Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #8: Professor Sharon Lea
DeAnna Pursai • April 13, 2026
Sharon Lea has always had a love of music, but it wasn’t until joining CAA that she could actually meld both her passion and her career.
Sharon obtained her degree in English from Chico State and worked most of her life in administrative roles. The companies she worked for made products like medical devices, and she always enjoyed customer service and helping people. After surviving a cancer diagnosis and losing her husband all within a three-year span, Sharon took time off work and began volunteering with CAA. That volunteer work quickly turned into a fulfilling career.
CAA came into Sharon’s life at a time when she needed them, and when CAA needed instructors who had compassion and commitment to teach.
“At CAA, you don’t need the degree but you need the heart,” said Sharon.
Professor Sharon is the Director of Music at CAA and teaches many popular classes, including Concert Choir and Music Appreciation. In both those classes, she stresses to her students to find something that they like in the music and reminds them that it’s not about hitting all the right notes.
“One of the reasons I love CAA is because I see the benefits of what I’m doing every day in the classroom,” said Sharon.
When she was young, Sharon had to overcome a significant stutter so she can relate to the difficulties some of her students have with being heard and understood. Sharon says that she learns just as much from her students as they learn from her, and she loves coming away from classes hearing new perspectives and ideas.
According to Professor Sharon, CAA is a unique place to work because the leadership puts people in positions where they can really thrive.
“This has been such a wonderful growth experience for me,” said Professor Sharon. “I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of a supportive environment which celebrates caring and collaborative teamwork.”
When Professor Eliza Riley first got involved at CAA, it was very different from what it is today. In fact, she has been part of the community ever since the founding in 2009. Over the years, she has watched the CAA community grow, evolve, and continue creating a place where people can express themselves freely and confidently. Long before she began teaching, Professor Eliza served on CAA’s board, helping with fundraising efforts and supporting the community however she could. At the time, she never imagined that one day she would sign up to be a teacher. But with encouragement from her fellow board members, she eventually found her place as a professor. Today, she helps teach two acting classes, and loves sharing the uniqueness of theater with students each week. Professor Eliza fell in love with the performing arts because it gives the performer the freedom to become anyone that they want on stage. For Professor Eliza, theater is a place where she feels like her labels and limitations disappear. She says that when she is performing, her rare disease and the wheelchair no longer defines who she is. Outside the classroom, Professor Eliza is known for bringing warmth and a calming energy to those around her. She often used to bring her dog to classes because his presence helped her stay relaxed and grounded. Although her dog is getting older now and she does not bring him in as often, everyone still asks how he is and why he isn’t in class. After so many years with CAA, Professor Eliza continues to be an important part of its story. From board member to teacher, mentor, and longtime community member, her journey reflects what CAA is all about: finding belonging, confidence, and joy through the arts. — Written by Nina Pal Volunteer
Jeffrey is an amazing student working on his CAA undergraduate diploma.
Professor Laura is a graduate from SJSU with a degree in Dance.
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