Victoria Lyons
Co-Founder | Artistic Director | Visionary
Victoria co-founded Bad Dog Arts in 1997 alongside Michael Morgan Moonbird with the belief that when young people are given space to create freely, they begin to see themselves and their possibilities differently. Together, they built a welcoming environment where experimentation is celebrated, mistakes are part of the process and imagination leads the way.
Victoria received her BFA from the University of Utah in printmaking, painting and drawing. A member of the Ojibwe Tribe, her artwork reflects the beauty and storytelling traditions of Native art while incorporating contemporary influences inspired by land, animals and culture.
After nearly three decades helping shape Bad Dog Arts’ creative vision and community impact, Victoria stepped into the role of Artistic Director on January 1, 2026, following a thoughtful leadership transition process. She now guides the organization’s artistic direction, mentors teaching artists and leads program and curriculum development. Her artistic expertise includes mask making, papier-mâché, sculpture, printmaking, mosaics, ceramics and fused glass.
Jen
Parsons-Soran
Executive Director | Strategist | Lego Expert
Jen brings more than 25 years of experience helping nonprofit organizations strengthen their impact through strategic planning, fundraising, organizational development and operational leadership. Since founding Nonprofit Development Partners in 2007, she has partnered with more than 50 nonprofits across arts and culture, homelessness services, education, healthcare, environmental conservation and human rights.
In January 2026, Jen stepped into the role of Executive Director of Bad Dog Arts following more than 13 years of involvement with the organization. She oversees strategy, operations, finance, fundraising and community partnerships while working closely with the board and Artistic Director to support BDA’s long-term sustainability and creative vision.
A Certified Fund Raising Executive, Jen holds a Master of Public Administration and bachelor’s degrees in political science and film studies from the University of Utah. Originally from Twin Falls, Idaho, she is the proud mom of three extraordinary humans, Alexandra, Zach and Drew. Outside of work, she enjoys puzzles, Lego building, reading and spending time with family, friends and her cats, Delphi and Zeus.
Lily
Gertler
Programs Coordinator | Creator | Collaborator
As Program Coordinator, Lily helps oversee program operations, coordinate classes and camps, support teaching artists and strengthen community engagement efforts. She brings several years of experience working in schools, community centers and youth programs, with a strong commitment to serving underserved communities and making art accessible for all.
A lifelong creative, Lily’s interests include drumming, filmmaking and mixed media art. As the oldest of seven siblings, she brings a collaborative and supportive leadership style to her work with staff, volunteers and students. She is also a proud mom to a sweet baby girl, a goofy dog and a bearded dragon. Art, music and community remain at the center of everything she does.
Greg
Kogan
Programs Assistant |
Greg joined Bad Dog Arts
Maddie
Michael
Marketing Coordinator | Teaching Artist | Explorer
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, art has been a lifelong passion woven into every stage of Maddie’s life. From filling sketch pads and painting to sewing, crafting handmade gifts, and exploring new creative outlets, she was surrounded by artists and creators who encouraged her to approach projects with confidence and curiosity.
Throughout her childhood and schooling, art remained a constant focus. She took private art lessons and filled her academic schedules with as many art classes as possible. After graduating high school a year early, she entered the Fashion Program in downtown Salt Lake City while also studying fine art and psychology. Her creative work soon expanded into selling artwork, sewn pieces, photography, and handmade creations at art shows and local events across Utah, California, and online.
For nearly a decade, Maddie has been part of Bad Dog Arts, beginning as a teaching artist before later becoming the Marketing Coordinator. Her role within the organization has allowed her to blend creativity, community engagement, storytelling, and design while helping support and grow the studio’s mission.
Today, her work spans many creative disciplines. She teaches a variety of mediums through local art studios and private lessons, creates commissioned artwork and murals for clients and interior designers, books and styles photo shoots, designs websites and logos for businesses and individuals, illustrates books, and more. Whether working with students, clients, or companies, she strives to create a welcoming, positive, and inspiring environment that encourages creativity and connection.
Her studio is tucked away in the beautiful Wasatch Range, filled with art supplies, photography equipment, sewing machines, and books. Her German Shepherd, Rhodes, is often nearby as she creates. Inspired by travel, nature, and beautiful spaces, Maddie continues to document and interpret the world around her through photography, drawing, painting, and design.
www.CountryEyesOceanHeart.com
Lisa
Adair
Teaching Artist | Dreamer | Enthusiast
Lisa has nearly 40 years of experience teaching in public schools within the Salt Lake and Davis County school districts. Passionate about working with children and youth, she loves helping students build skills, confidence and creativity while encouraging them to dream boldly and explore the artistic process.
Lisa first connected with Bad Dog Arts while homeschooling alongside artist friends when her oldest son was entering seventh grade, and she has remained connected to the studio community ever since. She currently works as an instructional math specialist and brings warmth, patience and enthusiasm to every classroom she enters.
Lisa is married to a wonderfully supportive husband and is the proud mother of five children, three in-law children and eleven grandchildren.
Kylie Butler
Creator | Confidence Builder | Supporter
Kylie is a recent graduate of Westminster University, where she earned her master’s degree in Applied Psychology. With a strong foundation in developmental psychology, she brings a nuanced understanding of how children grow, think, and learn at different stages. This allows her to thoughtfully tailor projects and interactions to meet the unique cognitive and emotional needs of each child and age group. She approaches her work with both intention and adaptability, recognizing that every child learns differently and deserves to be met with patience, creativity, and respect.
Kylie has a natural affinity for working with children of all ages and finds deep fulfillment in supporting their growth, self-expression, and confidence. Her educational background, combined with her warm and attentive demeanor, enables her to build meaningful connections and foster environments where children feel both understood and empowered.
Alongside her academic work, Kylie has been engaged in art since childhood. She gravitates toward expressive and accessible mediums such as paint markers, water-based markers, and Sharpies. Her artistic style is heavily influenced by grunge and street art, with early inspiration drawn from figures like Rat Fink, which shaped her appreciation for the intersection of automotive and skate culture within visual art.
Kylie is guided by the belief that many of life’s limitations are self-imposed, and she is passionate about helping others—especially children—explore beyond those boundaries. Through both her professional work and creative practice, she encourages curiosity, individuality, and the confidence to think expansively about one’s own potential.
Michaela
Velarde
Board Member | Artist | Advocate | Storyteller
Michaela Velarde joined the Bad Dog Arts Board in 2026, but her roots here run deep. Over the years, she has been a teacher, a member of the development team, and now a proud parent of children who attend Bad Dog Arts programs. Her connection to this community is both personal and full circle—growing alongside the very mission she now helps guide.
A Marketing Manager at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Michaela brings a unique blend of creative strategy and community advocacy to her work. She supports diverse populations across the Mountain West, including rural communities, adolescents and young adults, and Spanish-speaking families—ensuring voices are heard and stories are honored.
For Michaela, the arts have always been more than a hobby—they’ve been a lifeline. “The arts played a huge role in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally,” she shares. “Bad Dog Arts creates the kind of space I wish every kid had access to.” That belief fuels her commitment to expanding access, especially for underserved communities. She sees creativity as a powerful force—one that builds confidence, fosters resilience, and reminds young people that their voices matter. As a child, Michaela was constantly creating—writing and illustrating her own books, then bringing them to life through early digital animation. “Creating was how I processed the world and where I felt most like myself,” she reflects. That same spirit still shows up in her work today. And there’s more beneath the surface—Michaela is also a published author and has designed book covers for local anthologies, blending storytelling and visual art in ways that invite others to imagine more.
If her personality were a piece of art? A small, hand-sketched creation—precise micron line work layered with loose watercolor and fragments of poetry. Structured and expressive, thoughtful and free… much like the way she moves through the world.
Outside of Bad Dog Arts, Michaela is a creative strategist, visual artist, and advocate whose work centers on reform through art, design, and storytelling. You can explore her work and connect with her at vstudioutah.org. She is a beautiful example of what happens when creativity is nurtured—and then given back.
Heather
Higgins
Board Chair | Connector | Leader | Community Builder
Heather Higgins didn’t just find Bad Dog Arts—she felt it. “My sister invited me into the Bad Dog Arts pack,” she shares. “After attending events, hearing Michael and Victoria speak, and then stepping into the classroom as a volunteer… I saw it. I felt it. And I knew I wanted to help support and grow something this meaningful.” What she witnessed was more than creativity, it was transformation. “Life is hard,” Heather says. “And life without positive outlets and options is impossibly stifling. How do you know what is available, if you aren’t given opportunities? How do you even know the questions to ask?” Through Bad Dog Arts, she’s watched children work through frustration, back up to try again, and discover confidence they didn’t know they had. She’s seen them light up - glimmer and shine- as they proudly share what they’ve created. “It’s heady stuff,” she adds. “How can you ask for more than to watch children, people, become emboldened by positive experiences?”
While she didn’t always consider herself traditionally “artsy,” creativity has always been part of her story. As a child, she loved creating experiences. At just 12 years old, she organized a neighborhood carnival to raise money for muscular dystrophy. That instinct - to bring people together around something meaningful - never left.
Professionally, Heather brings a powerful blend of experience and heart to her role as Board Chair. She spent nearly three decades owning and operating a manufacturing business, leading teams, managing projects, and navigating every facet of business operations. Her foundation in exceptional customer service and her ability to develop and lead people have been cornerstones of her success.
Over the past three years, she has expanded that impact as a business consultant, helping organizations grow in ways that are sustainable, aligned, and people-centered. This lead naturally to her current endeavor, President of the Mountain West Chamber of Commerce. Heather is known for building bridges - bringing businesses, people, and ideas together in ways that create effective collaborations and real momentum.
If her personality were a piece of art? Traditional at its core, full of color, a little whimsy …and always created with intention and heart.
And while she’s often seen confidently leading rooms and speaking to large groups, she’ll tell you something surprising- she’d much rather do that than walk into a networking event. For Heather, connection isn’t about self-promotion - it’s about purpose.
Outside of her work, you’ll find her doing what she loves - traveling, spending time outdoors, enjoying great music, cooking for people she cares about, and making memories with her husband and their dog, Max. “I love people. I love their stories,” she says. “And when you combine that with cooking for them… that’s me in my bliss.”
As Board Chair, Heather brings vision, experience, and heart, keeping a promise she made to Michael, and helping ensure the impact of Bad Dog Arts continues to grow, evolve, and reach even more lives.
You can connect with Heather at heather@mountainwestchamber.org
TerraLynn
D’Agostino
Board Member | Creative Spirit | Community Weaver
TerraLynn D’Agostino’s connection to Bad Dog Arts stretches back decades—long before it even had a name. She has been part of the story since 1994, when she first met founders Victoria Lyons and Michael Moonbird through Ancient Future, a local artist co-op where the early vision of a children’s art program first began to take shape. That spark stayed with her. “I’m passionate about Bad Dog’s mission,” TerraLynn shares. “To continue serving the community and helping people unleash their creativity and talents.” What began as a shared dream among artists has grown into something powerful—and TerraLynn has been there, supporting, teaching, organizing, and cheering it on every step of the way.
For her, access to the arts is transformational. “The arts give both children and adults an opportunity to explore their creativity, build confidence, and open their creative spirit,” she says. “I love seeing a child who believes they are not creative… and then watching them move through that doubt and create something with their own hands.” That belief is deeply personal. As a child, TerraLynn was always imagining—drawing, writing plays, dressing in costume, and performing for her stuffed animals. Creativity wasn’t just something she did; it was how she experienced the world.
If her personality were a piece of art, it would be Monet’s water lilies—layered, fluid, reflective, and ever-changing. A beautiful balance of calm depth and vibrant expression.
TerraLynn’s life outside of Bad Dog Arts is just as rich and expansive. An entrepreneur at heart, she is the owner of Shine Esthetics LLC and has spent over a decade as a Master Esthetician. Her journey has taken her through art, music, fashion, and performance—from repurposing clothing and designing custom hats for artists like Willie Nelson and the Gatlin Brothers, to working in the Los Angeles music scene and teaching art and dance in schools. But at the center of it all is community. She facilitates a monthly ceremonial pipe gathering focused on prayer and connection, has supported Vision Quest camps for over 35 years, and, alongside her husband, hosts gatherings that bring people together in meaningful ways. Whether through art, healing, or shared experience, TerraLynn creates spaces where people feel seen, connected, and inspired.
Her long-standing relationship with Bad Dog Arts reflects that same spirit. “I love working with children, inspiring their creativity, and seeing them grow in confidence and ability,” she says. From the earliest seed of an idea to the thriving organization it is today, TerraLynn has been part of the journey—and continues to help nurture what comes next
You can connect with TerraLynn at Shine Esthetics
Patrick
Kelliher
Board Treasurer | Financial Strategist | Community Builder
Patrick Kelliher joined the Bad Dog Arts Board with a clear intention—to help create opportunities where they matter most. “I feel it’s very important to do everything possible to provide opportunities for our children and underserved communities to grow and thrive,” he shares. “And I believed my background in finance and accounting could help support that mission in a meaningful way.”
With over four decades of experience in finance and accounting—including senior leadership roles at companies like Adobe and Vivint Smart Home - Patrick brings a steady, strategic lens to the organization. His work as a Contract Fractional CFO with Ampleo allows him to support growing organizations with structure, clarity, and thoughtful financial guidance. At Bad Dog Arts, that translates into something powerful, helping ensure the mission is not only inspired, but sustainable.
For Patrick, creativity plays a foundational role in shaping who we become. “Creativity is an important part of developing a well-rounded individual,” he explains. “The arts provide an outstanding way- especially for children - to explore who they are and develop their talents.” Even as a kid, that creative instinct showed up in unexpected ways. He and his friends would reinvent games adding their own twists to sports and board games…or rewrite song lyrics just for fun. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about exploration.
If his personality were a piece of art? A paint-by-numbers piece- clean, structured, and intentional. Geometric lines, thoughtful composition, and a clear path from beginning to end. It’s a reflection of how he approaches challenges: with clarity, efficiency, and a focus on solutions.
And then there’s the detail that tends to surprise people—Patrick is an identical twin… something he and his brother didn’t discover until they were 56 years old. A reminder that there’s always more to the story than what we see on the surface.
These days, Patrick is semi-retired, continuing to do select consulting work while making space for what matters most. You’ll often find him spending time with his family- especially his new grandson -playing pickleball, navigating a (by his own admission) inconsistent game of golf, or walking his dogs along the Jordan River.
Though newer to Bad Dog Arts, Patrick brings both experience and openness. He’s spent years serving on nonprofit boards and guiding organizations through growth and change, and he welcomes connection, ideas, and collaboration as he steps into this role. Because at the end of the day, his goal is simple: To help build something that lasts and creates meaningful impact for generations to come.
Susan
Barnes
Board Member | Project Manager | Energy Bringer
Susan Barnes came to Bad Dog Arts the way many people do - through an experience that stayed with her. She was first invited to attend an art show and learn more about the program afterward. What she witnessed wasn’t just artwork on display… it was transformation. Kids standing a little taller. Sharing their creative process with pride. Owning their voice in a way that felt both powerful and natural. “Seeing how the kids opened up, the confidence they had, and the way they talked about their art was both heartwarming and exciting,” Susan shares. “Hearing stories of past students sealed the deal. I knew I had to be part of this in some way.” For Susan, the magic of Bad Dog Arts lives in the process. “I have seen the focus and confidence it provides to the maker,” she says. “The process of creating is magical.”
That belief shows up in her own life, too. As a child, she was always creating—dancing, making crafts, coloring—finding joy in expression and movement. Today, that same energy carries into how she lives and connects with the world.
If her personality were a piece of art, it would be beautifully layered, chaotic, yet soft. Earth tones mixed with bright color. Sunshine and water. Trees and rocks. And always, the movement of music flowing through it.
Susan is currently an Event Manager, where she brings a strong background in leadership, training, and program development. Her career spans corporate environments and fast-moving startups, with a consistent focus on helping people recognize their strengths and step into their potential. She thrives in building systems, guiding teams, and bringing ideas from vision to execution. But beyond titles and roles, Susan brings something equally valuable—presence.
She’s powered by sunshine and music, and if you find her at an outdoor concert, you’ll see her fully in her element. A mother of four and grandmother of four, she carries both wisdom and playfulness, often surprising people with the vibrant energy she brings into every space.
Outside of Bad Dog Arts, Susan finds joy in connection and adventure—whether that’s a coffee date at a cozy café, packing a bag for a spontaneous road trip, or hopping on a plane to somewhere new. Exploring the world, in all its forms, is what fuels her.
Her connection to Bad Dog Arts may be newer, but her commitment runs deep. “The impact they’ve made in the hearts of so many children and families is remarkable,” she shares. “I would be honored to be part of keeping that legacy not just alive—but thriving.” And that’s exactly what she’s here to do.
Chris Jacobs
Board Member | Artist | Adventurer | Creative Instigator
Chris Jacobs- known and loved as Miss Chris Art- found her way to Bad Dog Arts through an invitation… and stayed because it felt like home. “I wasn’t initially inspired to join,” she shares honestly. “But the more I learned about the people, the mission, and the journey of Bad Dog Arts, the more I knew I wanted to be part of it.” That pull is rooted in something deeper- Chris has spent a lifetime building connection through creativity, community, and shared experience.
An artist at heart and in practice, she believes access to the arts is essential, not just for expression, but for shaping a better world. “Access to the arts creates curious people,” she says. “People who can problem solve, build community, and create peace.”
Today, Chris channels that passion into expanding access to the arts across generations. As a founder of a charter school focused on fine arts and now a member of the Bad Dog Arts Board, she is committed to ensuring children have the opportunity to discover themselves through creativity. But her vision doesn’t stop there. Chris is also deeply passionate about bringing art to the aging community-creating opportunities for older adults to stay vibrant, connected, and engaged with both themselves and others. She sees creativity as a lifelong thread, one that fosters joy, dignity, and meaningful connection at every stage of life.
Her appreciation for people and community has been shaped by a life lived across many places-from Toronto to Chicago, Minneapolis to Atlanta, Houston to Colorado- before eventually planting roots in North Salt Lake, Utah. Each place added a layer of perspective, reinforcing her belief that connection is something we create, wherever we are.
If her personality were a piece of art, it might feel like a bold, living landscape—layered, expressive, and full of movement. And that movement is real.
Chris is drawn to adventure - especially those in the mountains- to challenge, and to the unknown. A high mountaineer with her sights set on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, she brings that same courage and curiosity into her art, her community work, and her life. Whether she’s creating, skiing, climbing, or connecting people through shared experiences, Chris embodies the spirit of Bad Dog Arts: That creativity isn’t just something you do, it’s how you stay alive, engaged, and connected. And perhaps her favorite reminder of all: You don’t ever have to fully grow up… especially if you’re still creating.
Nathan
Adair
Board Member | Original Bad Dog Kid | Creative Spirit
For Nathan Adair, Bad Dog Arts isn’t just an organization—it’s part of his story. Nathan was one of the original “Bad Dog Kids,” among the very first children Michael Moonbird and Victoria Lyons taught when they began building what would eventually become Bad Dog Arts. Long before he joined the board, he experienced firsthand the creativity, encouragement, and sense of belonging that became the foundation of the organization’s mission. “As a former Bad Dog kid, it’s important to me to carry on the Bad Dog legacy and give others the chance to experience the amazing things Bad Dog has to offer,” he shares.
For Nathan, art is more than making something beautiful—it’s about self-discovery. “I think having a creative outlet gives kids the opportunity to truly express themselves and figure out who they really are.” That belief was shaped early. As a child, Nathan loved anything creative—drawing, painting, make-believe, beads, found-object art—anything he could dream up and bring to life. Creativity wasn’t confined to one medium; it was woven into how he explored the world.
That artistic curiosity eventually led him into fashion design, earning an associate degree in the field and developing a lifelong appreciation for fashion, aesthetics, and creative expression. Today, he combines that passion with sustainability through an Etsy shop he runs with his sister-in-law, curating vintage and upcycled clothing pieces that give old treasures new life. Sustainable fashion, for Nathan, is another form of storytelling and artistry.
Professionally, Nathan works as a Personal Banker with Wells Fargo, bringing warmth, connection, and a people-first approach into his everyday work. But outside the office, you’re just as likely to find him immersed in the arts—attending the symphony, exploring fashion and design, or planning his next travel adventure.
And he definitely has a sense of adventure. Nathan loves to travel and explore new places, experiences, and cultures, bringing the same curiosity to life that he once brought to the Bad Dog classroom as a child.
If his personality were a piece of art? “Colorful and chaotic,” he says—an answer that feels perfectly fitting for someone who embraces creativity with openness, joy, and authenticity.
There’s something especially meaningful about Nathan serving on the board today. He represents the living legacy of Bad Dog Arts—not just someone who believes in the mission, but someone who was shaped by it. He knows firsthand what can happen when a child is given space to create, experiment, imagine, and belong. And now, he helps ensure the next generation gets that same opportunity.
Raiana
Fonte
Artist | Mentor | Problem Solver | Adventurer
Raiana Fonte is a ceramic artist and Teaching Artist based in Salt Lake City. Working primarily in porcelain, her work is inspired by the natural world and features refined forms with detailed underglaze surface designs influenced by time spent hiking, camping and exploring mountain landscapes. Her primary focus is now teaching students of all ages a wide range of ceramic techniques while encouraging creativity, confidence and personal expression through clay.
In addition to her studio practice, Raiana is an experienced arts educator and former Program Coordinator at Bad Dog Arts, where she helped develop curriculum and manage studio operations. She also brings five years of experience teaching art in a large inner-city school in Cleveland, where she developed strong skills in classroom management, mentorship and student engagement.
A resourceful and imaginative creative professional, Raiana is passionate about creating welcoming and inclusive environments where students feel safe, supported and encouraged to explore their creativity. She believes art education should foster confidence, curiosity and problem-solving while honoring each student’s individuality through positive encouragement, experimentation and creative exploration.