Who We Are
Our Team
San Francisco Children’s Art Center’s staff consists of artists and education specialists who share a deep commitment to nurturing the creative development of San Francisco youth.
The intersectionality of race, culture, gender, ability, age, and socio-economic background of the individuals in our organization reflects the communities we serve. We create a safe workplace with a non-hierarchical management ethos where all team members are celebrated and can participate as their authentic selves.
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Afro-Latinx artist Adriana, with a BA and a Master's in Museum Studies, has served in education at De Young, Oakland Museum, and SFMOMA. She's dedicated to removing social barriers in children's art and promoting youth empowerment through self-expression.
Teaching Artist
Adriana Maritza
Amy has devoted her professional and personal life to honoring children and nurturing their creative self-expression. Amy is trained in integrating the arts into education settings using methodologies from Harvard University’s Project Zero and Stanford University’s d.school. Amy believes that equitable access to creative experiences is at the heart of a just society.
Programs Director
Amy Balsbaugh
Daniel holds a Masters in Early Childhood Special Education from San Francisco State University and has taught in special education classrooms for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. With a background in puppeteering, Daniel embraces a joyful approach to creating connections and increasing access to arts opportunities in special education classrooms.
Advisory Artist
Daniel Gill
Since graduating with a B.A. in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies from UC Santa Cruz, Ellie has built her teaching practice working in Early Education classrooms and public library settings. She loves seeing children use art as a pathway for self expression and joy. In her own art practice, she works mainly with textiles and found materials.
Teaching Artist
Ellie Ryan
Erik, a 4th generation Mexican American from El Paso-Juárez, holds a BFA and MFA from the University of Texas and Wisconsin, respectively. A dedicated artist and teacher for all ages, he cherishes his role in the community tapestry through youth engagement.
Advisory Artist
Erik Parra
Gail, with a Studio Arts B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, has showcased her work at Sun Valley, SFMOMA Artists Gallery, and Kala Art Institute. She employs Reggio Emilia techniques in teaching to foster children's self and communal understanding.
Teaching Artist
Gail Tarantino
Hannah grew up in England in a family that valued creativity and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Lancaster. Since 2012, Hannah’s worked as a Senior Teaching Artist at the de Young Museum. She has experience developing visual arts curriculua for non-profits and has served as an Elementary Arts Coordinator in SFUSD.
Teaching Artist
Hannah Freeman
Kristina is a native of Seoul Korea who now calls San Francisco home. She holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. Passionate about creativity and social interaction, Kristina finds joy in teaching young children and experiencing the innovative ways they express their individuality and perspectives.
Teaching Artist
Kristina Hyunseo Kim
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Mia has been supporting SFCAC students in classes and camps at the Fort Mason art studio since 2022. A lifelong artist, she enjoys sharing her passion for creating with younger students. Mia is currently a student at Howard University.
Studio Assistant
Mia Smith
Natalie holds a Master's in Child Development from Tufts University and is deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach to creativity and learning. When she is not teaching, she is drawing and working on a children's picture book.
Teaching Artist
Natalie Kleefeld
Polina holds a Masters Degree in Art Education with a special credential in Montessori Pedagogy. Polina relishes working in diverse classrooms, collaborating with students to create a positive and safe learning environment where all are free to be themselves and express their creative ideas via artmaking.
Teaching Artist
Polina Vashchenko
Steph, with an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute, practices in screenprint, sound, and ceramics. As a genderfluid and hard of hearing artist, they reimagine possibilities and advocate for accessible art education, focusing on creating safe, generative classroom environments.
Advisory Artist
Steph Kudisch
Ryan is a seasoned professional in the fields of venture capital, corporate development, and investment banking. At Yamaha Motor Ventures, Ryan is responsible for identifying and evaluating investment opportunities in emerging technology startups, with a particular focus on the digital healthcare and wellness sector.
President
Ryan McCrackan
Gazelle is a Director of Portfolio & Wealth Advisory at BBR Partners. She works with clients to develop their overall financial strategy, manage their investments, and build cohesive wealth management plans. Gazelle resides in Oakland, California with her husband and daughter. She enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, figure drawing, and seeking out the best local croissants.
Treasurer
Gazelle Summe
Sydney is the Owner and Creative Director of Studio Rayne, a boutique branding and graphic design studio. She works with clients to develop their brand strategies and visual brand identities. Before that, she spent eight years in corporate marketing and design in San Francisco. She currently resides in San Diego, CA and enjoys traveling, cooking, hiking, and attending concerts.
Secretary
Sydney Novak
Li-Anne Dias is a creative director and design leader based in Oakland, CA. She is the Director of Brand Design at Handshake. Formerly she led brand design at Reddit and Grammarly. She also advises portfolio companies at Sequoia India and Blume Ventures on early-stage design hiring and design systems.
Board Member
Li-Anne Dias
Shea, as People Partner at Seesaw Learning, advocates for student accessibility and equity. Shea is also a member of Diversity Advocates, an organization that advances inclusion in the tech industry. In a past professional life, Shea was a pastry chef and chocolatier. Shea is also a watercolor artist and enjoys spending her time running and biking in San Francisco.
Board Member
Shea
Born and raised in the heart of San Francisco, Kelly brings over 15 years of experience in the advertising and marketing technology space leading transformative initiatives. With a deep-rooted understanding of digital advertising and marketing technologies, she has consistently driven business growth and fostered connections between brands and consumers. Committed to giving back to her hometown, Kelly is passionate about nurturing creativity in young minds.
Board Member
Kelly Chan
Julia is currently Director of Community Affairs at Gap Inc. With prior roles at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of Glass, the Hammer Museum in L.A., and as a mom of two, Julia has a passion for arts education for the very young. On the weekends, you can find her enjoying a museum exhibition, city park, or dim sum with her family.
Board Member
Julia Rome
Jim has over 35 years of experience as a teacher and a leader in independent schools. He earned a BFA in studio art from SUNY Purchase and an MA in Art Education from the College of New Rochelle. He is one of the first teachers in the country to become a National Board Certified Teacher.
Board Member
Jim Benz
Allie is currently the People Programs Manager at Bessemer Venture Partners and was previously the Sr. Manager of Education & Public Programs at the Children's Creativity Museum. She holds a BFA from MICA and an MS in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University. Outside of work you can find her making music, snapping photos, and gardening in Oakland!
Board Member
Allie Stephens
Board of Directors
San Francisco Children’s Art Center’s Board of Directors is a diverse group of dedicated individuals who provide a wide range of professional expertise to the governance of our organization.