Meet the Team

PAYAL KUMAR AVELLAN

Director of Communications & Marketing

Payal has a BS in Mass Communications from Emerson College and an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America. The first part of her communications career was spent in nonprofit public broadcasting, including at NPR and jazz station KKJZ FM. She and her department support communications for all areas of The Wooden Floor with print and digital marketing, PR, and social media. “The Wooden Floor’s mission resonates with me because I have a passion for telling our students’ stories and sharing how the power of the arts can change the world.”

VERONICA AVZARADEL

Controller

Veronica has a BA in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton. Veronica’s professional experience in finance started at one of the “Big Four” accounting firms doing internal bookkeeping. Veronica joined a Tustin CPA firm in 1990 where her work focused on medical groups and nonprofits. In 2001 Veronica became The Wooden Floor’s first Finance and Operations Manager. Over her nineteen years with The Wooden Floor, she has passed operations on to another director as a result of her increasing responsibilities. “I love The Wooden Floor because it is my dream job.”

TIANNA HARADON

Chief Development Officer

Tianna has thirteen years of experience in the non-profit fundraising sector and has a passion for the arts. An alumna from Chapman University with a BFA in Dance Performance, Tianna taught dance at Los Alamitos High School and Chapman University. She worked as a member of the development team at Chapman raising funds for scholarships. As a member of The Wooden Floor family, she raises funds for our year-round programs to serve our students. “Watching our students grow into sophisticated young adults with boundless opportunities in front of them is why I come to work every day.”

VANESSA RODRIGUEZ, MPA

Chief Operating Officer

Vanessa holds a Master of Public Administration from CSU, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from CSU, Fullerton. Vanessa brings over 18 years of expertise in the nonprofit sector, specializing in strategic planning, organizational scaling, and effective management of programs and projects. With a background in collaborating with cross-functional teams encompassing facilities, IT, HR, and development, she works towards advancing both strategic and operational objectives. “I love working at The Wooden Floor because through our programs we help teach students the skills they need to achieve their fullest potential.” 

KRIS FILIP

Communications & Visual Design Manager

Kris received their BA from Soka University of America where they studied Liberal Arts focusing on education policy. Seeking to advocate for the transformative power of education, Kris gained experience in design and communication as the assistant graphic designer at their university. At The Wooden Floor, Kris designs print and digital collateral pieces for the organization. “I love working at The Wooden Floor because it represents a place of compassion for the kids and everyone involved.”

DIANA BARRIGA

College & Career Readiness Coordinator

Diana received her BA in Economics and Sociology from Connecticut College. Her experience as a mentor for middle school students while at Connecticut College developed her passion for working with underserved youth. Prior to joining The Wooden Floor’s Student Support Services team, Diana served the youth in her community by working as an AmeriCorps VISTA for Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano. “What I enjoy the most about working at The Wooden Floor is being able to provide our students with the resources to continue graduating from high school on time and pursuing higher education.”

JENNIFER BASSAGE BONFIL

Artistic Director

Jenn brings decades of dance experience to her role as Artistic Director. With a BFA from Chapman University and MA in Dance Education, her tenure with the organization began in 2006 as a faculty member. In 2017 she was promoted to Dance Education & Curriculum Specialist, allowing her experience and passion to shape how we teach dance at The Wooden Floor. Jenn has served as the Artistic Director since December of 2022. “My passion for dance education aligns with our mission as we get to help create successful human beings through dance. I love witnessing the success in the studio transform into accomplishments in life.”

Read more about our Artistic Director here.

TERESA FARIAS

Family Services Case Manager

Teresa earned her MS in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University. She holds a BS in Psychology and an AA in Human Development. Before The Wooden Floor, she worked as an Instructional Assistant for Santa Ana Unified District where her passion for mentoring adolescents began. Working at The Wooden Floor for the past 20 years, Teresa focuses on providing solid support and strong connections with students and their family. “What I love most is the sense of community our families and students genuinely feel. One is able to see it through the amount of time children spend on our campus.”

KIMBERLY HERNANDEZ

Director of Student Development

Kimberly, a graduate from California University, Davis, with a BA in Psychology and Chicano/a Studies, found her love for education during her transfer from Monterey Peninsula Community College. Passionate about working with children, she creates a compassionate space for growth. As an upperclassman, Kimberly mentored first-gen students, discovering her calling to inspire youth. Joining The Wooden Floor, she contributes to a mission inspiring students to realize their potential. Her dedication extends to motivating staff to be impactful in students’ lives. “I’m fortunate to be part of The Wooden Floor’s mission, inspiring students to discover their power and create a positive influence.” 

JERRY REYES

Student Support Services Coordinator

Jerry received his BA in Chicano Studies and minor in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton. During his college years, he joined Hermanos Unidos to maintain Latino students on campus through academic excellence, community engagement, and social networking. Jerry serves as the liaison for The Wooden Floor’s families and staff, ensuring all families feel welcomed. “What I enjoy about working at The Wooden Floor is welcoming EVERY student that comes in by their name.”

ARIEL CAMPOS

Administrative Coordinator

Ariel has a B.A. in Intercultural Studies from Hope International University. She received an immersive Spanish language certificate in Costa Rica and later moved to Santiago, Chile where she worked professionally in Cultural Engagement and Assimilation Strategies, as well as Leadership Development. Ariel is passionate about advocacy and serving families and individuals in a way that meets both the individual and holistic need. “What I love most about The Wooden Floor is its relentless pursuit in bringing its values to life and the loving support it provides to students in all parts of their journey.”

Eusebio Romero

Academic Coordinator

Eusebio received his bachelor’s degree in history, teaching credential, and bilingual authorization certificate from California State University, Fullerton. Through his student teaching, he discovered his passion for supporting youth on their journey towards academic and personal success. At The Wooden Floor, Eusebio manages the tutoring program and implements curriculum, which enables students to improve their academic grade level proficiency. “What I enjoy most about working at The Wooden Floor is the organization’s commitment to the mission and having the opportunity to see firsthand our wonderful students achieve their highest potential.”

Andrea Ordaz, MFA

Dance Education Coordinator

Andrea has a BFA in Performance and Choreography and a MFA in Dance from the University of California, Irvine. Through various artistic projects, she researches the choreographic process and is dedicated to creating dance experiences that represent the amalgamation of culture and identity. She joined The Wooden Floor as Faculty in 2019 and promoted to Dance Education Coordinator in December 2022 to continue supporting this vibrant community of dance thinkers and movers. “Working with The Wooden Floor is truly empowering, as I witness the profound impact of dance. I cherish the opportunity to blend my passions in somatic-based dance practices, higher education, and celebration of community with our students, making each day fulfilling and purposeful.    

Nancy Arellano

Development Operations Coordinator

Nancy received her BA in History from California State University, Fullerton and was an AVID Tutor for the Tustin Unified School District. She also served as a Development Intern for the United States Capitol Historical Society in Washington D.C. As a result, she realized the importance of supporting an organization that truly believes in establishing a connection with the community. “What I enjoy the most about The Wooden Floor is that they are constantly on the move to support their students and help them realize their true potential.”

Iliana Coronado

Controller

Iliana has 20+ years of nonprofit financial experience as well as expertise in the restaurant and medical insurance industries. In addition to her knowledge in nonprofit accounting, she has experience in the areas of fund development, event organization, human resources, and facilities.  Iliana graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration, with a concentration in accounting from California State University, Fullerton. “Even though I don’t assist or teach the students first-hand, I love knowing that my work behind the scenes will make a difference in the lives of the students and their families.”

Alyssa Ventress

Public Relations & Development Associate

Alyssa received her BA in Integrated Strategic Communications from Washington State University. With a passion for helping others through public relations, she went on to work for Gal Media Group, a PR agency that works with high-level clients. At The Wooden Floor, Alyssa works with the Communications and Marketing team on social media and PR, facilitating a positive brand image. “I love how The Wooden Floor creates endless opportunities for our students, through empathy, support, and dedication.”

Renett Banagas

Development Manager

Renett has spent over 26 years working in the public and nonprofit sectors. Her background is in youth services, community partnerships, and fundraising. She has a passion for education and serving youth in the community. Renett has a rich work history with Bellflower Unified School District and nonprofit fundraising helping youth to thrive. “I love The Wooden Floor’s mission to inspire young people through dance and educational support. It is so important to help guide and empower our youth for a successful future for themselves, their families, and their community.”

Gabriela Ruiz

Administrative Assistant

Gabriela Ruiz is a native of Santa Ana, CA, and an accomplished administrative professional with diverse experiences at notable organizations such as KIIS FM, YAMAHA, and Chapman University. She holds a BS in Communications from California State University, Long Beach and a certification in Marketing from University of California, Irvine. “I am grateful to be a part of an organization committed to providing youth with guidance, mentors, role models, and a clear path to college.