BALLET MINNESOTA

Lizzy Beghelli is the senior director of alumni relations and annual giving at the University of Minnesota Law School where she leads a team focused on increasing engagement and philanthropy to Minnesota Law. Prior to moving to Minnesota, she worked in development for the University of Michigan Office of Development and Michigan Medicine’s Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health. She holds a B.A. in Public Relations and Journalism from the University of Northwestern and a M.A. in Italian Studies from The Ohio State University. Although not a dancer by trade or training, Lizzy is the parent of two CBA dancers and has loved exploring the world of ballet through their eyes. She is thrilled for the opportunity to bring her experience in nonprofit fundraising, events, and alumni relations to Ballet Minnesota.

Rachel holds degrees in accounting and economics from Luther College. She brings more than 20 years of experience in tax and finance from a Big Four accounting firm, Fortune 500 companies, and state government. A lifelong musician who grew up playing violin and piano, Rachel is excited to bring her professional expertise and passion for the arts to Ballet Minnesota. She looks forward to helping strengthen the organization’s financial sustainability and ensuring its mission continues to inspire and support generations of dancers to come.

Julia majored in English Literature, specializing in Shakespeare, and Education, specializing in Early Years (3-7 year olds), with a minor in Art at the University of Warwick, England. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Solihull and then Staffordshire before moving to the US with her husband and oldest two children in 2003. Missing English theatre, she was more than happy to embrace Ballet Minnesota when her eldest daughter transitioned from toddler ballet classes to CBA in 2007. Since then, she has helped backstage at every performance her three youngest children have been in. Julia still has two dancers – Tobias who has danced the role of Nutcracker since 2024, and Sophia who completed level 8 the same year. She joined the board in 2019 and is passionate about her involvement in BMN and CBA.

Kayla Peterson-Myhran is a Minnesota native, who began dancing with Classical Ballet Academy (CBA) in 2004. She attended St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (SPCPA) 2013-2016. She left CBA in 2016 due to a career ending injury. Since her injury she has been a part of Ballet Minnesota’s productions whether it is in a prop or running around helping with quick changes. Kayla has performed in numerous Ballet Minnesota’s productions. She has performed in many of Andrew Rist’s original works such as The Black Dog Café, River Songs, Morning in Beijing, and Ballet School. Kayla attended University of Minnesota Duluth and graduated with a BA in Communication and History. Kayla currently lives in Delano with her 1 year old daughter. She held the role of Ballet Minnesota’s Marketing Director for the 2023/2024 season. Kayla is incredibly excited to step into the role of Executive Director. She is proud to be part of the Ballet Minnesota organization.

Karen’s ballet background is that she studied for 6 years under Leonard Andahazy of The Andahazy Ballet Borealis Company. She has was been very involved during the 11 years that her granddaughter, Kayla Myhran, danced with Ballet Minnesota. She assisted with sewing costumes, backstage quick changes, sewing angels in their costumes and various other tasks where needed. In 2024 Karen worked as a backstage hand for all of the Nutcracker performances and assisted in the packing up of props and costumes after the final performance.

Karen’s no-profit background includes over 50 years of membership in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. She has served as Director of Junior Club, District, State and Region President, Parliamentary Advisor, Fundraising Chairman, Leadership Chairman, Membership Chairman and many more. She has been part of the GFWC Board of  Directors for over 40 years. Karen is married to James Bruce and they currently reside in Savage. They have a combined family of 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Karen is a retired manager for both Dayton’s and Target Corporations, where her background was in Finance.

Jarred Sampson is the Office Coordinator, Facilities Services department at Hamline University and a volunteer assistant cross country and assistant track & field coach at Eastview High School. His previous experience in higher education includes the Center for Academic Success at Hamline and the Head Track and Field Coach at Augsburg College and Concordia University – St. Paul. He also held previous roles with the YMCA of North, including Sports Director and Member Services. Jarred graduated from Hamline University with a BA in Anthropology and Elementary Education. Over the past eight years, he has enjoyed supporting young dancers (including one of his own children) as they explore their athetic and artistic pursuits at Classical Ballet Academy. He resides in Apple Valley with his wife and two children.

Harper Skulley’s relationship with Ballet Minnesota spans nearly two decades, beginning with
her training at Classical Ballet Academy and continuing through her tenure as a company
member. Her professional dance experience shaped a deep appreciation for the artistry,
imagination, discipline, and courage behind meaningful creative work, while reinforcing her
belief in the power of a community that respects diverse voices and encourages exploration.
Having grown and worked alongside generations of dancers, families, teachers, artists,
volunteers, and audiences, Harper is honored to serve on the Board of Directors, helping
steward Ballet Minnesota’s artistic legacy while advancing its continued growth, inclusivity, and
accessibility.
Harper holds a B.S. in Sonography from St. Catherine University. Harper is committed to
fostering an environment where artistic exploration and diverse creative and technical
perspectives are valued, individual contributions are recognized, and people are empowered to
engage meaningfully in the arts. She hopes to build on Ballet Minnesota’s legacy of creative
leadership by making space for pioneering voices, bold ideas, and meaningful connections
while expanding access and strengthening the community that makes the organization thrive.

Biography coming soon.