Dear Spy Hop Community,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am honored to announce that Larissa Trout has been selected as Spy Hop’s new Executive Director. Larissa is a passionate advocate for the arts and a steadfast believer in the power of young people. With over 15 years of dedication to Spy Hop, she has played an integral role in advancing our mission through development, marketing, and most recently as Associate Director.
Larissa’s lifelong commitment to the arts is rooted in her own experience as a dancer and public art enthusiast. She understands firsthand how creative expression can empower, transform, and uplift young voices. Her leadership is guided by a belief that every young person deserves a platform to share their story and to be recognized as a whole, creative, and respected individual. She believes that a thriving arts ecosystem, fueled by robust arts education, is essential to a vibrant and connected community—one where creativity is nurtured, voices are amplified, and future generations are inspired to engage in meaningful expression.
Throughout our search process, which included input from staff and board members, it became abundantly clear that Larissa’s deep knowledge, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering commitment to young people will carry Spy Hop forward with courage, creativity, and heart.
We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to Kasandra VerBrugghen for her extraordinary leadership over the past 17 years. Kasandra’s vision and dedication have been nothing short of transformative—she has solidified free afterschool programs, secured a permanent home for Spy Hop, and elevated our work to national recognition, all while centering youth voice and expression through different mediums. Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of Spy Hop, and we are forever grateful for her passion and service.
From Kasandra to Larissa, the Board of Directors reaffirms its commitment to supporting Spy Hop’s incredible team of artist mentors and administrative staff in fostering a space where young people can explore, create, and be heard. We are excited for this next chapter and confident that, under Larissa’s leadership, which begins March 21, Spy Hop will continue to be a beacon for youth storytelling and artistic discovery in Salt Lake City and Utah.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Daela Taeoalii-Higgs, Spy Hop Board Chair