Meet Our Management

Kaytlin Grace: Co-Owner/Director of Costuming

Jordan Ashley: Co-Owner/Director of Cast and Public Relations

Liz Santillan: Director of Character Integrity and Training

Ali Noelle: Events Coordinator

Kaytlin Grace

Hi, I'm Kaytlin! In 2020, I graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in English with High Honors. Additionally, I have two Honors programs under my belt, and a citation from the Department of English for outstanding work in my studies. During my time at UC Davis, I was also an active member of Alpha Chi Omega and took on my first role as a character performer through a local company, where I stayed for two years and was repeatedly recognized for my excellent skills and passion for performing!

Upon my first visit to Eugene, Oregon back in 2018, I knew this was where I wanted to keep making magic after leaving Davis. The stunning Willamette Valley is such a perfect setting for Around the Riverbend, and I strive to bring our community the highest character quality possible.

You'll find me most often playing Rapunzel, Snow Princess, and Snow White! When not in costume, I am working hard on all things character integrity-- creating training packets, sourcing makeup, maintaining wigs, and more! When I'm not working, you can find me strolling Eugene's Saturday Market and playing with my cats, Dinah and Meeko. Thank you for believing in our dreams!

Jordan Ashley

My name is Jordan, and I'm proud to be the co-owner and co-founder of Around the Riverbend! Born and raised north of Detroit, Michigan, I fell in love with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest when I moved here at 15. I am so excited to call Eugene, Oregon my home!

This small business has been a dream of ours for a long time. Creativity has been a huge part of my life! By 6 years old, I had my first poem published. By age 10, I was writing and presenting speeches, and I was invited to my first writing conference. Shortly after this, I began playing instruments which led to song-writing, singing, and performing!

Most commonly, I perform as Beauty Princess and Ice Queen. When the ballgowns are put away for the day, I also work on behind-the-scenes elements such as cast outreach and website design! Outside of work, my hobbies revolve around writing, music, film, and art. At Around the Riverbend, being creative isn't just something we do; it's who we are at our core. Every child deserves to meet their story-book heroes, exercise their imaginations, and sprinkle their own pixie dust on the world. Our characters are here to bring joy, encouragement and a whole lot of magic into their lives... And we can't wait to meet them!

Liz Santillan

Welcome to Around the Riverbend! My name is Liz, and I am the company's Director of Character Integrity and Training. I was Around the Riverbend's first hired performer! It's exciting to see the growth this small business has had since I first joined the team. As we've gotten busier, we've added more amazing cast members; that's where I come in!

I make sure each cast member is given the exact training needed to attend events. From makeup to mannerisms to tone of voice and everything in between! Did you know each character even has specific poses? So much behind-the-scenes work goes into providing excellent character integrity. Everyone we hire is passionate about the work we do and has experience with children, so training is fun because we're all excited to learn more about the characters we love! At Around the Riverbend, we know not everyone is able to travel to faraway theme parks. We will always do our best to create magic for each person we meet right here in Oregon. Everyone deserves a chance to meet their heroes!

My performance history includes entertaining at Enchanted Forest, winning the Oregon State Fair Talent Show in 2019, and playing Cinderella in the Pentacle's production of Rogers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" at the Elsinore. My favorite characters to portray at Around the Riverbend are Snow Princess and Amulet Princess. In 2021, I even had the opportunity to meet Amulet Princess's voice actress! It was a true joy getting to discuss the importance of representation with her. In my free time, you can find me watching "Encanto" or Marvel movies. Even us adults need magic! I'm proud to be a part of something that translates nostalgia and joy to the real world.

Ali Noelle

My name is Ali! At Around the Riverbend, I am the Events Coordinator. It's been a fantastic experience working with this business since the very beginning. One of my secret superpowers is that I'm an extrovert and I love meeting new people! I adore community outreach, game-planning collaborations, and discovering other small businesses in Oregon! This role has given me the chance to dig deep into my own community, and I've loved every moment.

My unique background is also full of organizational experience that is beneficial as Events Coordinator, too. I have been professionally teaching children in public school for 6 years! From planning lessons to recording data to scheduling meetings, I love being able to use this skillset at Around the Riverbend. Plus, being a teacher gives me the opportunity to work closely with children every single day which is something I will always be passionate about!
Besides teaching in a school, I also have experience as a piano teacher. In regards to performing, I have a background in dance, singing, acting, and piano! In my free time, I actively audition and perform with community theaters in the Pacific Northwest. When it comes to portraying characters at Around the Riverbend, I find happiness in so many of my childhood heroes! My top two favorite fairytale friends to perform as are Snow Princess and Snow White!