Kate Andries
Executive Director
kate@ymaarts.org
503-281-9528
Kate is a seasoned arts administrator whose journey seamlessly blends a deep connection to the arts with wealth of professional experience. Her dedication to ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone stitches perfectly with YMA’s mission, “to provide young people with a unique personal experience in the visual and performing arts”.
Kate's love for the arts began early in life, learning the piano and violin at a young age, while also immersing herself in theater and ballet. These early experiences laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to the arts. She continued her artistic journey at the University of Puget Sound, where she further expanded her horizons in the world of theater.
With over 15 years of experience as an arts administrator, Kate's career is marked by continued growth and success. Her aptitude for grant management, fundraising campaigns, and community relationships is invaluable. She is a passionate advocate for arts access for young individuals. Her dedication to nurturing the transformative power of the arts and her expertise in arts administration make her a remarkable figure in the arts world, ensuring that the joy of creativity is accessible to all.
Galen Cohen, MA, LPC
Camp Director
galen@ymaarts.org
503-880-3817
Galen has been involved with YMA since 1993, when he attended 1st Session as one of the youngest cellists in the program. He remembers that all of the cello parts had to be re-written for him, as it was his first time attempting to play more advanced music. He continued at YMA into his teenage years as a CIT (Counselor in Training) and then as a Counselor. After a brief hiatus, Galen returned as the Director of Student Life for 8 years and was appointed Camp Director in 2015.
Galen holds a B.S. in Education and Social Policy and a Minor in Music from Northwestern University, and a M.A in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. In addition to being Camp Director, Galen works as a Mental Health Therapist, primarily with adolescents and families. Galen is also an active cellist in the Portland music community.
As with most students who attend YMA, the summer program has been life-changing for Galen, and he is thrilled to pass the experience along to new generations of families. At camp, in addition to seeing him run around addressing parent questions, training the Counselor team, helping with facilities issues and supervising the Faculty, he is known to be a beast on the 4-Square Court. However, he sadly admits that he has never won the tournament.