Originally from the West Coast, Caitlyn found her way into education through her deep belief in access to the arts for all and the transformative role creativity plays in the development of the human mind and spirit. She teaches Film & Video Production at Nyack High School, where she helps students discover and develop their creative voices. Her students have gone on to NYU Tisch, Emerson, Wesleyan, Chapman, SCAD, and other leading film and arts programs. Caitlyn is passionate about creating opportunities beyond the classroom, connecting students with professionals, and building partnerships with Nyack community members who generously support the program as guest speakers.

Ms. VanderMaas holds a BT from Farmingdale College in Visual Communications, a BS from SUNY New Paltz in Art Education, and a Masters in Art & Art Education from TC Columbia University.