Our Board
Our Staff
Stephanie Epps
- Executive Director
Stephanie Epps
- Executive Director
Originally from Mansfield, TX, Stephanie has called Jonesboro home since 2021. She attended Ouachita Baptist University, earning degrees in Music and Marketing. She and her husband, Cory, have been married for 12 years and love to travel and lead worship together. They have two children, Macy (5) and Coleman (3). Stephanie grew up on stages and has a passion for the arts and their impact on our community. She’s been with the FOA since May 2024.
Joe Carr
- Creative Director
Joe Carr
- Creative Director
Joe grew up in Indianapolis with a great love for music and theatre. His career working with churches brought his family to Jonesboro, and he began volunteering at the FOA in 2011 acting on stage and serving behind the scenes. He joined the staff in 2015 working as Technical Director until 2018 and then returned to the FOA in 2022. He is married with two children and uses his talents for theatre arts to inspire the community.
Meridith Pierce
- Marketing Director
Meridith Pierce
- Marketing Director
Born and raised in Jonesboro, Meridith joined the FOA staff in 2016, after serving as a volunteer since 2010. A former 3rd-grade teacher with Nettleton Public Schools, she holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Educational Theory and Practice. She and her husband Russ have two children, Betsy and Henry ages 9 and 11. Aside from her love of theatre, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, hiking, and helping to make a positive impact in our community through the arts.
Anna Ganong
- Box Office Manager
Anna Ganong
- Box Office Manager
Anna graduated with BSE Mathematics at Arkansas State University. She started her volunteer journey at the FOA in 2009. She has performed in numerous FOA productions and has assisted with scenic art for several others. Anna has honed her skills, not just as a performer, but also as a mentor to younger members of the organization. Her dedication to sharing her love of theater and mathematics has inspired many, encouraging them to explore the intersection of creativity and logic.
James Rich
- Theatre Technician
James Rich
- Theatre Technician
James graduated from Southern Arkansas University in the year of 2022. He moved to Jonesboro in 2023 and found The Foundation of Arts not long after his arrival. James has served as Technical Assistant for over 20 productions. One of his favorite sets that he’s worked on while employed here has been Charlotte’s Web.
Isabel Viala
- Programs Director
Isabel Viala
- Programs Director
Born and raised in Jonesboro, AR, Isabel is a current Senior at Arkansas State University. She is majoring in Business Administration and Business Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Management. Isabel has been dancing at the FOA since she was 8 years old. She has been teaching ballet at the FOA for five years. She has also served as the Assistant Director for the Nutcracker in 2022 and 2023 and then Director in 2024. Isabel is so passionate about the arts and loves the FOA and their mission. Isabel is excited to join the team and work on something so close to her heart!