Mr. Jeffrey Braconnier, President & Founder

Contact Jeff: jbraconnier@cccshines.com

Jeff Braconnier Headshot

Jeff is the President and Founder at CCC Shines. In 2007, Jeff created an opportunity to provide his first choir at St. Kevin Parish and the surrounding areas with a musical theater experience through his first production, Seussical Jr. Since then, Jeff has been the face of CCC Shines, ensuring that the mission created at the start continues. Jeff has a great love for CCC and embraces the opportunity to drive to work every day.

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Now that CCC has grown tremendously, Jeff has the opportunity to work with all members of our team, both staff and volunteers. As he did from the start, Jeff still leads our vocals for our performances and special events. You can still find him behind the piano, cheering our members on as they prepare for all of our productions. Jeff believes strongly in empowering our youth and encouraging them to follow their dreams. Since the beginning of CCC, he has always said that he just wants CCC to be a home for everyone who is ready to be themselves, practice their craft and celebrate their faith along the way. 

Jeff is heavily involved in the community. He is often seen at St. Kevin Parish where he serves as Pastoral Assistant. You may also see Jeff at various parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where he leads music for Masses and numerous events. When not working, Jeff enjoys being with his family and friends. Jeff, his wife, Tara and daughter, Mila, and son, JP, live in Springfield and you will often see them throughout the community. #ShineOnCCC!

Mrs. Aimee-Kate Mooney, Vice President & Executive Director

Contact Aimee-Kate: akmooney@cccshines.com

Aimee-Kate Mooney Headshot

Aimee-Kate (Braconnier) Mooney serves as Vice President & Executive Director of CCC Shines, a growing children’s performing arts nonprofit serving hundreds of students annually across Delaware County and surrounding communities.

Since joining the organization in 2010, Aimee-Kate has played a pivotal role in transforming CCC from a small volunteer program into a multi-program, multi-location organization focused on developing young people both on and off the stage. What began as a role in choreography evolved into executive leadership overseeing strategic planning, program expansion, team development, and long-term sustainability.

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Under her leadership, CCC Shines has launched new initiatives including expanded summer camps, school partnerships, service-based programs, leadership development opportunities, and scholarship initiatives through the Shine On Foundation. She has successfully strengthened year-long sponsorships, donor engagement strategies, and community partnerships positioning the organization for continued regional growth and long-term impact.

Aimee-Kate is deeply committed to building organizations that balance excellence with heart. She leads with a focus on belonging for all, encouraging courage, and ensuring each child feels seen, supported, and challenged to grow. Her work centers on creating systems and structures that allow vision to translate into measurable momentum impacting students, families, staff, and the broader community.

Beyond CCC Shines, Aimee-Kate serves as Chair of the Women’s Connection Committee of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. She is also active within the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Greater Delaware Valley Chapter) and her parish community at St. Kevin.

She lives in Springfield, PA with her husband Ryan and their children, Annabelle, Mara and Kieran who are already growing up backstage and building their book of CCC Shines memories.

Mrs. Alissa Nelson, Production Manager

Contact Alissa: anelson@cccshines.com

Alissa Nelson Headshot

Alissa Nelson is the Production Manager for CCC, where her passion for theater and community shines through every production. Alissa first became involved with CCC in 2014 as a volunteer, motivated by her two older daughters’ participation in the program. What began as a small commitment to help with costumes quickly blossomed into a key role in the organization. With her youngest daughter in a car seat, Alissa eagerly stepped in to assist wherever needed, demonstrating her dedication and ability to adapt in any situation.

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Over time, Alissa’s talent and eye for detail led her to oversee the Costume Department, where she now manages the design and execution of costumes for each production. Her creativity and organizational skills have been pivotal in bringing the characters and stories to life on stage. Beyond costumes, Alissa plays an integral role in production planning, contributing to the overall success of all CCC’s performances. She’s also a valuable team member for CCC’s various programs and events outside of the main stage musicals, showing her versatility and unwavering commitment to our program.

Alissa lives in Newtown Square with her husband, Jason, and their three daughters: Grace and Lily, both CCC alumnae, and Anna, a current member of the program. 

Mrs. Erin Criss, Director of Education & Mission

Contact Erin: ecriss@cccshines.com

Erin Criss Headshot

Erin (Murray) Criss has a deeply rooted relationship with CCC, beginning as a student member and later as a choreographer. Her time teaching through CCC encouraged her to follow a path in education, studying Early Childhood and Special Education at West Chester University, and earning her M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame.

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Erin’s comprehensive background and familiarity with CCC allows her to enhance the educational and formative experiences of CCC participants. The mission of CCC is one that is close to Erin’s heart, and she is enthusiastic about making CCC’s educational initiatives impactful for our community. 

Erin is grateful to be surrounded by many family members in her hometown of Springfield, and she can be seen around town with her husband, Jaret and their sons, JJ & Auggie.

Mrs. Elaine McCarthy, Production Support/House Manager

Contact Elaine: emccarthy@cccshines.com

Elaine McCarthy Headshot

Elaine joined the CCC family as a parent when her son, John, joined in 2009 for Godspell. Her son, Andrew, quickly followed when he joined for Cinderella. Both John and Andrew were involved for many years as performers and eventually joined the team as camp staff to work alongside Elaine. In 2011, Jeff and Aimee-Kate asked Elaine to take on a larger volunteer role where she served as a Production Coordinator with some of the founding volunteer Moms.

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Her time and involvement helped CCC grow and expand. As time went on, Elaine began to take on a role on the staff where assisted with all fundraising and finances. Through the years, Elaine has been a consistent and key staff member who has been a part of the small and the largest pages of our journey. You can find Elaine leading all lobby operations for all of our productions. Outside of a production weekend (or season), Elaine helps with all finances, fundraisers and community involvement.

Ms. Tara Callahan, Production Assistant

Contact Tara: tcallahan@cccshines.com

Tara Callahan Headshot

Tara first joined the CCC family in 2022 as a camp counselor for summer camp. Tara’s experience behind the scenes and her general love of performing arts helped her to be an important member of our team as her role grew quickly. Tara now serves as a production assistant helping behind the scenes on many major projects and special tasks for all productions.

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Tara can be seen helping in all areas of CCC. You may see her in the lobby of productions, at rehearsals assisting wherever needed, leading fly operations for our special effects, assisting with our sponsorship program, creating our ad book for all productions, at our Shine Night Out events, and managing many of our key camp responsibilities, including safety and security. Her dedication to our program helps us to keep shining on and off the stage!


Production Support

Mrs. Debbie Cotterall, Assistant Vocal Director & Voice Lesson Instructor

Contact Debbie: dcotterall@cccshines.com

DebbieCotterall

Mrs. Cotterall is a graduate of Rowan University where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. She received her MA in Creative Arts Therapy from Drexel University and has been a board-certified music therapist for over 10 years. Mrs. Cotterall currently serves as the music teacher for grades Pre-K through 8th at Saint Francis of Assisi in Springfield.

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She continues to perform professionally has been seen throughout the Northeast region this year as La Badessa in “Suor Angelica” with Opera Magnifico, as Marcellina in “Le Nozze di Figaro” with the Delaware Valley Opera Company, and as Susan in the Philadelphia premiere of “The Filthy Habit” in the 2024 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Mrs. Cotterall has been a church cantor at several parishes in Delco for over 15 years.

Mrs. Emma Saracina, Assistant Director of Productions

Contact Emma: esaracina@cccshines.com

Emma Saracina is a theatre artist based in the greater Philadelphia area, with a BA in Theatre Arts focused on musical theatre from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. During her time at university, she served as President of the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society and studied Commedia dell’Arte in Calabria, Italy. Emma initially joined the CCC community as an audition consultant, later evolving her role to advise the cast on blocking and character development.

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She is deeply passionate about children’s theatre, finding inspiration in the strength and inclusivity of the CCC community. In addition to her work with CCC, Emma has spent the past six seasons with the Delaware Theatre Company, where she currently serves as the Marketing and Development Manager in her hometown of Wilmington, DE. She resides in Wilmington with her husband James, their daughter Kit, and their mini dachshund, Mabel.

Mr. Mark Allen, Event Maker/Director Technical Services

Mr. Sean Mack, Audio & Lighting


Summer Camp Staff

Mr. Tom Babcock, Games Instructor & Security

Tom Babcock Headshot

Mrs. Kelly Ellis, Art Instructor

Kelly Ellis Headshot

Creative Team

Ms. Mary Kate Bauer, Choreographer*

Student Creative Team

Our student creative team includes students in 10th grade and older who assist with all aspects of our Main Stage Musicals as well as serve as summer camp counselors.

Will Bryan*

Faith Coary*

Madison Fagioli*

Phoebe Fagioli*

Haley Gower*

Lily Nelson*

Spiritual Advisors

Fr. John Moloney

Delaware County Advisor

Fr. Steve Paolino

Bucks County Advisor

Looking to become a part of CCC as a volunteer? Contact us today!


Miss Steph – Forever CCC’s Set Designer

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Miss Steph (Braconnier) was a 2007 graduate of Cardinal O’Hara and a 2014 Graduate of Neumann University (College of Nursing). Miss Steph joined the CCC Shines family in 2010 as the Scenic Designer. Miss Steph was an art teacher at CCC Summer Camps each year. Miss Steph also joined the production team for the O’Hara shows in the spring of 2016, which she loved so much. Known for her spunk and big heart, Miss Steph touched the lives of hundreds of children at both CCC and COHS.

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Miss Steph’s talents were seen through the 23 shows which she served as our Scenic Designer. Her inspiration and creative impression lives on in each set. Miss Steph gave her gifts and talents to so many and so many will forever be touched.

Miss Steph courageously fought Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) her entire life while also continually giving back to CCC. We suddenly lost Miss Steph on September 4, 2016. Since then, the CCC Family has continued to celebrate Miss Steph’s life and remember all that she gave back to CCC. We will forever #ShineforMissSteph! #CCCshines