Our Team
Lindsay McIntosh, Executive Director
A proud Truckee native and Truckee High School graduate, Lindsay McIntosh brings her world-class training, innovative vision, and lifelong connection to the Tahoe-Truckee community to her role as Executive Director of Arts For The Schools (AFTS). The daughter of a longtime TTUSD employee—her mother recently retired as Transportation Coordinator—Lindsay grew up in a family devoted to education and service. Now, she’s honored to return home to lead AFTS, weaving together her global arts experience with a deep commitment to local students and schools.
A Juilliard-trained historical oboist, arts entrepreneur, and advocate for new music, Lindsay founded the acclaimed ensemble New Vintage Baroque while studying in New York, and later launched Musica Sierra, an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to bringing world-class arts and music education to rural communities. Her groundbreaking Musical Headwaters and Musical Field Journal programs integrate music, science, and social-emotional learning, and are now used across Sierra-Plumas, Plumas, and Tahoe-Truckee Unified School Districts.
Through her dual leadership of Arts For The Schools and Musica Sierra, Lindsay is redefining what arts education looks like in rural California—infusing it with empathy, creativity, and a profound sense of place. Her work has been recognized in The New York Times, San Francisco Classical Voice, Tahoe Quarterly, Opera America, and Chamber Music America.
Cyn Hollingshead, Marketing & Education Manager
Cyn Hollingshead is a dynamic arts and education professional whose career bridges creative marketing, visual storytelling, and arts-based learning. With a background in styling, brand engagement, and program coordination, she brings a uniquely creative perspective to educational programming in the performing arts.
A graduate of Portland State University, Cyn has built a career developing engaging content, leading arts-centered workshops, and supporting educational initiatives that connect creativity with community. She has extensive experience in marketing for arts organizations, project management, and youth engagement, having collaborated with educators, artists, and arts nonprofits across Northern California.
Rooted in both Oakland and Loyalton, Cyn combines urban creativity with small-town community focus. Inspired by her sister, Lindsay McIntosh, founder of Musica Sierra, Cyn has contributed to education projects that blend music, art, and storytelling to inspire curiosity and self-expression in young learners. Known for her professionalism, creative vision, and collaborative spirit, Cyn thrives in environments where arts and education intersect to make lasting community impact.
Our Board
John Jewett, President
John Jewett is the VP of Asset Management for Taylor Builders. He is responsible for the master planning, design, and development of Taylor projects. John’s management of the portfolio of land assets requires broad engagement with community stakeholders. Before joining Taylor Builders, John spent 13 years with East West Partners and Mountainside Partners working on Tahoe projects, including Old Greenwood, Grays Crossing, The Village at Northstar, The Highlands, and Mountainside at Northstar. Mr. Jewett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Syracuse University, graduating as a Dean’s Scholar. He is active in the community, serving on numerous non-profit and government boards, including the North Tahoe Regional Advisory Committee, Trout Unlimited, and the Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation.
Andrew Cross, Board Financial Officer
Andrew is a fourth-generation Truckee local who was born and raised in Truckee. Andrew holds a UC Davis Civil Engineering Degree. In 2007, Andrew began his journey to transition to the presidency of Truckee Tahoe Lumber Co. through a management development program that required an MBA degree and working side-by-side with each employee at Truckee-Tahoe Lumber Company in order to fully understand their role and importance in the company. He currently operates four locations.
Laura Homen, secretary
As an art teacher, Laura Homen is always excited to share her philosophy. She believes it is as much about the process as it is about the product. Art makes us feel good, whether we are making it, looking at it, buying it, or giving it away. We need to feel good about art. Laura has been a credentialed teacher for over 40 years, earning her master’s degree in Multicultural Foundations in Education. She was an art docent/teacher in public schools for 27 years. Her enthusiasm for art and love of learning is obvious when you visit North Tahoe Arts Kid’s Art Camp, where she shines while working with our “budding artists”.
Brian Hess, board member
Brian Hess is a versatile Tahoe-based musician, bandleader, and DJ known for creating the perfect blend of music for any occasion. A multi-instrumentalist on saxophone, piano, clarinet, flute, and turntables, Brian seamlessly weaves jazz, funk, soul, reggae, and more into every performance. A graduate of Sonoma State University, he’s collaborated with top professionals across the Bay Area and beyond, performing with ensembles from gospel choirs to jazz quartets. Deeply rooted in the Tahoe-Truckee community, Brian is celebrated for his creativity, professionalism, and ability to turn any musical vision into reality.