Carrie Hansen | President
Carrie Beasley Hansen grew up in a military family, giving her the opportunity to explore new worlds of performance every few years. Taking classes in gymnastics, choir, acting, and dance gave her the love of performing for live audiences. While growing in her craft, Carrie was blessed to sing in venues such as The White House, The Kennedy Center, The Philadelphia Fourth of July Celebration and Political National Conventions before graduating High School. Carrie attended Brigham Young University where she studied the Performing Arts (Music / Dance / Theatre) and American Sign Language. Carrie went on to perform with Walt Disney World as a Magic Kingdom character/entertainer. She also received her Walt Disney World ASL interpreters pin, allowing her to use ASL in the parks. It was in Orlando where she met her husband, Brent Hansen, from Brigham City, Utah. Returning to Utah, Carrie was offered a position as a Gymnastics Coach. Finding that she enjoyed teaching gymnastics, she continued her education through USAG. Carrie has been a Professional Gymnastics Coach since 2003 and a Northern Atlantic Women’s Gymnastics Judge (NAWJ) since 2014. Staying true to her roots in performance, she acquired representation as an actor with McCarty Talent in 2011. Carrie has landed commercials, independent film roles as well as roles for the Sundance Director Labs and still auditions today. In 2015, Carrie accepted a position within the Special Education Department at Promontory School of Expeditionary Learning. For Carrie, teaching students with special needs, and differentiating instruction accordingly has been “a wonderful and enlightening experience”.
“Aspire Performance Academy for the Arts has all of my performance passions in one place! There are so many talented individuals in our community. I look forward to learning, sharing, collaborating and growing with all of you!”
Braden Howard | Vice President
Braden (Brady) Howard grew up in Perry, the youngest son of Bruce and Barbara Howard, where he learned the power and importance of art – specifically in music and theatre. His interest in lighting design started young as he attended rehearsals at the Heritage Theatre with his mother, who played the piano in a number of productions there. At the age of 11, Scott Nelson at Adele C. Young Intermediate School took him under his wing and showed him how to explore his imagination in the backstage arts. He also received violin instruction from Diane Austin and piano instruction from Anita Ream. His roots in Box Elder County run deep and have proven to be a solid foundation for his career as a professional lighting designer. From his first show at the Heritage Theatre in 1999 to his first show on 42nd Street, New York City in 2015, the people in his life have been (and continue to be) the lift he’s needed to accomplish his greatest dreams.
“I’m thrilled to be involved with the Aspire Performance Academy and am excited to see the same things that have blessed my life so richly bless many others in this wonderful community.”
Sarah Bailey | Grants & Donations Chair
Sarah Lorna Bailey is homegrown from Willard, Utah, grew up in gymnastics, ballet and theatre, and always finds her way back to Box Elder County. After graduating from Box Elder High School, Sarah attended College of Eastern Utah as a Student Ambassador and then joined Utah State University in their BFA acting program for her undergrad. Sarah was drawn toward community art programming while volunteering with Elevate Theatre Company, for adults with disabilities, based out of Tanner Dance Company. Finding fulfillment and purpose in arts education and programming, Sarah earned her Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Southern Utah University.
“Whatever community I’m in, I always aim to empower and educate through art. Having an accessible arts education is so important to connect, uplift and inspire one another.”
Karli Steffy | Marketing & Business Development Chair
Karli has more than a decade of knowledge as an Operations and Brand/Marketing professional and is owner of KaliMari Ink Design. Karli received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art from Shepherd University and Project Management Accreditation from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business. She has experience leading creative initiatives and process management for start-up, growing and established businesses as well as non-profit organizations. With clientele nationwide, Karli has been able to assist businesses in a variety of industries.
“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.” – Neil Gaiman
Hannah Becker | Culture & Community Outreach Chairman
Hannah graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh and started her career in the newspaper industry. While her days were spent researching, interviewing, and photographing an eclectic array of subjects, she developed an understanding of how important social media can be for a business. I was on social every day to see upcoming events and to keep followers engaged. From newspapers, Hannah moved into the nonprofit sector and spent four years advancing the causes and agendas of grassroots organizations, and nationwide nonprofits. As a creator of social strategies and marketing plans, a manager of email marketing, and a strategist for donor growth, she became diverse and resourceful as the causes she helped to bolster. Over the spring of 2021, Hannah joined the Aspire board to help expand community outreach and help further develop our culture.
Mary Drew | Secretary
Mary Drew is the in-house content writer for KSR Consulting Group LLC and recently joined the Aspire board as the Secretary. As such, she is continually challenged to create engaging content for blogs, reports, websites, email marketing, and various campaigns. As a lifelong believer in education, Mary adores every chance she gets to learn new things. Writing for KSR gives her opportunities to learn, grow, and educate in return.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a Jack of all Trades; not tied down to one industry and the future laid out therein. I also wanted to write. It wasn’t until my 30s that I realized that the two were inexplicably entwined and the path I had always wanted to follow was already beneath my feet.”
Mary received her Bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College in 2007, an AA in Pre-Nursing from South Puget Sound Community College in 2012, and published her debut novel, Eden’s Exile, in 2020.