Hundreds of people come together to make opera come alive on our stages, in our community, and online—from administrative staff to artists and production teams, from the Board of Directors to volunteers. Learn more below about just some of the passionate individuals behind Opera Colorado, and feel free to reach out to our staff for questions or comments. Not sure whom to contact? Email info@operacolorado.org and we’ll connect you to the right person.
Leadership
Senior Team

Jennifer Colgan
Director of Marketing and Communications jcolgan@operacolorado.orgJennifer is a violinist who grew up in Virginia. She is the proud owner of a herd of cats and is always knitting a pair of socks.


Cherity Koepke
Director of Education & Community Engagement, Director of the Artist in Residence Program ckoepke@operacolorado.orgLearned Gaelic to sing in a Celtic band, and is used to fabulous mispronunciations of her name. Also believes—not unlike Cinderella—in the life-changing magic of great shoes.

Jordanna Rose
Director of Artistic Operations jrose@operacolorado.orgA Cali girl at heart. Just as comfortable in the opera house as on the trail or waiting in line at a Bob’s Burgers panel at Comic Con.

Erin Wenzel
Director of Development ewenzel@operacolorado.orgErin has moved 17 times and lived in eight different cities, but is happy to now call Denver home. She loves to read, take long walks, and would definitely beat you in The West Wing trivia.
Staff

Anthony Berkley
Business Operations & Development Manager aberkley@operacolorado.orgAnthony doesn’t tan, so he was legally required to leave his home state of Florida, settling finally in Colorado because the mountains are awesome. He is an opera lover who spent a recent birthday enjoying the full Ring Cycle at the Met, and also has overly elaborate conversations with his vocal cat.

Samantha Cantu
Patron Services Manager scantu@operacolorado.orgSamantha is another Texas transplant exploring all the facets of Colorado whilst juggling spending time with their kiddo, tending to their many friendships, and giving back to the community. They love singing karaoke, psychoanalyzing fictional characters, and playing a good immersive video game.

Clair Clauson
Human Resources Manager cclauson@operacolorado.orgWhen not obsessing over payroll and record-keeping systems, Clair keeps busy by baking sourdough, singing with her beloved Colorado Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and spending time with her husband and spirited young daughters. Indoorsy Denver native and Wordle enthusiast.

Angelica DiIorio
Marketing Manager, Advertising & Content adiiorio@operacolorado.orgAngelica is a fast-talking, fast-walking native New Yorker who loves music but shatters glass when she sings. She collects postcards everywhere she travels and wants to make it to every continent!

Kendra Green
Resident Stage Manager kgreen@operacolorado.orgKendra hails from the sea-level city of San Jose, California, and is thrilled to be pedaling her way to new heights in the mile-high city. When she is not on a bike or in rehearsal, Kendra enjoys treasure hunting in thrift shops, playing tabletop games, and going on whatever adventures she can convince others to join her in.

Megan Immerfall
Bookkeeper mimmerfall@operacolorado.orgMegan performed as a chorus member in the inaugural Opera Colorado production of Othello back in 1983 and has now come full circle as a staff member. She likes to combine her passion for travel and photography and to-date has ridden her bicycle through fifteen different countries.

Ben Karasik
Production Manager bkarasik@operacolorado.orgHaving spent time performing, designing, and building for performing arts, Ben found his niche when he realized spreadsheets, planning, and logistics were what he most enjoyed contributing to the creative process. Ben is also a major art education advocate and enjoys swing dancing!

Robin Lander
Patron Services & Office Coordinator rlander@operacolorado.orgRobin is a Colorado native with a huge passion for the performing arts and arts education. She enjoys hanging out with friends and family and will almost never say no to brunch. She loves singing, cooking, movies/tv shows, and all things chocolate.

Kassandra Mestemaker
Education & Community Engagement Manager kmestemaker@operacolorado.orgKassandra is a professional painter, avid audio book listener, hot sauce collector, and runner. She will always attend a community or cultural event with you, is usually found alongside her Golden, Rugby, and loves solo travel.

Alison Milan
Costume Director amilan@operacolorado.orgAlison has come a long way from her daily toddler costume of Hawaiian muumuu and heels, and still finds beauty in the most unlikely of places. Whether she’s reading or camping in the wilds of Colorado, she’s always surrounded by her family and friends (and a few low-riding pets that share her love for dry desert heat and unexpected adventure).

Laura Norton
Digital Marketing Manager lnorton@operacolorado.orgLaura strives for innovation in her professional life and embraces creativity in her personal life. As a potter, baker, sewist, and cook, she is always making something and loves trying new hobbies! As a flutist, Laura values highlighting works by living composers of diverse backgrounds.

Madeleine Snow
Individual Giving & Donor Events Manager msnow@OperaColorado.orgMadeleine wanted to write a bio as short and sweet as she is!
- Michael Wingfield, Technical Director
- Michael Boswell, Head Carpenter*
- Greg Killpack, Assistant Carpenter*
- Dave Youngs, Shop/Production Carpenter*
- Jeff Reidel, Head Flyman*
- Susan Osborn, Head Electrician*
- Karen Thurow, Light Board Operator*
- Rita Richardson, Assistant Electrician*
- Hillary Clark, Head Props*
- Terry Gulley, Assistant Props*
- Thomas Berning, Head Sound*
- Ronell Oliveri, Resident Wigs & Make-Up Designer
- Sarah Opstad, Associate Wigs & Make-Up Designer
* Members of IATSE Local No.7
Violin
- Byron Hitchcock, concertmaster
- Michelle Davis
- Angela Dombrowski
- Margaret Gutierrez
- Robyn Julyan
- Regan Kane
- Christine Menter
- Leah Mohling
- Susie Peek
- Gyongyer Petheo
- Felix Petit
- Veronica Sawarynski
- Robyn Sosa
- Takanori Sugishita
- Benjamin Tomkins
- Tori Woodrow
Viola
- Matthew Dane, principal
- Michael Brook
- Koko Dyulgerski
- Mary Harrison
- Sarah Richardson
- Lora Stevens
Cello
- Andrew Kolb, principal
- Charles Lee
- David Short
- Jeff Watson
- Eleanor Wells
- Carole Whitney
Bass
- David Crowe, principal
- Jeremy Nicholas
- Matthew Pennington
- Jason Thompson
Flute
- Susan Townsend, principal
- Elizabeth Sadilek
Oboe
- Sarah Bierhaus, principal
- Max Soto
Clarinet
- Michelle Orman, principal
- Heidi Mendenhall
Bassoon
- Charles Hansen, principal
- JJ Sechan
Horn
- Michael Yopp, principal
- Lauren Varley
- Devon Park
- Marian Hesse
Trumpet
- Leslie Scarpino, principal
- Colin Oldberg
Trombone
- Bron Wright, principal
- Andy Wolfe
- Jeremy Van Hoy
Tuba
- Patrick Young, principal
Harp
- Janet Harriman, principal
Timpani
- Peter Cooper, principal
Percussion
- Mark Foster, principal
- Carl Dixon
- Nena Lorenza Wright
Orchestra Personnel Manager
- Angela Dombrowski
Orchestra Librarian
- Elle Wells
OPERA COLORADO ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
Click here to learn about this season’s Artist in Residence cohort.
OPERA COLORADO VOLUNTEERS
Click here for more information on current volunteers, and to learn how to join the team.