Current Staff Members:
Aimee Mestler
Executive Director
Aimee has been involved in CYT Fredericksburg since 2014 when her older daughter discovered her passion for theater and dance. Aimee is married to her husband of 25 years and has 2 daughters. She has a double degree in Elementary Education/Special Education from Elon University and experience in non-profit administration. During her 8 years as a parent volunteer and HYPE Advisor, Aimee spent many hours learning about the CYT Model and attending National Leadership training events. Aimee is thankful to God for the opportunity to be the Executive Director of this amazing non-profit.
Krista McKinley
Business Manager
Krista has been involved with CYT Fredericksburg in many ways as a parent volunteer for the last 5 years while her kids have been in productions. She is happy to be on staff now and excited to be a part of such an amazing organization that has played such an important part in the lives of so many kids, including her own. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Mason and a master’s degree in Counseling from Virginia Tech. She has worked for other non-profits in the area, both as a Program Supervisor at Northern Virginia Family Service and as a Children’s Program Manager for the Rappahannock Area Council for Child Abuse Prevention. She has also been a Sunday school teacher for the past 9 years at Christ Lutheran Church. She feels very fortunate to have been able to travel all over the United States and Europe with her military family as a child but is happy to call Fredericksburg her home now. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two girls and her crazy pets.
Rachel Hunter
Chapter Coordinator
Rachel Hunter is a mom of two awesome kids, and feels at home with CYT. Theater has been a part of her life since she was young, and she is so happy to continue in her passion with this amazing organization. Rachel grew up in Maryland and was involved in church, high school, community, and professional theater for many years. She has always worked with children, and taught a middle school drama class at Fredericksburg Christian School for 3 years. She became involved with CYT in the fall of 2013, when her daughter was cast in Annie. The following spring, Rachel began teaching classes for CYT, as well as some of its summer camps. She was also the show chair for the 2014-15 season, and officially joined the CYT Fredericksburg staff in August of 2015. Additionally, she fulfilled a dream by directing Anne of Green Gables during CYT's winter 2021 session, and also 12 Angry Men during the summer 2022 session. In addition to CYT, Rachel also works as a permanent substitute at the Upper School of Fredericksburg Christian School. She loves being a part of this "second family" at CYT, especially since the Lord is at its heart.