims manager and investigator. Since moving to Kansas with her husband Rick, Charity has served at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in various teaching, administrative and visionary roles for both Youth and Women’s Ministries. Her call to empower Christian youth with poise and confidence to speak for Christ began as an instructor of Public Speaking and Competitive Forensics within the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association league at Central Homeschool Family Ministries along with Debate at the Classical School of Wichita. Charity has a passion and vision for CYT Wichita and has found real joy in watching God’s hand on this journey of faith and is looking forward to teaching Dramatic skills. Charity’s favorite past times include cheering for her three children at various sports events and throwing an occasional party for people half her age.

Willa Martin, Business Manager
Willa was born in Korea, and adopted by loving Christian parents in 1961. She grew up in Wichita and graduated from Friends University in 1981 with an A.S. in Business Administration. Married to Phil for 27 years, they have two grown sons and a 13-yr old daughter who is as excited about Christian Youth Theater as her mother is! For over 30 years, Willa has served in various teaching and leadership roles in local church ministries and is currently involved in the Music Ministry at Country Acres Baptist Church. She has also taught several math courses through home school cooperatives and most recently was the Algebra I teacher at the Classical School of Wichita (CSW). In 2006-2007, Willa was also the bookkeeper at CSW and served as Treasurer for the Wichita Lacrosse Association from 2005-2007. Willa gives thanks and praise to her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ for the opportunity to serve Him as Business Manager for Christian Youth Theater Wichita Inc.

Kelly Herndon, CYT Wichita Area Coordinator
A California native, yet proud Kansan, Kelly joins the CYT staff with a communications background. Shortly after graduating with a BS in Public Relations/Advertising from Oklahoma Christian University, Kelly began working in admissions and communications at Wichita Collegiate School. After having her first child, she was prompted to become a stay-at-home mom, then a homeschool mom! While homeschooling her four children, Kelly served with Central Homeschool Family Ministries as part of the leadership team interacting with parents, students and teachers. In that role she helped organize schedules, choose classes and provide support for teachers and members. While God worked through her children to lead their family to CYT, He has beautifully orchestrated Kelly’s life to allow her to fill the position of Area Coordinator. Kelly has been married to Travis for 14 years and they continue to homeschool their four children. Kelly enjoys organizing - as it is a necessity - and when time allows, she loves to bake and write. Kelly and Travis have loved getting to know the students and parents of CYT and look forward to sharing many more great experiences with them!