Challen Cates

LACHSA Board Member
LACHSA Parent

Originally from Charlottesville Virginia, Challen Cates grew up surrounded by art with artists parents. Her mother, Gwen Cates is a painter and her father was a photographer and winemaker. Challen started modeling in print ads from a young age which evolved into television commercials. While a student at the University of Georgia, she began working in film and television in Atlanta. Challen has been a working actress for over 30 years.

After 4 years as “best tv mom” on Nickelodeon’s hit series Big Time Rush, Challen started her winery in Santa Barbara County, Challen Winery. The winery focuses on single vineyard Pinot Noir, sourced from some of the very best vineyards in Santa Barbara County and the Santa Lucia Highlands.

Challen is mother in real life to Colton and Jasper McPherson, and married to actor and acting coach, Aaron McPherson. Discovering LACHSA was a monumental shift for her family. Her son Colton is a rising senior in the theatre department and daughter Jasper is an upcoming freshman in the dance department.

Causes which she has supported include, Darkness2Light working to educate and prevent child sexual abuse and Free2Luv, an anti bullying and inclusivity organization.

Living a life filled with art, expressing love through art, and appreciating art is vital to their family.