SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Spy Hop Productions, Inc, (Spy Hop), a leader in the field of youth media arts education, is proud to announce that Larissa Trout has been selected as its new Executive Director. Her tenure will begin March 21, 2025. With over 15 years of service to the organization, Trout has demonstrated exceptional leadership and passion for amplifying youth voice, making her the perfect choice to lead Spy Hop into the future.
“Larissa is a visionary leader, a passionate advocate for the arts, and a steadfast believer in the power of young people,” said Daela Taeoailii-Higgs, Chair of Spy Hop’s Board of Directors. “Her deep understanding of Spy Hop, her strategic leadership, and her human-centered approach make her uniquely qualified to advance our mission and ensure our continued success.”
Trout’s commitment to the arts is rooted in her own experiences as a dancer, artist, and public art enthusiast. She understands the profound impact that creative expression can have on young people, empowering them to share their stories and build a sense of self-worth and respect. Throughout her tenure at Spy Hop, Larissa has played an integral role in advancing the organization’s mission through development, marketing, and most recently, as Associate Director.
“I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director at Spy Hop,” says Trout. “I deeply believe in our mission and am thrilled to work alongside our dedicated staff and board to shape this next chapter. My journey from artist to Executive Director is a testament to the unexpected paths life can take—and that with dedication, belief in yourself, and support from others, dreams truly do come true.”
Trout follows Kasandra VerBrugghen, whose tenure as Spy Hop’s Executive Director cemented the organization as a leader in the youth development and creative space. She was instrumental in building the Kahlert Youth Media Arts Center to give Spy Hop a permanent home where students can develop media and communication skills to build their professional careers. Additionally, she played a key role in establishing a legacy fund to ensure that Spy Hop’s high-quality, free arts education continues for years to come.
“We are incredibly grateful for Kasandra VerBrugghen’s extraordinary leadership over the past 17 years,” Taeoalii-Higgs continued. “Kasandra’s vision and dedication have helped solidify Spy Hop’s free afterschool programs, secure a permanent home for the organization, and elevate our work to national recognition. Her legacy has shaped Spy Hop into the impactful organization it is today.”
With Larissa at the helm, the Board of Directors reaffirms its commitment to supporting Spy Hop’s talented team of artist mentors and staff in providing a space where young people can explore, create, and be heard. Spy Hop looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering youth storytelling and artistic exploration under Trout’s leadership.
To read the full letter from Daela Taeoailii-Higgs, Chair of Spy Hop’s Board of Directors, visit the blog post here.