Introducing Our Board of Directors

At Inspiration’s Edge, our productions may light up the stage, but it’s our board of directors who keep the lights on, the wheels turning, and the vision moving forward. They’re the dreamers, doers, and dedicated community champions working behind the scenes to make sure our theatre can keep inspiring, creating, and collaborating across the Hi-Desert (and beyond). Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to introduce you to the incredible team guiding our mission.

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Ian Ferris - President

Ian Ferris is an accomplished theatre professional passionate about helping others shine on stage. Since 2020, Ian has been actively performing and directing, bringing a wealth of experience and creativity to every production. Ian's dedication to creative and impactful work earned him the prestigious Freeman Tilden Award, the highest honor for interpretation presented by the National Park Service. This award recognizes his ability to inspire, educate, and make a meaningful impact through innovative programs and projects that connect visitors with the beauty and significance of our national parks. Ian is also a recipient of Desert Theatre League awards, further acknowledging his excellence in theatrical performance and direction. He often performs with and contributes to other community theatres in the high and low desert, sharing his talent and passion for the arts. His commitment to the arts and his community continues to inspire and uplift all those he works with.

Liyan McNeltier - Vice President

Liyan holds a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, with over 13 years of experience in counseling and management. She currently works as a Regional Supervisor for the Military and Family Life Counseling Program (MFLC), overseeing a team of 25+ clinicians across multiple regions. Liyan is passionate about co-creativity, believing what we co-create is always more than the sum of our parts. As a queer woman in a heteronormative-appearing relationship, she is especially attuned to the nuances of representation and is committed to using her privilege to support others. Liyan embraces love as a guiding principle and believes there is enough in life for everyone. A Desert Theatre League Star Award recipient for makeup, music, and artistic direction, Liyan also manages and hosts Rotating Players Improv and founded the Hi-Desert Ovations, a yearly online award honoring local theatre volunteers since 2016.

Davina Lira - Treasurer

A long-time Twentynine Palms resident, Davina brings extensive administrative, financial planning, and small business management experience to Inspiration’s Edge. She has also contributed decades of service to the arts, including stage management, special effects, production direction, and serving on fundraising and financial committees.

For the past five years, Davina has been both a vendor and a coordinator at the local Farmer’s Market, where she helps manage vendor relations, payments, and outreach to recruit and support new participants. Whether planning a theatrical fundraiser, balancing a nonprofit budget, or bringing together a community market, Davina’s work is marked by attention to detail, creativity, and a deep commitment to strengthening her community.

Imelda Patu - Secretary

Imelda is a long-time 29 Palms resident and dedicated supporter of the arts. Since her first production with Theatre 29 in 2020, she has been active both on stage and behind the scenes, including work as a stage manager and performer. Her role as a building manager for the Operational Training Center aboard the Marine Corps Base has strengthened her skills in communication, organization, and team building. 

With a B.A. in Philosophy from UC Irvine and a background in Psychology and Criminal Justice, Imelda brings critical thinking, empathy, and a deep sense of justice to every role she takes on. As a first-generation Samoan and a person of faith, she is committed to representation, inclusivity, and building safe, creative spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. 

She has volunteered for over 20 years with local Catholic and Protestant communities in a variety of roles, from catechist and youth mentor to parish council member. Imelda is passionate about bridging the military and local communities and believes in the power of gratitude, service, and celebrating each individual’s unique contributions.

Jesse Worstell - Board Member

Jesse is a musician and improv actor with 25 years of experience as a professional touring guitarist, songwriter, producer, and performer. He toured professionally for 12 years, managing stage plots, logistics, financial data, social media promotion, and booking venues for various acts including Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, Cage the Elephant, Candlebox, and others. Jesse's leadership also helped secure opportunities to tour with Big Boi, Yo Gabba Gabba Live, and others. He is passionate about supporting the arts and local small businesses in the Twentynine Palms community, where he teaches guitar and improv lessons to students of all ages. Jesse has been acting since 1994, appearing in numerous stage productions, short films, and improv troupes, including The Nashville Improv Group and The Rotating Players. He was also a part of the band that won Nashville's Best Independent Band of 2010 and Best Music Video for the original composition "Kitty Litter."

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These leaders bring decades of experience, boundless creativity, and a shared belief that theatre is for everyone. Their passion fuels our productions, their expertise strengthens our foundation, and their commitment keeps us reaching higher. We can’t wait for you to see what we’ll create together next season. Here’s to the people behind the Edge, and to the inspiring road ahead.