SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Spy Hop Productions, Inc, (Spy Hop), a leader in the field of youth media arts education, announced today that Executive Director Kasandra VerBrugghen will be stepping down from her position this spring. Since joining the organization in 2008, VerBrugghen has transformed Spy Hop from a small, youth media arts organization, into a thriving, nationally recognized nonprofit that includes statewide programming, helping over 10,000 Utah youth (ages 9-19) to find their voice through media arts.
“Kasandra’s exemplary leadership at Spy Hop has made an immense impact on our youth in Utah,” said Daela Taeoalii-Higgs, Chair of the Spy Hop Board of Directors. “Her vision and commitment have established Spy Hop as a nationwide leader in youth education and development. She’s been tireless in advancing Spy Hop’s mission of mentoring young people in media arts to help them find their voice and tell their stories.”
During VerBrugghen’s tenure, Spy Hop expanded their offering from 2 programs to 18, extending their reach to over 80 schools across Utah annually. She was instrumental in building the Kahlert Youth Media Arts Center to give Spy Hop a permanent home where students can develop the media and communication skills to build their professional careers. Under her leadership, Spy Hop established a legacy fund to ensure that their high-quality, free arts education will continue for years to come.
As Spy Hop looks to the future, they remain committed to elevating youth voices through film, audio, music, and design. “Spy Hop plays such an important role in our community,” said Taeoalii-Higgs. “In addition to the skills students acquire in media arts and media literacy, they also find a sense of belonging and safety to share their experiences and become active and aware agents of positive change.”
Spy Hop’s Board of Directors has established a search committee and is actively recruiting for the next Executive Director to carry forward the incredible work that VerBrugghen has shepherded for over 17 years.
“It has been an incredible honor to lead Spy Hop and witness the transformative power of the arts on young lives, and I am confident that the organization will continue to flourish in the years to come,” said VerBrugghen. “The impact Spy Hop has had on the lives of young people will stay with me forever. ”
You can read Kasandra’s letter to the community here.
About Spy Hop: Spy Hop is an award-winning, nonprofit youth media arts and educational enrichment center founded in 1999 and located in downtown Salt Lake City. Our mission is to mentor young people in the digital media arts to help them find their voice, tell their stories, and to effect positive change in their lives, their communities, and the World. We envision a world in which all young people have the skills and mindsets necessary to succeed and that their voices are heard and valued as conduits of change in their communities.