About Zamar
Performing Arts
is a unique program that improves youth’s self-confidence, social skills and Christian values. It provides a fun and creative environment for youth to explore music and theatre without being afraid.
The Zamar Performing Arts Group is the youth department of the organization, Connecticut Association of Youth Leaders for Christ (CAYLC).
CAYLC is a Bible-based Christian ministry dedicated to encouraging the youth to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through dynamic crusades and community activities that will promote growth and wellness.
Members of zamar
Performing Arts Group have the opportunity to...
- Join one of our several youth vocal ensembles, based on their age and experience.
- Study music with our exceptional instructors, dedicated to the development of each child’s artistic potential in an encouraging, supportive environment.
- Sing outstanding choir repertoire with other talented young people, who share their passion for music and singing in perfect harmony.
- Learn to act, dance, sing, develop their voices, gain performance skills and experience.
- Acquire and expand musicianship.
- Perform with professional musicians, artists, choirs.
- Sing songs of various genres and styles, in many different languages.
- Have fun singing, enjoy making music at a professional level.
- Make new friends and develop friendships that will last a lifetime.
- Serve the community through charitable performance and events.
New members are always welcomed!
About our team
Renée Prosper
Founder and Executive Director
Renée Prosper is the founder and executive director of Zamar Performing Arts Group. Renée saw a need to have young adults become more involved in the annual Connecticut Association of Youth Leaders for Christ (CAYLC) activities. Renée is a vocalist and percussionist. She began directing the children’s church choir at a very young age. She serves in her church as the children’s sunday school teacher and enjoys organizing concerts and plays.
Renée completed her Bachelor of Arts at Eastern Connecticut State University and returned to school to become a diagnostic medical sonographer.
She is passionate about God, music and inspiring others.
Careen Derise
Musical Director
Careen Derise is the musical director of Zamar Performing Arts Group. She is also one of the founding members and president of Connecticut Association of Youth Leaders for Christ (CAYLC). She is a multi-instrumentalist and plays the piano, organ, guitar, and saxophone. Careen Derise is a choir director and instructs local choirs. She enjoys encouraging the youth to develop a strong relationship with God and to live a life of faith in Christ Jesus.
She serves in her church as administrator and enjoys playing the organ during worship services.
Careen studied for her Masters of Science in History at Southern Connecticut State University and teaches 7th and 8th grade social studies in Bridgeport, CT.
She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and music.
Christina Peltrop
Theatre Director
Christina Peltrop joined the Zamar Performing Arts Group in 2017 as the theatre director. Christina co-wrote the stage play "Journey to the True Lion" with Kassandra Clement.
In 2019, she received a degree in Management Information Systems with a concentration in Data Analytics and a minor in Biomolecular Sciences from Central Connecticut State University.
Christina will continue her education at Nova Southeastern College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in order to pursue a career as an optometrist.
In her free time, Christina likes to ride her bike, do her hair, and enjoy nature.
Kassandra Clement
Artistic Director
Kassandra Clement joined the Zamar Performing Arts Group in 2017 as artistic director and theatre director assistant.
Kassandra co-wrote the stage play "Journey to the True Lion" along with Christina Peltrop.
She thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of producing this inspirational work of art. From writing to costume selections Kassandra is completely involved. She believes theatre is a powerful form of expression.
Kassandra currently works in property management and plans to obtain her Masters Degree in Communications. Kassandra enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going on bike rides, and studying the Bible.
Rebecca Prosper
Advisor
Rebecca Prosper is a trusted Advisor of Zamar Performing Arts Group. From the start Rebecca has provided assistance with planning and resources to aid in the progression of all Zamar Performing Arts programs.
Rebecca is a vocalist. She serves in her church as praise and worship leader, minister and prayer intercessor.
Rebecca is active in her community. She is the founder of Foundation of Hope, an organization that partners with local humanitarian causes to bring awareness and change.
She plans to continue contribute to her community to the best of her abilities.
She enjoys playing the piano, reading her Bible and animals.
Jenny Jean-Francois
Project Manager, Finance
Jenny Jean-Francois is the finance project manager and advisor to Zamar Performing Arts Group. Jenny also serves as Bible Jeopardy Tournament coordinator.
Jenny is an active member of Vertical Church in West Haven, CT. She completed her Doctoral Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2020 from Fairfield University.
Currently she is practicing in an urgent care facility. Jenny loves helping people and advocating for her patients as well as helping them live healthier lifestyles. She enjoys spending time with her family, worshiping and traveling.
Ibsen Charles
Advisor
Ibsen Charles is a trusted advisor to Zamar Performing Arts Group. As the First Lady of First Free Methodist Church of Stamford she enjoys coordinating activities and engaging with people of all ages.
She is a member of FHFMC’s Les Phares women’s group and leads the Littles Elementary School Student ministry. She has also served as preschool age Sunday School teacher for many years. She has a B.S. in Communications and an ABD in Human Nutrition.
She enjoys reading, learning about other countries and spending time with her family.
Katsia Augustin
Advisor
Katsia Augustin lovingly referred to as Kay, is an advisor of Zamar Performing Arts Group.
Katsia is a Student ministry director, Young Adult Bible study teacher, and sits on the English service board at the First Haitian Free Methodist Church of Stamford.
She is also the founder of Signature Event Design, LLC, and event planning and design company for social and nonprofit events.
She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design at the University of Bridgeport (UB).
When Kay is not working, she enjoys travelling, entertaining friends & family and giving back to her community.
Lisa Derogene
Project Manager, Marketing
Lisa Derogene is Marketing Project Manager for Zamar Performing Arts Group. Lisa is youth leader at the French Speaking Baptist Church of Stamford.
She spent over 8 years assisting with the children ministry at French Speaking Baptist Church of Stamford. Lisa continues to develop a relationship with the youth as much as possible. Lisa has an educational background in marketing. She earned her Master’s degree in Digital Marketing in 2017. She uses her skills and experience to help further Zamar’s mission.
Lisa is passionate about reading, blogging and trying out new things.
Janaya Laudé
Project Manager, Administrative
Janaya Laudé joined the Zamar Performing Arts Group in February, 2020 as a volunteer project manager. Janaya is the president of her youth choir at the French Speaking Baptist Church of New Haven. She is passionate about creating spaces for youth within her church to seek Jesus Christ for themselves and express their individuality. She enjoys taking on new experiences and Zamar is one of them! She currently oversees administrational tasks. She is a rising junior who plans to transfer from Gateway Community College in the Fall. She intends to pursue a career as a marriage and family therapist, and would like to expand her knowledge of the word of God by obtaining a Master of Divinity in the future.
Janaya loves playing tennis, singing, and trying new food.
Kassandra Menelas
Marketing Coordinator
Kassandra Menelas joined Zamar Performing Arts Group April 2020 as Marketing Team Learder. Always showing interest in serving the community and pushing herself outside of her comfort zone, becoming a Zamar team member seemed meant to be.
She faithfully serves as Vice President of her church youth group and also ministers in song on the worship team. Kassandra is driven and remains unmovable in her walk with Christ. She is always determined to find the blessing of every situation and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
Kassandra is pursuing her degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling.
She enjoys meeting new people, good cuisine and sharing stories.
Dr. Anna Krendel is the Founder and the Executive Director of MUSYCA Children’s Choir. Anna is a virtuoso pianist, whose performance career spans from recitals, chamber music concerts, and choral performances to studio work and movie soundtracks. She also enjoys working with producers, artists, and composers as a vocal music contractor & coordinator, who books talented singers and musicians for film & television, soundtracks, recordings, and live performances in Los Angeles.
A renowned music educator and piano pedagogue, Dr. Krendel served as the district coordinator and president-elect of the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) and is an adjudicator for the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program and Music Teachers’ Association of California piano competitions. Born in Ukraine, Dr. Krendel studied piano performance at the Kharkov Conservatory. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance at the University of Southern California, studio of Dr. Alan Smith. Dr. Krendel has earned a Master’s Degree in piano performance at California State University Northridge, where she studied with Dr. Frank McGinnis and Ms. Francoise Regnat. Dr. Krendel is the winner of several competitions and a recipient of numerous university and community awards, including the Jacob and Bronislaw Gimpel Memorial Award.
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