Jane Burgess • Director of programs & marketing

Jane Burgess is a New York City–based educator, performer, arts administrator, and community advocate. She co-founded Art House Astoria in 2009 alongside her partner, Micah, with the vision of creating a welcoming creative home where people of all ages can discover confidence, connection, and joy through the arts. What began as a small community arts organization has grown into a thriving nonprofit serving more than one thousand students each year through music, theater, visual arts, and community programming.

Jane received her Bachelor of Music and Artist Diploma in Vocal Performance from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has performed throughout the United States and Italy, appearing on opera, musical theater, and cabaret stages. While she continues to love performing, her greatest passion has become helping others discover their own voices and creative confidence.

As an educator, Jane believes that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they truly belong. She is especially passionate about creating inclusive spaces for children of all abilities and is a strong advocate for students with special needs and invisible disabilities. Through both her work and her own experiences as a parent, she has seen how often children who are labeled as "difficult," "disruptive," or "unmotivated" are simply searching for understanding, encouragement, and a place where their unique gifts can flourish. She is committed to helping those students find their passion and experience the transformative power of the arts.

At the heart of everything Jane does is a belief that community changes lives.

Cara picone • theater education coordinator

Cara Picone is a resident of Brooklyn, and knows you Astorians will forgive her for that!  Cara is a professional actor and singer. She holds a Bachelor of Music from NYU’s vocal performance program and is a proud member of Actors Equity Association. Favorite credits include Sweeney Todd, Camelot, and Ragtime.  Cara has also directed many student and professional productions in the NJ/NYC area.  Cara is passionate about educating the next generation of artists and has been teaching voice and theater for nearly two decades.  She is thrilled to be a part of the Art House Astoria faculty.

Aprella Godfrey • student services coordinator

Aprella combines a lifelong dedication to the arts with a passion for helping others connect through creativity. As Student Services Coordinator, she enjoys connecting students and families with our talented teaching artists and creative programs, so that they can explore, build confidence, and grow through the arts.

Alongside her work at Art House, Aprella is an actor, a member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity Association, and a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio. As a longtime Astoria resident, she is grateful to support the neighborhood's vibrant arts community through her work at Art House.