Type: Staff

Lindsay has a passion for Arts accessibility and is thrilled to be in a position that facilitates bringing the Arts to our schools and community. She earned her MFA in Acting from Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, a BA in Theatre from Cornell College, and is a graduate of the iO Training Center. …

Taylor Scott joined the Urban Gateways staff in 2020, where she serves as the Development Coordinator. Her work focuses on advancing individual giving initiatives while supporting the Development team in all of the facets of fundraising. Prior to Urban Gateways, Taylor worked as the Box Office and Patron Services Manager for the Lake Forest Symphony, …

Jillian Abbinanti works with Urban Gateways’ teaching artists and schools to create diverse learning partnerships and arts experiences for participants of all ages. Jillian was born and raised in the city of Chicago and is a proud Chicago Public School graduate. She received Bachelor’s Degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Theatre and Performance Studies …

Jeremy Schaefer is Urban Gateways’ Finance & Administration Manager; he previously acted in the role of Performance Programs Coordinator. In addition to his Finance & Administration duties, Jeremy is also an Urban Gateways Touring Artist with three interactive storytelling programs. Prior to joining the Urban Gateways staff, he served as the Artistic Director and Marketing Director …

Lisa coordinates the Teen Arts Pass or TAP program at Urban Gateways. She most recently served as the Communications Associate at Arts Alliance Illinois and the Program Assistant for the Chicago Architecture Biennial. She is a founding member of Bring Your Own Theatre Productions, a company specializing in 24-hour theatre. Lisa holds BA degrees in …

Keyana Marshall was born and raised on the southside of Chicago. After attending Governors State University, she received a B.A. in Communication, specializing in PR and Advertising. Keyana is one of the founders of Et Cetera Social, LLC, a millennial social club and event space. Keyana is also a freelance photographer and event planner who …

Erin is the Communications Associate at Urban Gateways. Previously, Erin worked as Urban Gateways’ Marketing Intern in 2012, and served as Marketing Committee Chair for the Urban Gateways Associate Board before stepping into a full-time role working to support art for all. Erin is a graduate of Butler University with a degree in Arts Administration …

Interdisciplinary artist Matt Woods, aka Motep, has been a sought-after collaborator and project manager in the Chicago arts and museum education scene since he moved to the city in 2001. Matt won “Best of Show” awards for his figurative painting style from Art Pace while in Texas, then moved to Chicago to manage a service learning program …

E’Lisa Davidson, Media Instructor, was raised and resides on the West Side of Chicago. Her writing ventures began with poetry. At the age of 10, while watching older MCs, she figured she could do the same — and better. Thus the quest to be the ultimate MC began. Joining Street-Level Youth Media helped further her …

James Duke, Media Instructor, discovered a love for art when he saw graffiti art murals in his neighborhood. In his senior year of high school James discovered Street-Level Youth Media and began learning about video and photography. He would later go on to produce pieces based on preventing violence such as the “peace signs” project …