Our Staff Team

We’re artists, mentors, and community builders dedicated to creating a safe, creative space for LGBTQIA+ youth. With the power of each other, we make Theatre Connect what it is.

  • Camilo Reina Munoz, BFA

    Executive Director

    Camilo Reina Munoz (he/him) is a Latino social entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in arts and health. He’s the Executive Director of Theatre Connect and has co-led programs for over 150 LGBTQIA+ youth since the organization began in 2017. With degrees in Arts in Medicine and Organizational Management, Camilo combines creative leadership with community care—earning national awards, publishing research, and building lasting partnerships to keep this work thriving for generations.

  • Cai Husband, CGA

    Program Coordinator
    & Creative Director

    Cai (they/them) joined Theatre Connect in 2017 as a kid looking for connection and a creative outlet, since their school didn’t offer theatre. After graduating from the program, they became a Peer-Mentor and now serve as Program Coordinator and Creative Director. Cai designs all of TC’s merch, website, logo, and media, leads the monthly newsletter, and coordinates communication with parents. They say it is the best job they could ask for.

  • Nelida Jean-Baptiste Pellot

    Chaos Coordinator

    Nelida (sir/they/the) is a Black, Afro-Latinx, non-binary, queer feminist passionate about housing justice, art, and community resilience. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Miami-Dade, they now live in Gainesville, working as a housing inspector by day. Outside of work, they bring both joyful chaos and sharp organization to Theatre Connect’s creative spaces.

  • Jefferey Pufal, BFA

    Founder & Director Emeritus

    Jeff (he/him) is an applied theatre scholar with over 30 years of experience in theatre and drama. He spent nine years at UF’s Center for Arts in Medicine, where he taught and led health-focused theatre and film projects. His work uses performance to spark dialogue around community health and LGBTQIA+ identity, including an award-winning play developed in Mumbai with support from the U.S. Department of State. As the founder of Theatre Connect, Jeff helped create a safe, creative space for LGBTQIA+ teens, and now lives in Philadelphia.

  • Ace Hawley

    Peer Mentor

    bio coming soon…

  • Shealyn Hannen

    Peer Mentor

    bio coming soon…

  • Vanessa Klokis

    Stage Counselor

    Vanessa (she/they) is a social worker from Pennsylvania now living in Florida, with degrees in Psychology and Social Work. With experience across hospitals, clinics, and community spaces, they bring a trauma-informed, person-centered lens to everything they do. Passionate about creative expression and community care, Vanessa is involved with Theatre Connect to support youth and help create spaces where healing and connection can thrive.