Meet the SAAC Teachers

Gay Bechtelheimer – Fine Art

When we nurture creativity in children, we are preparing for the future. We are providing then with tools to excel in all arenas: math, science, social studies, and of course, art. A creative thinker is able to see all facets of the crystal and is empowered to solve problems with a variety of solutions and become more tolerant of diverse ideas.

Michaela Gross – Fine Art

Michaela currently works as a paraprofessional at Yocum Elementary School where she does behavior and reading intervention. She is also currently in school at South Arkansas College where she will graduate in May of 2024 with her Associates of Education. She then plans to complete her education at South Arkansas University in Magnolia where she would like to major in either studio art or education. Ultimately, she wants to teach art in schools. When she’s not working or doing homework, Michaela enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She and her husband are currently expecting their third child. When she has a minute to herself, Michaela also enjoys sewing and reading.

Lynn Gunter – Theatre

Lynn Gunter has a BA in Speech Communications and traveled the Tri-State and national collegiate circuit in forensics and debate. She has directed eight productions on the SAAC stage, including Penguin Project productions and Drama Club productions. She has directed four productions at West Side Christian School and countless VBS productions in various churches. A Crossett native, her love for theatre began as a first grader when her class participated in a reader’s theater program on the local radio station. This love continued through high school and college and into church drama groups. She was able to insert theatrical presentations in her various workplaces as a BSU Collegiate Student Coordinator, Residence Hall Director at Baylor University, teacher, as well as her 25 years as a homeschool mom.

Katie Harwell – Fine Art

Katie Harwell currently teaches art at El Dorado High School and has been teaching art in the district for 18 years. She is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. When not teaching art, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids as well as spending time on the family farm.

Cassie Hickman – Drama

Born in California and raised in Texas, I attended Texas Wesleyan College as a music major before moving to El Dorado in 1988. Music has always been an integral part of my life, but I didn’t discover my passion for theatre until 2015, when I served as music director for HEART Homeschool Theatre Group’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. In 2017, I joined SAAC Drama Club’s production of Fiddler on the Roof Jr., and I’ve been involved with SAAC ever since. In 2023, I finally stepped on stage as Rosie in SAAC’s summer musical, Mamma Mia! What began with Drama Club (grades 7-12) has now expanded into teaching students of all ages. I currently lead Mommy & Me classes (ages 1-3), Little’s Theatre (ages 4-8), Youth Theatre (grades 2-8), and Drama Club (grades 7-12), combining my 28 years of homeschooling experience with a love for books, acting, and creative learning. Theatre is the love I never knew I was missing until it found me. I find immense joy in watching students grow on stage.

Charlsie Langley – Voice & Piano

I am a vocal music director currently serving as the choir director of Barton Junior High. I also teach private voice and piano at the South Arkansas Arts Center. I have also been the music director for “Singin’ in the Rain” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” in the Callaway Theater. A classically trained vocalist, I received my bachelor’s degree in Vocal/Keyboard Music Education at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and studied vocal music at the Salzburg College through the Miami Frost School of Music.

Nicole McAdams – Fine Art

I was born and raised in Conway, AR. I moved to El Dorado after I graduated college, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Art has been a part of my life since I was little and I attribute my continued passion for it to many of my incredible teachers growing up. I knew that I wanted to invest in students the way many teachers invested in me, so I dreamed of becoming a teacher. My undergrad degrees are in Mass Communications and Graphic Design. After a few years working as a graphic designer, I decided to wholeheartedly pursue my teaching dream. I am the K-4 Teacher at Yocum Elementary. Teaching art is a dream I love living out each day. My goal as a teacher is to provide a safe space for my students to explore their creativity and to learn new skills.

Mike Means – Computer Graphics

I grew up in Fayetteville, where I did my first rendering of Snoopy on my bedroom wall. Since then I have worked in many other media, including graphite, colored pencil, and pastel, as well as on the computer. Drawing will always be my first love. While serving in the U.S. Navy in Japan, the Philippines, and Hawaii, I worked as a graphic artist. Since leaving the service, I have worked in the graphics shop at International Paper, done advertising and catalogue layout for several local companies, and done freelance work for many groups in south Arkansas. I love working with the computer to create art and sharing the knowledge that I have gathered over the years. There is a “wow factor” when you show students what computer programs can do. Painting using Photoshop and other computer programs is just as fun and rewarding as pencils and oil paints. I teach art in the Computer Graphics class at SAAC, and I am an active Artist In Education. My newest art related gig is as a Crystal Bridges Teaching Artist which is a program that puts artists in local elementary schools to do ART Projects in the fourth grade classes. Most people just need help getting started, and that is where I hope to help children and adults alike. I wanted to break from the traditional graphics classes and show just what you can do on the computer from an artist’s point of view. Making the computer work for you as an artist is my goal.

Haley Phillips – Theatre

Kara Rushing – Ballet

I’ve been dancing for over 10 years, exploring a variety of styles and still continuing to learn through adult classes—because dance is a journey that never really ends!

In my classes, we focus on creativity storytelling, and learning new skills in a fun, encouraging space. No matter your skill level, everyone is welcome at the barre. My favorite moments are watching dancers grow in confidence and discover their own artistic voices. Born and raised in El Dorado, I love giving back to the community that has always supported me. Teaching here feels like coming full circle, and I’m grateful to share the joy of ballet with SAAC families.When I’m not teaching, I’m usually off exploring new places with my two kiddos or diving into a new hobby. Dance brings us together, and I can’t wait to help students find both fun and self-expression in every step!

Peppermint Rushing – Ballet

I am a lifelong resident of El Dorado, and the South Arkansas Arts Center was a special part of my childhood. My love for classical ballet has grown into a passion I am excited to share with my community. With several years of experience teaching ballet and coaching competitive gymnastics floor routines, I enjoy helping students build confidence, strength, and creativity through movement.

I believe ballet is for everyone—regardless of body type, age, or ability—and I strive to create an encouraging environment where all students feel welcome. My goal is to inspire a love of dance while showing that classical ballet can be both accessible and rewarding for all.

Lisa Burton Tarver – Photography

I am a native of El Dorado. My love of photography began with memories of the black and white images taken by my father. I asked many questions, but I learned photography through trial and error. I have found that photography has awakened the artist in me. I am the Photographer in Residence at the SAAC where I photograph events and people. I enjoy sharing what I have learned through my 22 years of experience. I specialize in black and white photography, dark room techniques, copycat Polaroid system and digital photography. I have also worked with holgaroid and Polaroid manipulations. I enjoy sharing what I have learned through my 22 years of experience. My approach to photography in a classroom setting is to introduce students to the fascinating and powerful world of photography. Students are exposed to the possibility that they can have the ability to create art using the camera as brush and the film as canvas. Children are amazing because their minds are like little sponges to absorb, learn and have fun. By being exposed to photography, they can learn to express themselves in a positive way.

Jorge Villegas – Fine Art

I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I like my art to connect to the universe, to the most elevated emotions, to express and make contact. Art tells us it is ok to search for what we feel and helps us recognize ourselves. I like to work with mixed media, color pencils, graphite, oils, acrylics or any medium that will render the expression. Teaching art gives me the opportunity to develop “individuals” as human beings with an appreciation for the greatness. Visual arts are learned in the making, which means the child has to do it him/herself to discover who he or she is in their own way. I like to see students’ faces in the moment of discovery. I like to bring in good music, art history, and literature to bring attention to human excellence. I like to help them learn to think and make aesthetic choices and develop common sense. The expression of our individuality empowers us, because we have the right and the potential to shape our environment and community. The development and respect of children’s personalities is very important. We are lucky to have a place where our kids are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and discoveries and search for their own talents. Development of their uniqueness validates and enriches them and us.

Maria Villegas – Fine Art

I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I have been an artist since I remember. First, I discovered dance and singing, later painting and drawing. One of my cousins was a professional artist and was my mentor. He encouraged me to sketch my surroundings and nature. After my college years, I worked as a professional instructor and teacher, and even as an art dealer before I came to the United States in 1991. In 1993, I became an Arkansas Arts Council Artist in Residence, and since then, I’ve been developing myself as an artist and as an educator. I like painting and drawing in any medium. I teach because I like to communicate what I know. I also teach because it is like magic. I give and receive at the same time. Students’ responses to my classes inspire me to create new projects. In my teaching, I hope to make students appreciate life and the world around them. I enjoy helping them through the process of discovering and experimentation. Our world is full of traditions and art, so the more we learn about them the better. To do this, I often add music, movement and some Spanish language. Art regenerates the individual who becomes involved in it. Through making art, children and adults learn about themselves, to trust in their own experiences, and see their products as a source of pride.

CoCo York – Piano and Voice

CoCo York—born Guinevere Henry in Strong, Arkansas—has performed for President and Mrs. Bill Clinton twice, as well as kings, queens, dignitaries, state departments worldwide, and Dutch government members. She holds a music degree from Southern University in Louisiana, studied opera with Mattiwilda Dobbs (the first African American contracted by the Metropolitan Opera), earned a Master’s in Psychology, a Master’s Certificate in Music Therapy, and served as Professor of Music at the Rotterdam Conservatory in The Netherlands. Her career began in New Orleans’ French Quarter before traveling to Africa to study traditional songs and rhythms, blending them with her classical, operatic, and blues background. Her global performances span the Maldives, Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, with repeated command appearances on every continent. CoCo has performed with the Monroe Symphony Orchestra under Kermit Poling and toured with the 52-piece Royal Netherlands Air Force Orchestra in “The Soul Show” and “La Vie en Rose.” She starred with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra under Jan Stulen and in numerous musicals. Back in her home region, she continues performing, teaching at the South Arkansas Arts Center, and engaging with local cultural institutions. CoCo York is truly a consummate artist—at home in all music, in all styles.