Board & Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
415-974-5554, ext. 7260
john@ya-nc.org

Throughout his career as an arts administrator and marketing communications executive, John has had the privilege to work in both non-profit arts and commercial entertainment industries and has developed a variety of initiatives and programs that lead each institution into the new stages of development. Adept at building mutually beneficial business partnerships, John has developed a unique blend of creative, strategic, and entrepreneurial programs. He has worked for Blue Man Group Las Vegas, Mesa Arts Center/City of Mesa, the Arts & Business Council of Greater Phoenix, Lamplighters Music Theatre, Magic Theatre and CuriOdyssey (Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education).

Director of Arts Education
415-974-5554, ext. 7262
christell@ya-nc.org

Christell Lewis is an arts educator, actor, singer, and dancer. She is dedicated to empowering youth through arts education. As an arts educator, Christell believes that every young person should have the opportunity to experience the power of the arts. She has provided transformative opportunities for young people through her work with children's theater companies, public schools, and non-profit organizations. She received a BA from Howard University in Journalism, and a MA from New York University in Educational Theater.

PROGRAM MANAGER - RESIDENT TEACHING ARTIST
415-974-5554, ext. 7268
Kirah@ya-nc.org

Kirah has spent over 15 years in social services, working in youth and family services, on both the east and west coasts and holds a Masters in Nonprofit Management from USF. She has served as Program Director and Director with many youth-serving non-profits including Larkin Street Youth Services, First Five of California, Project Avary, Junior Achievement, and the Boys and Girls Club. Kirah also served in the US Peace Corps as a volunteer, teaching grades K-12. She also founded her own bilingual Spanish preschool and is a mom of three boys.

In addition to her role as the Program Operations Manager, she has been a lead dance and music teaching artist for YANC for over eight years, working with grades TK-6. Kirah is also member of Phoenix Azul, an Afro-Cuban salsa team based in Oakland.