
Kelly McDowellChairperson
Kelly became a dedicated volunteer when her daughter Madison fell in love with theater after participating in an UpSTARt class in Southlake in 2022. Kelly saw an opportunity to support her daughter by volunteering backstage and is excited to continue serving NTPA on the Southlake Board. Kelly is not a stranger to the performing arts, she began her career by opening and operating major performing arts venues in both Atlanta, GA and Dallas, TX.
Deleted: When Kelly is not at the theater, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends and volunteering in her community.

Michelle GadaSecretary
Michelle is a proud nurse and dedicated mom who loves supporting her children’s creative passions both on and off the stage. With a deep appreciation for the arts and the positive impact theater has on young performers, she is excited to serve on the board and help nurture an environment where kids can learn, grow, and shine. Michelle’s family has been actively involved in NTPA for several years, and she enjoys volunteering behind the scenes at productions and cheering on her children’s performances. Through her role on the board, Michelle hopes to give back to the community that has inspired and encouraged her family, and to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the magic of theater.

Deborah ObaidVP
Deborah Larrison Obaid MD has been involved with NTPA since her daughters auditioned for the inaugural Southlake show. NTPA has become a home away from home for her family as her 6 children have all taken the stage. Deborah has cherished her time as show manager for many of the initial shows in Southlake and is passionate about encouraging arts education in Southlake. Deborah is honored to be a part of the Southlake team working to create a welcoming, supportive environment for NTPA directors, performers, and volunteers. In addition to being an active NTPA volunteer, Deborah also enjoys traveling with her husband Sacha and children.
Sacha Obaid
Jessica Ware (Lovelace)

Denise Tow
Denise has many years of experience in the Hospitality industry and currently a Sales Manager in the industry. She enjoys serving on various boards and helping in the community.
Darren Neal
Ashlie Dance
Veronica Tatum

Jessi Killion
Jessi has been married for 13 years and is the proud (and very busy!) mom of four boys—three of whom are almost always in an NTPA show, which means the theatre basically doubles as a second home for her family. She’s spent ten years choreographing all-star cheer and dance, teaches science to K–6 kids, and has always loved stories, whether on the page or the stage.
At NTPA, Jessi has worn just about every volunteer hat—show manager, backstage crew, costume wrangler, set build coordinator, and more. She loves being part of a place where kids not only shine under the lights but also pick up confidence, teamwork, and life skills along the way.

Aaron Gwaltney
Aaron is a passionate creative, and enjoys sharing the vision and values of NTPA. With a background in fine arts and business management, Aaron is excited for the continues growth and development of this NTPA Troup, and looks forward to being a part of this journey and continuing to support theater for children in our community. From building props, to scanning tickets, there are no small jobs. We are all here to play our part, auditions always open.

Jeni Gandy
Jeni is the heart and hustle behind a vibrant family of six, balancing the beautiful chaos of motherhood with a love for adventure, creativity, and connection. She believes in living life to the fullest—leading with heart, purpose, and positivity.
As a lifelong theatre enthusiast, Jeni is passionate about helping NTPA shine in the community. Now serving on the Board, she is dedicated to supporting young performers as they build confidence, learn teamwork, and experience the growth that theatre uniquely fosters. Her love for the arts has been proudly passed on to her youngest daughter, who has found a second home on the stage. Whether she’s cheering in the audience, volunteering behind the scenes, or offering her time and insight in leadership, Jeni brings energy, warmth, and a deep commitment to NTPA’s mission.
As a lifelong theatre enthusiast, Jeni is passionate about helping NTPA shine in the community. Now serving on the Board, she is dedicated to supporting young performers as they build confidence, learn teamwork, and experience the growth that theatre uniquely fosters. Her love for the arts has been proudly passed on to her youngest daughter, who has found a second home on the stage. Whether she’s cheering in the audience, volunteering behind the scenes, or offering her time and insight in leadership, Jeni brings energy, warmth, and a deep commitment to NTPA’s mission.

Steve Boedeker
Steve Boedeker is a dedicated community leader and cybersecurity professional with deep roots in Trophy Club, Texas. A 1998 graduate of the University of North Texas, he has built a diverse career across finance and cybersecurity, currently serving as a Cybersecurity Manager at PepsiCo.
Raised in Trophy Club, Steve returned to the community to raise his family, drawn by the same values and opportunities that shaped his own childhood. He gives back extensively through volunteer service and leadership roles. In addition to serving on the NTPA Southlake Board, Steve also volunteers with:
• Vice Chair, Trophy Club Board of Adjustment
• Member, Trophy Club Building Standards Board
• Fields Director & Board Member, Greater Northwest Soccer Association
• Volunteer Coach, youth soccer
• WatchDOGS Volunteer (Dads of Great Students), Northwest ISD
An active father and mentor, Steve coaches his children’s soccer teams and remains committed to fostering safe, vibrant, and family-focused environments in Trophy Club. His blend of professional expertise, local governance experience, and passion for youth development makes him a valued voice on the NTPA Board.
Raised in Trophy Club, Steve returned to the community to raise his family, drawn by the same values and opportunities that shaped his own childhood. He gives back extensively through volunteer service and leadership roles. In addition to serving on the NTPA Southlake Board, Steve also volunteers with:
• Vice Chair, Trophy Club Board of Adjustment
• Member, Trophy Club Building Standards Board
• Fields Director & Board Member, Greater Northwest Soccer Association
• Volunteer Coach, youth soccer
• WatchDOGS Volunteer (Dads of Great Students), Northwest ISD
An active father and mentor, Steve coaches his children’s soccer teams and remains committed to fostering safe, vibrant, and family-focused environments in Trophy Club. His blend of professional expertise, local governance experience, and passion for youth development makes him a valued voice on the NTPA Board.
Keisha Gifford
Amanda Williams
Brittany Yach
Susan Brown