The Staff of the FOA

 Joe Carr, Technical Director Email

Joe grew up in Indianapolis with a great love for music and theatre. His career working with churches eventually 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 and in 2018, Joe moved his family to Boston, MA where he gained valuable insight volunteering with other theaters and earned his Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. Joe came back to us in 2022 and uses his passion for the arts and this community to inspire support for the future of the FOA.


Emily Trapp Jenkins, Programs Director Email

A native of Portland, Oregon, Emily Jenkins is a pianist who specializes in musical theatre, art song, and opera while regularly collaborating with professional singers and ensembles around the Midwest and South. She owns and operates Jenkins Piano Studio and frequently performs as a worship accompanist/soloist at area churches. She holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance and a Bachelors of Arts degree from Goshen College (Goshen, IN). In her spare time, she loves to cook, listen to true crime podcasts, and take walks with her dog, Lucy.

Meridith Pierce, Marketing & Outreach Manager Email

Born and raised in Jonesboro, Meridith joined the FOA staff in 2016, though she has began as a volunteer since 2010. A former 3rd-grade teacher with Nettleton Public Schools, she holds a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Educational Theory and Practice. She also owns Lolly Gourmet Popsicles in downtown, Jonesboro with her husband Russ. She is the mother of two children, Betsy and Henry ages 8 and 10. 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.
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller

Kelly Kelley, Bookkeeper
Email

Alyssa Cooper, Customer Service
© 2018 Foundation of Arts - Jonesboro