Meet the Board
James Dean President
Katie Ellis Vice-President
Katie Ellis Vice-President
James Dean is a versatile television actor known for his work with New Dominion Pictures, appearing in The FBI Files, New Detectives, and Forensic Files on the Discovery Channel. He has also been featured in commercials for the Virginia State Fair and a chain of gas stations in Virginia.
Before his acting career, James served in the United States Coast Guard in the early 1990s. After leaving the service, he worked in contract security for various agencies. His passion for acting was rekindled in 2019 when his son joined a local theatre group, inspiring James to pursue his career with renewed enthusiasm.
James is deeply dedicated to his family. He and his wife recently adopted five little girls, bringing their total to ten children. His commitment to balancing his professional and personal life showcases his remarkable character and devotion.
Katie Ellis Vice-President
Katie Ellis Vice-President
Katie Ellis Vice-President
Katie Ellis currently serves as Vice-President for the Maysville Children’s Theatre Board of Directors. She resides in Maysville with her husband and four boys. Katie is a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and is currently employed by Mason County Schools. Katie is no stranger to the stage. She participated in multiple theatrical productions in middle school, high school, and college. She held several leading roles including Dorthy in an adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz.” Katie also participated in multiple state level pageants. She won multiple awards for her vocal performances including Overall Talent Winner at Kentucky Junior Miss. She has been singing on stage since she was a child. Katie has a true passion for the stage, singing, and helping others. Katie is excited to be apart of The Maysville Children’s Theatre and looks forward to the many adventures that await us.
Kimberly Dean Secretary
Katie Ellis Vice-President
Karen Campbell Treasurer
Kimberly Dean is an accomplished writer and dedicated writing consultant, known for her insightful contributions to the literary world. With dual associate degrees and currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in psychology, she combines her academic background with a passion for language and storytelling. As a writing consultant, she leverages her expertise to guide and inspire budding writers, helping them hone their skills and find their unique voices.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Kimberly is the secretary for the Maysville Children’s Theatre, where she plays a crucial role in supporting the arts and fostering a love for performance in young minds. She has lived in Maysville with her husband James for over 15 years and loves her community, actively contributing to its vibrancy and cohesion.
Kimberly is a devoted mother who balances her career with the joys and challenges of parenthood. Her experiences as a mother enrich her writing, bringing depth and authenticity to her work. Kimberly's commitment to her craft, community, and family exemplifies her unwavering dedication and resilience.
Karen Campbell Treasurer
Carolyn Least Board Member
Karen Campbell Treasurer
Karen Campbell is a resident of Aberdeen, Ohio, and is married to Jimmie Campbell. She is a proud mother of two daughters and a grandmother to four grandchildren. Karen is a real estate agent with Jackie's Gateway Properties in Maysville, Kentucky. Before transitioning to real estate, she enjoyed a distinguished career as an accountant for over 40 years, retiring in 2017.
Currently, Karen drives a school bus for the RULH school district. She is an active member of Faithway Baptist Church, where she contributes to the bus ministry team. In addition, Karen has been involved in various nonprofit organizations in Mason County, demonstrating her commitment to community service.
Carolyn Least Board Member
Carolyn Least Board Member
Carolyn Least Board Member
Carolyn Least, a Corbin High School Class of 1984 alumna, has dedicated her life to education and the arts. She holds a BA in Music from Centre College, a BME from Morehead State University, an MA in Education from Morehead, and a Rank 1 in Special Education from the University of Louisville.
Married to Mark Least since 1988, Carolyn moved to Maysville where she enjoyed a long career teaching students with visual impairments in Mason County Schools, retiring in 2023. An active member of Seddon Global Methodist Church, she is deeply involved in musical activities and lay ministry.
Carolyn's love for the arts began early with dance and choir participation, continuing with the Maysville Players and the Limestone Chorale. Her passion for the Maysville Children's Theatre (MCT) stems from a desire to inspire children to explore the arts and build a supportive community.
Sheryl Hicks Board Member
Carolyn Least Board Member
Carolyn Least Board Member
Sheryl Hicks is a retired general music and choral director with an illustrious 27-year career at Bracken County Schools, where she dedicated herself to the musical education of K-12 students. She holds a Master's Degree in Education and has achieved her Rank I in Instructional Supervision/Principalship.
In 1999, Sheryl began integrating theatrical plays into her elementary classrooms, which sparked a passion for drama that would grow throughout her career. Her initiative led to the formation of the middle school drama club in 2007. With further theatrical training from the Kentucky Theatre Association, she established the Bracken County High School Polar Players in 2016, where she served as their director until her retirement in 2021.
Even in retirement, Sheryl's commitment to the arts has not waned. She currently serves as the Drama Club Assistant Director at Bracken County Schools and continues to contribute to community and children's theater across the region, nurturing a love for the performing arts in young minds.
Kim Wallingford Board Member
Kim Wallingford Board Member
Kim Wallingford Board Member
My name is Kim Wallingford, and I am a dedicated professional and mother from Tollesboro, Kentucky. For the past 26 years, I have proudly served the Lewis County School District in various capacities across multiple schools. Currently, I am the Assistant Food Service Director and Student Information Coordinator.
Over the past decade, I have been actively involved in children's theater, motivated by my daughter Jenna's enthusiastic participation in numerous plays in Lexington and Maysville. Her engagement in theater has been transformative, helping her grow into a confident and strong young woman. Inspired by her journey, I am committed to ensuring that other children have similar opportunities to discover their potential and thrive through the arts.