MEET THE YASD STAFF
John Highkin
Executive Director
John.Highkin_YASD@sbcglobal.net
619/282-7599 ext. 111
John Highkin has worked for over thirty years in art – as a musician, circus impresario, theater director and administrator. Most recently he was an organizational arts consultant with the Zimmerman Highkin Group in Salina, KS. From 2004 to 2008, he was Executive Director of Salina Arts and Humanities Commission, a department of the City of Salina. Mr. Highkin was the co-founder Artistic Director/CEO of San Diego’s Fern Street Circus from 1990 to 2003. He is active as a musician, playing mandolin, bass, tenor banjo and guitar. Most recently he has been recording his first-ever CD, a selection of standards, swing tunes and vintage country songs.
Sherrie Brown
Program Manager
sherrie@yasandiego.org
619/282-7599 ext. 114
Sherrie Brown has a Bachelors degree in Communications from Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. Prior to coming to Young Audiences, she was Promotions Coordinator at Seaport Village, a specialty shopping center in San Diego.
Jennifer Oliver
Associate Director/ Education Director
jennifer@yasandiego.org
619/282-7599 ext. 113
Jennifer Oliver graduated from UC, Irvine with a BA in Dance and received her MA in Expressive Arts Therapy & Education with a minor in psychology from the European Graduate School. She served as the Program Director and Acting Executive Director for City Moves! prior to merging with Young Audiences in 2004. Outside of administration, Jennifer works as a Master Teaching Artist and a dancer/choreographer in the San Diego community.
Crystal Mercado
Assistant Education Director
crystal@yasandiego.org
619/282-7599 ext. 115
Crystal Mercado is a graduate from Arizona State University's Theatre for Youth MFA program. She has worked as a community-based artist, stage manager, director and teaching artist for organizations and individual projects in Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego County and Tijuana, B.C., MX. She received her BA in Theatre from San Diego State University.
Leo Willets
Accountant
619/232-0722
Following graduation from the US Naval Academy, Leo Willets became a navy pilot and served 20 years in the Navy before retiring to San Diego with his wife, Kathryn, and their three children. He was a Logistic Engineer at Sundstrand Power Systems prior to becoming a bookkeeper for several nonprofit organizations. He enjoys dancing, watching soccer, and volunteering at his church.
In Memoriam
Carol Smith
1931 - 2008
Family and friends of Carol Smith were stunned by her sudden passing in September 2008. Carol, who volunteered with Young Audiences since the early 1990s, was like another staff member. Besides her gift of time and sharing a lifetime of know-how and expertise, Carol brought light and energy in her regular visits to volunteer.
Carol possessed a great curiosity and respect for all. Her wry sense of humor, her wisdom, her wit, her interest in the arts and current events enlivened conversations. From reconciling the checkbook monthly, to helping with the artist showcases, and big mailings, as our Number 1 volunteer Carol did a bit of everything. Carol’s bright mind and skills at wordsmithing sharpened many a grant proposal, and her wisdom and point of view on sensitive issues were often solicited before making a decision.
In so many ways Carol made us better people and Young Audiences a better organization. Carol, we will treasure your memory always.
|
