Our
Staff
Ali Coes
Founder, Theater Educator
Ali’s love of theater goes back to childhood, where her imagination was set alight by the Charles River Creative Arts Camp. Since her first summer as a camper there, Ali has pursued all things silly, expressive, imaginative and creative!
Ali is a certified Theater Teacher with a B.A. in Theater Education from the University of New Hampshire. She has spent her entire life in classrooms of every kind, teaching theater to kids as little as two, all the way up to adults. She is also a director of musicals and plays for kids and adults. She has a deeply held belief that theater is essential for every child and has devoted her life to creating safe spaces for kids to explore their creativity and imagination.
CRCAP inspired her so deeply that Ali founded her company, Little Spark Theater to spread theater and creativity to as many kids as possible. Then, in the summer of 2024, her dream came true: Little Spark Creative Arts was founded in partnership with Bancroft Summer. It was her deepest desire to spread some of the creative magic she felt as a kid at CRCAP to the Worcester-area community.
She is endlessly grateful for the opportunity to bring creative exploration to kids all over the state through her work with LST and LSCA.
Shannon McGuire-Richards
Nature-Based Art
Shannon is a botanical artist and illustrator from Central, MA and owner of smr design company. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lesley University, with a focus on art therapy and holistic modalities.
In addition to offering custom art and products, Shannon fosters community through expressive DIY workshops for all ages. These classes provide a safe and joyful space for participants to unleash their creativity, encouraging authentic self-expression and meaningful connections.
When Shannon isn’t working or creating, she loves gardening, birding, thrifting,spending time with friends and family...and of course her pup, Emma.
Check out her website!
Adam Brooks
CLOMP!, Musical Director
For almost twenty years, Adam has developed curriculum and programming for many summer programs all across Massachusetts, inconluding Firefly Theater Works (Acton), Artbarn (Brookline), Charles River Creative Arts (Dover), and Summer at CSW (Weston). He is thrilled to be part of the Little Spark team! He has been a consultant for new programs, advising on structure, mission, and logistics, as well as a passionate educator, counselor, and performing arts specialist.
A graduate of Oberlin College and Berklee College of Music, Adam specializes in all things musical theater, creating fun, engaging, and accessible classes where kids regularly get to practice collaboration, critical listening, creativity, and cooperation skills, all through various forms of play. He deeply believes that summer camp and arts education have the power to be a transformative experience for young people of all ages.
Jena DelCid
Art
Jena is an educator and artist from Worcester. She created the after school program at the Burncoat Center for Arts and Wellness, which included classes in theater and art. In addition, she teaches stained glass classes for adults and singing classes to young kids locally in Worcester! She’s a singer, mom, activist and creative power-house!
During the school year, Jena works as a Special Education Team Chair, working with parents and teachers to create learning plans for students.
