Passionate and Dedicated

Debra Holloway

Executive Director, she/her

Ph.D. University of Colorado Boulder, MA & BA University of New Hampshire

Debra’s work with AIR began in 1998 when she conducted a two-year research study of AIR’s impact on participants for her doctoral degree. Her research focused  on the role of “voice” in the transformation of individuals and communities. In 1999, she co-led the AIR summer program and became the first board member and chair. From 2016 to 2019, she served on AIR’s Program Committee, Development Committee, and Advisory Panel as well as assisted with grant writing. Debra’s research with AIR inspired her to study painting and drawing for three years at the Colorado Academy of Art. Before becoming an educational researcher, she taught college writing at the University of New Hampshire, the University of Colorado Boulder, and Great Bay Community College. Debra lives in Rye with her husband Scott Marion and their dog Luke.

Cara Cabral

Program Director, she/her

BFA University of New Hampshire

Cara believes that the arts are a powerful vehicle for self-expression and community-building. Growing up as a teenager in Manchester, Cara frequented a free teen art center where she found supportive relationships and a healthy outlet in the arts, which inspired her professional trajectory. Cara is grateful to serve as the Program Director for Arts In Reach (AIR) where she has the opportunity to support the creativity and voices of youth through accessible arts and mentoring programs. Cara has a BFA in Painting and Drawing from UNH and will begin working towards her MSW in January 2022. In addition to her work at AIR, Cara serves on committees in her Seacoast community including the Dover Mental Health Alliance Steering Committee and the Somersworth Youth Connection Advisory Panel, and she’s a resident artist at the Dover Wrong Brain arts collective. When she isn’t working or creating, Cara loves to garden, antique, listen to classic rock music, and explore the notches of New Hampshire.

Haley Searcy

Program Coordinator, she/they

BS Appalachian State University

Haley was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina and is happy to now call the Seacoast their home. They are excited to combine their passion for youth development, educational background in sociology and gender studies, and love of the arts as the Program Coordinator at AIR. While attaining her undergraduate degree, she spent her free time volunteering with the Women’s Center and Planned Parenthood: Generation Action, working at the on-campus coffee shops, and making art and music with friends. When she is not working, you can typically find her drinking coffee, exploring New Hampshire and Maine, and being creative in her studio at Wrong Brain.

Caitlin Little

AmeriCorps VISTA, she/they

Iowa Western Community College

She is co-founder of Petshop Gallery(Omaha,NE) and currently serves as the Community Outreach and Business Development VISTA at Arts In Reach.

She is passionate about the essential function art plays in sustaining places economically and culturally and has advocated to create creative districts in Nebraska and other incentives to support them. Caitlin looks forward to expanding this important work in her new home on the Seacoast.

Cassie Brazeau

Assistant Program Director, she/her

BFA University of New Hampshire

Cassie attended UNH for her Bachelor of Fine Arts, focusing on ceramics and printmaking. She has continued to practice both mediums, working out of two seacoast-area studios; one outfitted with her own printing press and the other a communal ceramics studio. Cassie began working with AIR as a teaching artist and guest speaker before taking on the role of Assistant Director. She is thrilled at the opportunity to nurture the connection between young creatives, and various forms of artistic expression! When she’s not in one of her studios or working for AIR, Cassie spends the summer months riding around on a vintage baby-blue Honda motorcycle and the winter months hiking and exploring with friends.