Anya Vaughn

Anya Vaughn serves as Office Manager for Sakura Music Academy, where she assists families with scheduling, marketing and communications, student enrollment, and day-to-day operations. She enjoys helping new students learn more about Sakura’s programs and ensuring that families have a welcoming and positive experience from their very first interaction.

Outside of Sakura, Anya is a freelance animator and filmmaker specializing in 2D animation and stop-motion. She holds an MFA in Film and Animation from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her work has been twice commissioned by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, including animated films created for performances of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Symphonie Fantastique. Her animated documentary The Tale of Mari, which explores the life of her Okinawan grandmother, has been screened at film festivals across the United States and internationally, earning multiple awards and honors.

Anya recently spent two months in Japan after The Tale of Mari was selected for the Cinema at Sea Film Festival, using the opportunity to reconnect with family and learn more about her grandmother’s native Okinawa. In addition to her work as an animator and filmmaker, Anya has served as a lead animation instructor for Black Rocket, where she guided young artists in developing their creative and technical skills. Anya is passionate about creativity, lifelong learning, and helping young artists and musicians pursue their goals.