2025 Staff

Executive Director

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?  

“I could not imagine a life without the arts because the arts have greatly influenced the person I am today. I am grateful to have an opportunity to work for an organization that not only understands that but lives by the energy the arts puts into the community/world.”

Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas joined Arts Mid-Hudson in April 2015 and has been a part of the arts scene for the majority of her life. She holds a BA in Acting for Theatre, a BA in Music Performance, a Masters in Public Administration, and a Masters Certificate from the International Institute of Event Management. Melissa was a singer, dancer, actor, photographer for 10 years following undergrad as well as the Managing Director at Allenberry Resort Inn & Playhouse in Pennsylvania. There, she coordinated volunteer programs, auditions, events, social media, and theatre representation among many other responsibilities. Melissa serves as a board member for Theatre Untitled, and the Greater Hudson Valley Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is also on the advisory board of The Dutchess Community College Academy of Music. In her free time, Melissa loves to cook, bake, travel and spend time with her family.

Director Administration

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?  

“I wasn’t exposed to a lot of art growing up. Working with Arts Mid-Hudson has kept me connected to all forms of art. And by working here I’ve learned why the arts are important for our communities and why it’s essential for a strong economy.”

Lisa Fiorese joined Arts Mid-Hudson in 1992 as a part-time bookkeeper. Over the next few years she took on additional responsibilities, at first job sharing the Administrative Assistant position and eventually moving into the position full time. In 2000, Lisa stepped into the position of Manager of Development & Administration and in 2007 was promoted to Business Manager. Lisa’s current position includes bookkeeping, office administration, contract administration, memberships and event coordination: in mid-2014 her title was changed to Director, Administration. Lisa resides in Staatsburg with her husband of 24 years. She wishes she had more time to spend with her camera but it waits patiently for her to retire.

Grants Manager

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?  

“As a visual artist, I understand the need for creative people to connect, collaborate, and have access to resources. Arts Mid-Hudson provides opportunities and support to so many hardworking artists and arts organizations in our region. I feel honored to support that mission and support Hudson Valley artist’s work!”

Lilia Pérez joined Arts Mid-Hudson in May 2016. As Grants & Programs Manager, she facilitates a grant program that distributes arts funding from the New York State Council on the Arts Statewide Community Regrant Program, and Dutchess and Ulster Counties. Additionally, Pérez manages the Arts Mid-Hudson Gallery and Community Gallery program which provides showing opportunities to artists in our region. She has provided guidance to hundreds of grant applicants, led workshops, and works to strengthen partnerships in our communities through the arts. She is a practicing artist utilizing photography, textiles, and sculpture. She graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a B.F.A. in Photography in 2015.

Marketing Coordinator

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?  

“I am inspired daily by the Hudson Valley's beauty and the people who live here. I strongly believe that art is everywhere, and everywhere is art, and art IS everywhere, and everywhere IS art in the Hudson Valley. I am grateful and excited to be part of an organization that supports and gives a platform to my home's creativity, expression, and diversity.”

Christen Sblendorio joined Arts Mid-Hudson in July 2022. Unsure of what she wanted to do after high school, Christen attended Dutchess Community College in 2008, majoring in Liberal Arts and the Humanities. While attending Dutchess, Christen was accepted into Vassar College’s Exploring Transfer Program in the summer of 2009, where she had the opportunity to study and live at Vassar College for six weeks. After a brief hiatus from college, Christen studied Communications with a concentration in Journalism at Marist College and received her B.A. in 2015. She then went on to take various writing workshops and classes at Catapult in Manhattan to further enhance her writing skills and begin writing her book. To further her creative strategy and marketing skills, Christen began Graduate School in 2018 at L.I.M. College in Manhattan, where she received her M.A. in Fashion Marketing. When she is not being a mother to her three black cats, working, creating, writing, or searching for vintage treasures, Christen spends her free time researching the history and taking pictures of abandoned places throughout New York State. She also likes to hike, kayak, and indulge in the finer things the Hudson Valley offers, such as art, food, drink, its views, and spirit.

Development Coordinator

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?

“Community involvement has been a cornerstone of my life from an early age. I grew up with parents who ran the local farmers’ market, spent 13 years in the Hudson Valley Girl Scouts, traveled on mission trips, and found countless other ways to connect and give back. Joining Arts Mid-Hudson is the next chapter of this lifelong commitment, and I’m excited to help nurture the culture that makes this region so special.”

Morgan Schultz joined Arts Mid-Hudson in August 2025 as the Development Coordinator, bringing her passion for connection and helping people engage with what inspires them. As a graduate of SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelor’s degree in Personal and Professional Communication, she has honed her  skills in marketing analytics and recruitment. After spending a few years in the Finger Lakes, Morgan is thrilled to return home to the Hudson Valley and connect with the region’s vibrant arts community. Outside of work, you can find her kayaking with her fiancé and playing fetch with their dog. Morgan looks forward to connecting with the surrounding community and bringing people together to support creativity. 

Programs Coordinator

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?  

“I have an intense passion for all things arts-related and being in an environment where creative practices meet the general public inspires me. In addition to being a visual artist, I work to create welcoming and inclusive spaces for other artists. My experience as a Latina emphasizes my commitment to accessibility in the arts and I'm thrilled to be working with an organization that provides so many opportunities and empowers the diversity of Hudson Valley artists and arts organizations.”

Adriana Torres-Trinidad joined Arts Mid-Hudson in September of 2023. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Studio Art and a Master’s Degree in Arts Management, both from the University at Buffalo. She is a triplet who found her individuality by expressing herself through artistic practices, her preferred mediums being painting and photography. Born and raised in New York and of Puerto Rican descent, she has experience in a variety of roles in the arts sector ranging from working with other non-profits, commercial galleries, and museums. She looks forward to driving positive change in the lives of the people in our communities.

Funding Coordinator

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?  

“Arts Mid-Hudson exemplifies what it means to put the artists at the forefront. There are so many access barriers that can stand in the way of an artist's ability to engage in a meaningful way with their community. Arts Mid-Hudson provides an avenue to deconstruct those barriers. As a theatre practitioner, I believe the most valuable tool the arts gives us is the ability to connect to one another. I'm excited to be a part of an organization so committed to upholding the vital connection that arts programming provides.”

Vanessa Cappuccio-Baer joined Arts Mid-Hudson in November, 2023. At Arts Mid-Hudson, Vanessa assists in implementing the organization's outreach initiatives and provides technical support for grants programming. Vanessa is a multi-hyphenate theatre practitioner who has directed, designed, and managed theatrical productions throughout the region. They hold a BA in Theatre Studies and an AS in Performing Arts. Additionally, Vanessa stands as a founding member of Definitely Human Theatre, a Hudson Valley-based theatre collective dedicated to bringing cutting-edge new works to the community. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys crocheting, baking, going to concerts, and spending time with her cat, Elio.