Staff

Lynnetta Hamstra
Manager

Lynnetta Hamstra stepped into the role as the manager of the Howard Performing Arts Center on March 1, 2016. Before that she worked in the Financial Records department at Andrews University.

As a graduate student, Lynnetta received her Masters of Business Adminstration from Andrews University in 1993.  She then worked at Andrews as an assistant dean at Lamson Hall and later as the associate director of Women's Ministries at the General Conference of SDA in Maryland.  As manager of the Howard Performing Arts Center, Lynnetta holds a wide range of responsibilities in the areas of event coordination, marketing, promotions and management. She is excited to be a part of such a beautiful establishment that brings music and world class artists to this section of Southwest Michigan.

Her passion for music extends beyond her role at the Howard. Lynnetta is also a pianist, having started lessons from her mother who is a piano teacher. She enjoys playing the piano, organ, and also singing in church choirs.  Most recently she was the organist and choir pianist at the Stevensville United Methodist Church in Stevensville, Michigan.

Originally from Sabah, Malaysia, Lynnetta currently resides in Berrien Springs, Michigan with her husband, Dan Hamstra, and their three children.  Aside from spending time with her family and dog, Lynnetta enjoys travelling, reading, and jigsaw puzzles.

Carmen Carrillo-Brown
Assistant Manager

Carmen Carrillo-Brown is the Assistant Manager at the Howard Performing Arts Center, where she supports all areas of the center’s operations and takes joy in coordinating the dedicated team of volunteers and student workers.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Carmen is bilingual in English and Spanish and loves the international flavor of the Andrews University and Berrien Springs community. She values teamwork and is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where people from all backgrounds can feel welcomed, connected, and appreciated.

Carmen earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Andrews University and completed a post-master’s fellowship at Yale University. Before joining the Howard team, she spent over 20 years working in the field of mental health, where she developed a passion for empowering others and supporting personal and community growth.

Her love for the arts, theater, and live performance now blends beautifully with her commitment to people and community engagement. Carmen enjoys helping create memorable experiences that inspire creativity, reflection, and joy.

She lives in Berrien Springs with her husband, Dan Brown and daughter. Carmen feels grateful to be part of such a caring and diverse community that she proudly calls home.