Meet the Team
Get to know The Wooden Floor team.
Dawn Reese
Chief Executive Officer
Payal Kumar Avellan
Director of Communications & Marketing
Veronica Avzaradel
Controller
Falon Baltzell
Artistic Director
Derek Bruner
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Tianna Haradon
Director of Development
Kimberly Hernandez
Director of Student Development
Vanessa Rodriguez
Chief Operating Officer
Elly Aronson
Communications and Development Assistant
Adilene Ayala
Academic Coordinator
Diana Barriga
College & Career Readiness Coordinator
Jennifer Bassage Bonfil
Dance Education & Curriculum Specialist
Ariel Campos
Administrative Coordinator
Teresa Farias
Family Services Case Manager
Kris Filip
Communications & Visual Design Associate
Jerry Reyes
Student Support Services Coordinator
Annie Song
Development Manager
Lauren Ullom
Development Operations Coordinator
DANCE EDUCATION STAFF
Rocio Cruz, Faculty
Patrick Doran-Sheeran, Accompanist
Monti Ellison, Accompanist
Zachary Kenefick, Accompanist
Jonathan Kim, Faculty
Paul Kohlhas, Accompanist
Daniel Miramontes, Faculty
Andrea Ordaz, Faculty
Ben Rempel, Accompanist
Katelyn Sanchez, Faculty
Kenneth Walker, Faculty
Brian Wood, Accompanist
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES STAFF
Cathy Benitez, Student Support Services Leader
Rafael Delgado, Tutor
Dulce Garcia, Family Services Support Specialist
Marina Garcia, Tutor
Berenice Gonzalez, Student Support Services Mentor
Marissa Martinez, Student Support Services Mentor
Eusebio Romero, Student Support Services Mentor
DAWN S. REESE
Chief Executive Officer
Dawn S. Reese has leveraged over 25 years of business and nonprofit management experience to be a life-changer for low-income youth and help propel The Wooden Floor forward. Dawn’s unique blend of talent and experience working in business, arts, education, and technology adds to the mission-driven, business-minded focus of The Wooden Floor. During Dawn’s eight-year tenure, she was promoted from General Manager and Chief Financial Officer to Executive Director and Co-CEO in 2012, and in 2016 she was promoted to Chief Executive Officer. Read more about our CEO’s story here.
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.”
FALON BALTZELL
Artistic Director
Falon Baltzell holds an MFA in Performance and Choreography from The State University of New York at Brockport, and a BFA in Dance Education with K-12 licensure from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a certified teacher in the Bill Evans Method, a somatic investigation of movement with influences from Bartenieff Fundamentals (SM) and Laban, and has been teaching this method at colleges, conferences, and workshops such as Kona Dance and Performing Arts in Hawaii, American College Dance Festivals in New York and Pennsylvania, and The Ohio Dance Festival. Read more about our Artistic Director here.
DEREK BRUNER
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Derek has 11 years of nonprofit experience in the areas of strategic operations, growth planning, governance, and evaluation. Derek develops, oversees, and implements programs and projects that support The Wooden Floor’s vision and strategic plans. During his tenure, he oversaw the rollout of the organization’s second location, Depot at Santiago. Derek holds a BM in Composition from Chapman University and a MPA from Brandman University, part of the Chapman University system. “The Wooden Floor’s unique 10-year commitment to its students is what sets the organization apart.”
TIANNA HARADON
Director of Development
Tianna has over eight 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.”
WENDY MENDOZA
Director of Student Development
Wendy received her MEd from USC and her BA in Communications from the University of California, San Diego. Throughout her career she has worked in the public and private sector in Education, where she has designed programs to promote students’ academic and cognitive development. Her education, experience, and training has equipped her with the conceptual, organizational, and leadership skills needed to ensure she and her department best support the ongoing needs of the community. “The trusting opportunity given to me by our community to move students forward is a gift I hold dear to my heart.”
VANESSA RODRIGUEZ
Chief Operating Officer
Vanessa has 15 years of nonprofit experience in the areas of strategic planning, scaling organizations, program management, and working with cross-functional teams including: facilities, information technology, human resources, and development, to further strategic and operational goals. Vanessa holds a MPA from California State University, Long Beach, and a BA in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton. “I love working at The Wooden Floor because we empower students and their families to achieve their greatest potential.”
KRIS FILIP ANDERSON
Communications & Visual Design Associate
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.”
ADILENE AYALA
Academic Coordinator
Adilene earned a BA in Liberal Studies with a focus in Elementary Education and a minor in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton. In Fall 2022, she will begin her Graduate Studies in Higher Education at her alma mater, CSU Fullerton. Prior to The Wooden Floor, Adilene worked at a local non-profit as the Site Coordinator supporting students’ early learning and enrichment while simultaneously preparing them for college and career. As the Academic Coordinator at The Wooden Floor, Adilene oversees the Tutoring Program, Supplemental Academic Workshops, and the collection of student body GPAs throughout the year. “What I love the most about The Wooden Floor are the students and families and the lifelong relationships they build with each other and the staff. Our families at The Wooden Floor welcome us into their lives and have helped us build this beautiful community where their children can call their second home.”
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
Dance Education & Curriculum Specialist
Jenn earned a MA in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado, a BFA in Dance Performance from Chapman University, a BSAI Pilates certification, and an Arts Management & Dance Training certificate from the José Limón Dance Foundation. Jenn danced professionally with Backhausdance for 13 years and served as their Educational Outreach Director for five. “My passion for dance education aligns with our mission in that we get to change lives and create successful human beings through dance. I love witnessing the success in the studio transform into accomplishments in life.”
CRYSTAL BETANCOURT
Administrative Coordinator
Crystal has 7 years of professional experience having worked at various nonprofits in the Laguna Beach area. She has a broad range of knowledge and skills in administration, event management, fundraising, and programming. Prior to joining The Wooden Floor, she served as Executive Assistant to marine life artist, Wyland, where she also supported the Wyland Foundation and found her passion for creative nonprofits with an emphasize in youth development. “I love The Wooden Floor because we are able to measure the growth of each student artistically, intellectually, and interpersonally.”
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.”
BRANDON GERNUX
College & Career Readiness Coordinator
Brandon received his MS in Educational Counseling with a PPS credential from National University. He has a BA in Family & Consumer Sciences from CSU Long Beach. At The Wooden Floor, Brandon focuses on empowering 11th & 12th grade students in The Next Step© Program to prepare them for college and career. Once they graduate he continues to assist them through the Alumni Professional Network and The Wooden Floor scholarship programs. “My life’s purpose is to help others discover the tools from within to find their own purpose, and The Wooden Floor’s mission is in perfect alignment with that.”
KIMBERLY HERNANDEZ
Director of Student Development
Kimberly has a BA from California University, Davis with a double major in Psychology and Chicano/a Studies. She has always enjoyed working with children and is driven to provide them a compassionate and motivating space. As an upper classman, Kimberly mentored and tutored fellow first-generation students, during which she recognized her passion to help youth unlock their highest potential and find success. “I am fortunate to be part of The Wooden Floor’s mission that works to inspire students to realize their power to create a positive impact onto the world.”
NATALIE HAMMOND
Administrative Coordinator
Natalie received her BA in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Prior to joining The Wooden Floor, Natalie managed the Volunteer Department for a nonprofit in Pasadena called Union Station Homeless Services, which has provided her with the knowledge, nonprofit experience, and creativity to successfully fulfill the position of Administrative Coordinator. As a former collegiate student athlete, Natalie understands the importance of teamwork, discipline, and commitment. She is excited to bring these values into this role. “It brings me joy to see others reach their fullest potential, and I am blessed to provide support and encouragement along the way in my new role at The Wooden Floor.”
VICTORIA KIM
Communications Development Assistant
Victoria has a BA from California State University, Fullerton with a double major in Communications (Public Relations) and Women’s Studies. With a goal to write for purpose and change, Victoria has experience in grant writing, copy editing, and English tutoring. At The Wooden Floor, she assists the Marketing and Development team in social media, public relations, website design, and development writing. “I love The Wooden Floor because of the positive impact it will have on our community and our world for future generations to come.”
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.”
ANNIE SONG
Development Manager
Annie obtained her BS in Human Services and Master of Public Administration from Cal State Fullerton. Prior to joining The Wooden Floor in 2020, Annie spent nine years at Orangewood Foundation where she held multiple roles in Program and Development. “What I love most about The Wooden Floor is the thoughtful, long-term, and holistic approach to youth development. I am grateful to be part of an organization that helps children in our community realize their full potential through dance and wrap-around services. I look forward to working closely with the supporters that make this all possible.”
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.”
LAUREN ULLOM
Development Operations Coordinator
Lauren received her BS from Arizona State University, where she studied Nonprofit Leadership and Management. Prior to joining The Wooden Floor’s Development Team, Lauren worked for several nonprofits in Orange County, including Sage Hill School and Families Forward. “I love working at The Wooden Floor because of our mission and dedication to our students, through dance and wrap-around services.”
ELLY ARONSON
Communications and Development Assistant
Elly received her bachelor’s degree in Documentary Film from Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Starting with a program initiated in high school, Elly has worked with a number of nonprofit organizations. She is excited to continue her passion at the Wooden Floor. “What I love most about the Wooden Floor is the commitment to each and every student and their journey. I am excited for the opportunity to capture and share those moments with different visual mediums to promote the services of our organization. The Wooden Floor is truly committed to assisting our students achieve their highest potential.”
LAURIE BEDOLLA
College and Career Readiness Coordinator
Laurie recently completed her Ph.D. at UCLA. She brings over 25 years of experience in education to The Wooden Floor. Laurie has been a teacher, assistant principal and principal at schools in the Southern California area. “What I love about The Wooden Floor is the commitment to not just the student, but the whole family. A commitment that encourages success, individuality and creativity through education, dance, and community.”