Meet Our Staff

Ella "GG" Tyler

Program Director

Ella fell in love with Point Loma Arts Academy when she became a student in the summer of 2007. In 2014, she took on more responsibility as a TA (teenage teaching assistant), a longstanding camp tradition. Her love of music fostered by Point Loma Arts Academy, encouraged Ella to pursue a degree in audio production, which then led her to work in the music industry professionally on projects like Disney’s Zootopia 2.

From 2020-2025 Ella served as PLAA’s Music Co-Director, where she shifted the camp’s sound, leaning heavily into her love of Rock ‘N’ Roll. Passionate about connecting families through music, she helped campers appreciate the songs their parents and grandparents grew up with.  Ella has also co-directed our theater program for the past two summers. 

This year she proudly steps into her role as Program Director for what will be her 20th summer at Point Loma Arts Academy!

Lanae Wangler

Chief Administrator

Lanae first came to Point Loma Arts Academy as a parent, dropping off her child each July from 2010–2013. Her family fell in love with the camp’s art showcases, music and theater programs, as well as the home-baked snacks.

When the camp closed in 2013, Lanae’s passion for its mission inspired her to re-open it in 2014. She served as Director of PLAA from 2014–2025, nurturing a welcoming and creative community where young artists were encouraged to explore and grow.

​In addition to her work at PLAA, Lanae has loved teaching high school English with San Diego Unified School District since 2000. She earned Teacher of the Year in 2011 and 2025, and also became a Fulbright Scholar in 2025.

Michelle Magarian

Art Instructor

Michelle’s four children all attended Art’s Academy and now she is grateful to be back with this community as an art instructor since 2022!

Michelle studied Art and Graphic Design at SDSU. She built a community for creatives as the owner of Paper Tales, a paper and craft shop In Point Loma for 10 years, where she also taught art classes. 

After her store closed its doors in 2018, she continued to teach art to children of all ages and adults. She provides art instruction at various schools and events throughout the county.

Kadie Nagy

Art Instructor

Kadie is an early childhood educator with 20+ years experience working with young children. After living in San Diego for 15 years, her and her family moved to Colorado. Her love of nature, art and animals drew her to a teaching position at Sunflower Farm, a nature based preschool in Colorado. As a certified forest school teacher, Kadie believes in the importance of slowing down childhood and giving children the time and space to truly connect with nature. 

​Kadie became a part of the PLAA staff in 2021 and treasures her summers in San Diego working alongside dear friends at the academy. She has two children ages 8 and 10 who absolutely love being a part of the PLAA community!  ​

Mark Tyler

Finance Director

Mark’s connection to Point Loma Arts Academy began in 2006 as a parent. Both his children enjoyed this fun summer experience for many years and his daughter remains involved today. He cares about PLAA because he knows how important it is for families to have a program where their kids can be themselves, and explore music and art while developing lasting friendships. He believes having this resource in our neighborhood adds to our sense of community and promotes appreciation for the arts in the next generation.  
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​Mark is a retired business owner whose involvement in the Point Loma community includes managing at Point Loma Little League and coaching at Peninsula Softball. He is a philanthropist who supports the arts and access to sports in underserved communities. Mark has intermittently volunteered at PLAA over the last 20 years, most famously as the apple slicer for our beloved apple pie snack. He is currently volunteering at PLAA as finance director.

Caroline Casinghino 

Theater Instructor

Caroline came to PLAA in 2014 and fell in love with it on her very first day. She stayed with the academy as a camper until she became a TA in 2021. In 2025, She rose to the occasion and became Co-Director of the afternoon theatre program. She says ”I think that the true magic of camp is that the majority of our staff have been around camp for a lot of their lives. This great sense of tradition has kept me coming back every year, and I have gone from having the joy of getting to be a camper, to getting the joy of being able to work with all of your amazing campers!” Caroline is excited to return for her 12th year at PLAA, and for hopefully many more years to come.

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Point Loma Arts Academy Staff Summer 2025