Hello friends!

If you’ve landed here, you probably know me—but in case we haven’t met yet… hi! I’m Miss Cassidy. I’m a teaching artist and the founder of Miss Cassidy Creates, an education and event company specializing in joyful, inclusive experiences that help learners of all ages explore their creativity, express themselves, and feel like they belong.

I’ve been a teaching artist in Pittsburgh for over a decade. Over the past five years, my work has centered around creating accessible, affirming programs for disabled individuals—and I believe this is exactly what I’m meant to be doing.

This August, I’ll be attending the LEAD® (Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability) Conference in Cleveland. LEAD is one of the nation’s most impactful gatherings focused on accessibility and inclusion in the arts. It’s a chance to learn from leading advocates, artists, and educators—and to bring that knowledge back home to make a tangible difference in my community.

Thanks to generous sponsorships from several local arts organizations, a portion of my costs are already covered. I’m now raising funds to help close the gap and fully cover the cost of attending, including registration, travel, and lodging.

And I’m excited to offer a sponsorship menu with special thank-you gifts at different levels—including training sessions, birthday cards, custom events, and more. Every contribution helps make the arts more accessible for everyone.

✨ What is LEAD®?

The Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD®) Conference, presented by the Kennedy Center, is a nationally recognized convening of professionals dedicated to improving access in the arts. Through hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, and collaborative networking, LEAD equips cultural organizations to create inclusive, equitable spaces for people of all abilities.

Why Now?

It’s close to home: This year’s conference is in Cleveland—making it more affordable and accessible for me to attend.

It sparks real change: National programs and local initiatives alike have grown from the ideas shared at LEAD.

It’s a pivotal moment: I’m ready to deepen my advocacy work and bring back resources, tools, and inspiration to help others.

Miss Cassidy Creates is for everyone: Attending LEAD will strengthen my ability to build inclusive events, classes, and performances where all kids, families, and creatives feel welcome and valued.

How I’ll Use What I Learn:

Inclusive Spaces: Opportunities for disabled people to create and participate in art are still limited. I’ll use what I learn to build more spaces where disabled artists can shine.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): I’ll continue sharing how UDL benefits all students—disabled and non-disabled alike—through workshops and school partnerships.

Event Accessibility: From birthday parties to community concerts, I’ll apply best practices to ensure more of my events are inclusive and welcoming for every learner.

Advocacy & Network Building: I’ll return with new tools to support families and organizations—and grow a national network of allies committed to this work.

What Will It Cost?

$1,900 covers everything: travel, lodging, meals, and full registration (including the education-focused ED@LEAD track).

Through nonprofit discounts and the generosity of City Theatre, I’ve already reduced costs wherever possible.

I’ve secured just under half my budget through sponsorships from local cultural organizations. I’m now asking for your help to raise the remaining funds.

Support Tiers & Thank Yous

Every donation means the world to me—but here’s how I’d love to say thank you:

$20 – Handwritten thank-you note + Miss Cassidy stickers

$50 – All of the above plus a personalized video message & custom birthday card

$200 – All of the above plus 2 seats in a Spring 2026 workshop: Disability 101 & Accessibility Best Practices

$300 – All of the above plus a custom 30-minute Miss Cassidy event

$500 – All of the above plus upgrade to a 60-minute event or a 90-minute individualized consultation

$800 – All of the above plus a full 3-hour Miss Cassidy experience (can be split into shorter sessions!)

✨ All benefits can be gifted to a learner, family, or organization of your choice. All event-based benefits are subject to availability and can be broken into 30-minute increments.

What Folks Say

“Cassidy is a wonderfully creative, caring, compassionate leader who thrives to make our community one in which everyone belongs. She recently directed a production of Frozen Jr. with individuals with disabilities, accommodating every performer with intentionality and love. Cassidy is a leader among leaders.”

— Ken Feda, Parent and Support Person

“She makes me feel alive. I love her dancing and her music. She helps me with my lines. She is sweet and kind.”

— Hannah, Actor in Frozen Jr. at The Woodlands

“Cassidy is everything you can wish for in an arts educator—highly skilled, deeply compassionate, and filled with more enthusiasm than one room can contain.”

— Kristen Link, Senior Director of Operations, The Woodlands Foundation

Thank You, Friend.

Thank you for believing in this work. Your support helps create more spaces where everyone—of all ages, abilities, and identities—can express themselves, build community, and thrive through the arts.

You can also contribute directly via Venmo or PayPal: @MissCassidyCreates

With joy and gratitude,

Miss Cassidy