Heather Dewey Wagner
Executive Director
Heather, originally from Cedar Rapids, attended Washington High School and studied journalism at the University of Missouri. During her sophomore year, she discovered a passion for drawing and pursued it further, eventually earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art and Design from Iowa State in 1990.
After college, Heather worked as an artist in advertising before becoming a freelance artist and designer, establishing her own business called Paper Moon Originals. She returned to Cedar Rapids in 2000 and served as a commissioner for Cedar Rapids and the Visual Arts Commission while painting murals for local businesses, schools, churches, and the African American Museum.
In 2014, Heather joined the Arts Academy and became involved in teaching art classes to mentally handicapped and autistic students at the EIAA. She actively participates in various community initiatives, including the Visual Arts Master Plan Steering Committee, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation non-profit advisory committee, the Tuesday Noon Optimists, the Cedar Rapids Public Art Commission, and serves as a board member for the HUB Program at the Collins Community Credit Union. Heather's studio has been based in the Cherry Building for nearly twenty years, providing her with a thriving creative space. She enjoys spending time with her two grown sons, good friends, and spends lots of outdoor time Jeeping.
Pam Kaufman
Finance Director (CPA)
Pam Kaufman is a graduate of Mount Mercy College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Business Administration. Pam’s 25-year career in public and private accounting includes positions as an auditor, tax accountant, personal financial manager and staff accountant. She is a native of Cedar Rapids and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, baking and gardening.
Naomi Ruckus Rose
Rock Academy & Creative Director
Naomi's origins start in Northeast Iowa where she was raised by creative parents that inspired artistic growth within her. She graduated with a degree in recording and music technology from Madison Media Institute in Madison, WI. She migrated to the Cedar Rapids-area as an adult and got involved with EIAA in 2018. In addition to being the Rock Academy Director, she teaches vocal lessons and directs a youth rock band, Flashback at EIAA. Naomi has worked as a professional graphic designer since 2007 (currently designing the Premier Guitar magazine), photographer/videographer since 2010, and has been a performing musician/songwriter/producer since 2000. Naomi has been a professional creative business owner since 2008 (Rockadot) partnering with local startups to nationally known corporations where she specializes in branding and graphic design.
Naomi has two rescue pups, Polliwog and Seven of Nine. She enjoys being in nature, making music, and collecting rocks.
Evan Stock
TalkBack Studios Director
Evan Stock is the Rock Band Program and Recording Studio Coordinator. Evan began producing music at a very young age, making songs and albums frequently with friends and bandmates from grade school. His passion for recording music continued through high school as his new and upcoming band, The Evan Stock Band, self-produced and released their own music. While working on music production with a working band Evan has spent years networking and managing his act as they played gigs all over Iowa, and beyond. Evan has experience with event contacts, traveling, live sound management, managing band members, and much more!
Kassandra Rocarek
Office Manager / Program Assistant
Kassandra is a Cedar Rapids native. She graduated from Jefferson High School and went on to obtain a degree from Kirkwood Community College with a focus on special education. She worked with the special populations at Jefferson during her time there and is currently a full-time caregiver outside of the academy. She has experience as a business owner, creating and selling works of art, and is excited to put her skills to use at EIAA. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, fishing, reading, playing video games, and exploring new art mediums.
Harrison Shaffer
Community Relations Manager
Harrison is a native to Cedar Rapids. He attended Washington High School where he was heavily involved in the theater and visual arts programs, and was a founding member of the WHS improv team, the FDIC (Forest Drive Improv Company). After graduating he first attended Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota. After finding himself missing the thriving performing arts scene in Cedar Rapids, he returned to Iowa to finish his education at Coe College, where he graduated with a double major in communications and theater. In addition to his position with Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, Harrison is currently a working actor in the eastern Iowa area. Upon his return in 2017 he also founded a professional improv team, Living Improverty. He continues to perform in and direct the group in performances around the corridor. Harrison is also a member of the Cedar Rapids branch of the Dinner Detective murder mystery company, and the Iowa branch of Jest Murder Mysteries. Outside of performing and art his passions include Disney, Nintendo, and all things nerdy!
Drake Wilson
Facilities Manager
Drake was born and raised in Cedar Rapids where he graduated from Xavier High School. Drummer and founding member of The Evan Stock Band, he has been performing since 2011. Drake is a Sound Engineer at The Olympic Southside Theater, The Ideal Theater and Bar, and has worked in many other local and regional performance venues. He has experience in construction and home remodeling, enjoying a hands-on approach to his work. In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors, camping, and fishing.
Russ Fagle
Healing HeARTS Coordinator
Russ Fagle is an artist and art instructor with nearly 30 years of experience in branding, graphic design, art and illustration and creative development. A graduate of Wartburg College, his clients have included The Iowa Lottery, Brach’s Candy, Apple, Panasonic, GE Capital and local companies like The Freedom Festival, The NewBo City Market and Rockwell Collins. Russ has also worked extensively in developing communications and graphics for businesses and organizations since 2001 when he transitioned to an independent consultant. Russ was a founding artist of the New Bohemia Arts and Entertainment District of Cedar Rapids in 2002 and currently sits on the New Bohemia District Board of Directors. He is the owner of Mixed Media Magic which is an art event business. Russ has facilitated art making workshops for cancer patients for many years and he currently facilitates the EIAA’s Healing HeARTS program, as well as the Arts@Home program. Russ is an artist, father and avid student of world history and cultures.
Crystal JL Hird
Program Specialist
Crystal JL Hird is a professional artist based in Cedar Rapids, lowa with a diverse range of artistic interests including mixed media, sewing, textiles, and collage. She also has skills in clay, watercolor, and sculpture, showcasing their versatility and creativity across different mediums.
With over 20 years of art experience, Crystal has made significant contributions to the local art scene. Their work has been exhibited in prestigious venues such as the State Law Library of lowa, Robert W. Barlow and Ladd Libraries, as well as CSPS, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (CRMA), the Cherry Building, and many others. In addition to her artistic practice, she has dedicated three years to teaching, sharing her knowledge and passion for art with others.
Crystal's commitment to her craft and community reflects her deep appreciation for the arts and her desire to inspire creativity in those around her.
Alice Cruse
Video Intern
Alice is a senior at the University of Iowa majoring in journalism and mass communication with a minor in international studies. She is the vice president of the Iowa Multimedia Initiative and a peer mentor for the Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is also a volunteer teacher with the Iowa Youth Writing Project and works as a bridal consultant for a local bridal boutique in Coralville.
Alice is originally from Cedar Rapids, where she earned her associate’s degree from Kirkwood Community College. She was part of the EIAA Rock Band program during high school, singing for False Alarm. She still loves to sing in her free time and takes vocal lessons through the University of Iowa. She also loves traveling, and will gladly share pictures of her adventures. Alice has a passion for both the arts and for multimedia production that she is very excited to unite through her internship for the EIAA.
Yohan
Music Intern
Yohan is an aspiring studio engineer and current music intern at EIAA. At the age of 17, Yohan along with his family started a music group called Voices of Prophecy. 2 years later the group had gone from busking and street performing to touring the country performing shows from Los Angeles to New York and everywhere in between. After 6 albums, 100,00 streams, and over 10,000 records sold Yohan found inspiration to continue his passion in music by developing his skills as a recording engineer and music producer. He continues to create and produce music alongside his sibling while furthering his education and experience as a musician.
Abigail Shapley
Expressive Arts Intern
Abigail is from Dallas, TX and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Coe College with a major in Psychology and two minors: Creative Writing and Health & Society Studies. She is set to graduate at the end of the 2025 spring semester. Her intention is to go into the expressive arts therapy field following her school career. She has experience in music, dance, art, and creative writing. Her specialties are various forms of poetry and fiction, and she looks forward to working with EIAA staff and students throughout the term.
Piper Even
Music Intern
Piper resides in Marion, Iowa. She graduated from Marion High School and is currently working on a degree in music from Kirkwood Community College. She has been heavily involved in any and all music and theatre activities at both schools. She plans to get her Associates degree from Kirkwood and then transfer to University of Northern Iowa to get her Bachelors degree in music education. In her free time she enjoys singing, reading, watching musicals and spending time with her friends and family.