The 2020/21 Board of Directors
Joshua Trotter
PresidentJoshua Kent Trotter currently serves as President of the National Alumni Association of the Cincinnati School for Creative & Performing Arts. He also the former Vice President and former Marketing and Communications Co-chair. Joshua graduated from SCPA in 2014 as a drama and technical theater major. After his graduation, Joshua enrolled in Cincinnati State College for early childhood education. Joshua is employed as a 2nd grade teaching assistant at SCPA. In addition he helps runs the before and after school program (YMCA) for K-6 and the MORE (Men, Organized, Respectful, and Educated) program for 7th/8th grade boys at SCPA. Joshua believes in the power of education and uses what he learned at SCPA to help current students and fellow alumni to find their voices everyday. It is his goal to bring the generations of alumni together and create an active alumni presence at SCPA.
Tomica Chitterson
Vice PresidentTomica Chitterson serves the alumni board as Vice President. She was Marketing and Communications Co-Chair in 2019. Tomica is a 1997 graduate of SCPA. While at SCPA, Tomica majored in Creative Writing, Drama, and Instrumental Music. Tomica received both her B.A. in English and M.A. in Counseling from Xavier University (Cincinnati). Tomica is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor currently working in private practice in the Cincinnati and West Chester Area. She has worked in the fields of Social Service, Mental Health Counseling, and Higher Education for nearly two decades. Tomica believes that who she is, both personally and professionally, was fostered in part by her experience at SCPA. Tomica joined the Alumni Board to provide support to current students as they further develop their craft, explore academic pursuits, and find their voice. Additionally, she wants to help bridge the gap between alumni and the SCPA community.
Will Hammelrath
TreasurerWill Hammelrath currently serves as Treasurer for the SCPA Alumni Association. He was the 2019 President of the NAAcSCPA. Almost a “survivor” with attending eight years SCPA Will graduated in 1986 as a Drama and Choir Major. Will got his BA at Hanover College (’90). After college he had a couple of jobs then landed with Office Depot as National Account Manager. He has worked for them for 25 years both in Boston and here in Cincinnati where he currently resides. Will stays active in the community, his church, and also is on the Charter Committee of Cincinnati Board. Will wants to work in providing a safe productive environment where the students will be able to focus on their craft and their dreams.
Allison McElfresh
SecretaryAllison McElfresh serves as Secretary for NAAcSCPA. She graduated from SCPA in 1996 majoring in dance and music theater. She then studied liberal arts from University of Cincinnati and BS in Secondary Education at Grand Canyon University. Over the last 20 years she has directed, taught, created, performed, and developed dance education programs in AZ, CA, MI, SD, NV,IL,IN, and currently in Cincinnati becoming a Master Dance Teacher. She is accredited and certified through the Ohio Board of Education as an NFHS Dance Coach, National Dance Risk Mgt, National Dance Council of America, ACE, and DEA. Allison is a new member of the American College Association and has been invited to share her educational programs with the National Dance Educators Organization. In 2016, she became a business owner inventing Cincinnati’s first academic dance studio, The Dance Coalition.
Catreéce Tatum
Catreéce Tatum is proud to be an Alumni Board Member and Alumni Engagement Committee Chair. Catreece graduated from SCPA in 2014, majoring in Instrumental Music. Catreéce then went off to study Social Work at Wilmington College where she received her BSW. Ms. Tatum will be continuing her education at Case Western Reserve University where she will obtain her MSW. Ms. Tatum currently works at Hamilton County Job and Family Services, in the Children Services department. Catreéce became involved with the Alumni Board due to her family’s deeply rooted connections grown at SCPA. Ms. Tatum wants to give back to the school that gave her so much, in the short time she was a student there.
Dennis Andrew Betz
Dennis Andrew Betz, a 1985 graduate majored in Art, Vocal Music, and Music Composition during his six years at SCPA. This is his first year on the board and will be focusing on Alumni Programing. After graduating from SCPA he attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA on full scholarship majoring in music composition. For the last twenty years, Mr. Betz has taught music privately, both vocal and orchestral, is an award winning Music/Vocal Director for regional theater productions, is a published music arranger, serves as Artistic Director/Music Director at Mt. Washington UMC and is married to Diana Betz nee Riemenschneider, SCPA Class of 1985. Mr. Betz goals while serving on the board is to increase funding for the school through the NAAcSCPA and to reconnect alumni through the sharing of the arts.
Rannie McCants
Rannie McCants is a “survivor” that graduated from SCPA in 2012, majoring in Creative Writing. She went on to study Dramatic Writing at New York University and has since published theater reviews for blogs that promote new theater works. Her own plays have been performed in festivals and small theaters around New York City. She became a semi-finalist for the 2010 Robert Fox Award for Young Writers and in 2012 she was selected to be a Mamie Earl Sells Scholar by the YWCA. Most recently, she became a 2016 Superior Performance Award recipient for her non-profit service to the McBurney YMCA. Rannie regularly volunteers her fundraising and writing skills for non-profit organizations that support people of color, art, and health initiatives. She currently serves on the Young Adult Board for the Riverside Church, the conference planning committee for Prospect Con, and is an active member of the Fund Development Committee of the New York Urban League. Her unique background has attracted the interest of television programs like The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and America by the Numbers with Maria Hinojosa. Presently, Rannie works in fund development at The Public Theater in New York City and hopes to complete a full-length play centered around identity and generational trauma by 2020. Rannies vision for the SCPA Alumni Association is to connect Alumni back to SCPA no matter where they are in the world.
Neatra Lockett-Foreman
Neatra Lockett-Foreman currently serves as a Board Member and Marketing and Communications Chair of the National Associate of the Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts. Neatra graduated from SCPA in 1995 as a Technical Theater Major. Neatra has four children (Catreece, Devin, D’Nyah, and Isaiah), one that is an SCPA graduate of the class of 2014. Neatra is a Workforce Development Program Manager that works at Hamilton County Job and Family Services. She is committed to the community and making a difference in providing resources and tools for self-sufficiency. Neatra is the owner of two small businesses and is always consistent with delivering quality customer service. Neatra is a risk-taker and consistently takes every opportunity as a stepping stone to Greatness for all involved. Neatra believes that individuality in each person is essential to conquering the goal of positive Self-Worth and Self Motivation.
Dana Bradley
Dana E. Bradley joined the Alumni Board of Directors for the School for the Creative & Performing Arts Alumni Association in January 2020. Dana began her attendance at SCPA when the school was located in Mt. Adams. She attended SCPA for 8 years and graduated in 1982 as a Dance Major. Upon graduation, she attended Miami University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication in 1986 and her Master of Arts in Speech Communication in 1987. In 1994, she received her MBA from Case Western Reserve University. Dana currently resides in Washington, DC and is the Vice President and Chief People Officer for The George Washington University. Dana’s formative years through graduation gave her a passion and love for the arts which she has today. She aims to give her time and resources to encourage alumni to engage and sustain SCPA’s legacy for creating wildly talented and successful people that make a difference in the world.
Vicka Bell-Robinson
Vicka is the Development Committee Co-Chair. As a member of the class of 1996, Vicka Bell-Robinson began attending SCPA in seventh grade and fondly remembers all of the good times she had in 1310 Sycamore. Vicka was a vocal music major, but also dabbled in instrumental music and drama. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Vicka served as a member of the LSDMC and a number of other organizations throughout her time in school. Vicka has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois, a Master of Education in College Student Personnel from Grand Valley State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Miami University. Vicka lives in Fairfield, Ohio with her three children and husband and currently serves as the Director of Residence Life at Miami University. Vicka is excited about using her knowledge and passion for educational leadership along with her care for SCPA to support the continued growth, development, and success of the school.
Michèle L. Battle
Michèle L. Battle is a member of the Board of Directors for the SCPA Alumni Association and serves on the Governance Committee. Michèle attended SCPA for 8 years and graduated in 1982 as a Fine Arts Major. Since graduation, she attended The Ohio State University where she received her B.A. in Political Science in 1986, and Harvard Law School, where she received her J.D. in 1986. Michèle currently resides in the Metro Atlanta, Georgia area and is the founding owner of Battle Law, P.C. which is a Commercial Real Estate, Land Use and Zoning law firm. Being a mentor to young adults is Michèle’s passion and purpose in life. As a member of the Board of Directors it is Michèle desire to create an alumni scholarship fund for recent graduates, as well as other support programs in order to give them the opportunity to realize their goals and dreams.
Aaron Zlatkin
Aaron Zlatkin is a Class of 1991 graduate of SCPA. After graduating from SCPA Aaron went to NKU and got a BA in English and a Masters in Communications. Aaron then found himself building a Career in film and media with lots of published work seen in the Greater Cincinnati area. Aaron currently teaches Media/Technology at Northern Kentucky University. Aarons goal for the Alumni Association is to connect all generations back to SCPA.
Pamela Regina Bradshaw
Pamela Regina Bradshaw currently serves on the Development Committee for the SCPA Alumni Association. Pamela graduated from SCPA as an Instrumental Music major in 1982 and received her BBA in Finance and Management from the University of Cincinnati in 1987; she also earned a Certificate in Executive Leadership for Women at Hollins University in 2016. Pamela has over 30 years of experience in the Risk Management & Insurance industry having worked for Aetna, Travelers Insurance and corporate risk departments for Macy’s, Quantum Chemical in Cincinnati; Chuck E. Cheese’s, Mary Kay Inc. in Dallas, TX and Advance Auto Parts, Inc. in Roanoke, VA. Pamela is currently the Director of Risk Management for ClubCorp, Inc. based in Dallas, TX. Pamela has two daughters (Leah, a 2nd grade teacher in Atlanta & Lydia, a freshman engineering major at Virginia Tech); their Mom has a passion for guiding, advising & preparing youngsters for college to ensure their futures remain bright as they transition into adulthood!
William T Chaney Jr.
William T. Chaney, Jr. graduated from SCPA in 1979 and the University of Cincinnati 1984.As a pastor William led congregations to grow through immersion in worship through the creative arts. This experience created a deep relationship with the arts community in Baltimore. Through his international speaking, training, and coaching engagements, he sparks motivation and helps construct corporate cultures that encourage collaboration, increase employee engagement, and celebrate innovation.William’s unique blend of entrepreneurship, consulting, coaching, theological education, and performing arts training positions him to create an engaging and transformative experience for today’s innovative non-profits, corporate leaders, and employees. William recently started The Chaney Coaching Group and his portfolio includes designing the Prodigal Worship Conference, the New Pathways curriculum, while he is currently finishing his Doctorate in Ministry. Rooted in the principles of Dr. King’s Beloved Community, William delivers solutions that help each congregation and companies live out their authentic branding for their context. William is an ICF Certified Coach, a CliftonStrengths® Certified Coach, Certified CliftonStrengths® Discovery Course Trainer, DiSC® facilitator, Q12 Employee Engagement Champion and the Builder Profile 10 Coach. William currently lives in Northern Virginia and is married to Michelle and they have one teenage daughter. Williams hopeful that the Alumni Association will help establish a loving legacy of SCPA.
Vacancy - 15th Board Member
(John Calhoun Vacated Jan. 2020)