Keith Peterson Co-Chair
Director of Guest Services, University of Colorado Hospital
“I believe constructive activity is one of the most effective ways to positively influence young people. DAVA offers a variety of constructive activities and consequently brings direction, creative outlet and fun to their lives.” -Keith

Mitzi Schindler Co-Chair
Director of Marketing, Aurora Chamber of Commerce
“I fell in love with the concept of DAVA, and with the idea that these kids were doing something creative – as well as learning responsibility, teamwork, and respect. In addition, studies are showing that the arts and creativity have intrinsic value to math, reading and science, and also that the learning tool of creativity greatly benefits human learning and development. But, maybe the best part is that the kids really seem to enjoy their time at DAVA!” - Mitzi

Secretary Melody Durso
Retired from Division of Behavioral Health/Dept. of Human Services
“Before joining the Board I served for ten years as DAVA’s state liaison with the Colorado Division of Behavioral Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention section, at which time I became a fervent supporter.  Prevention science tells us that the activities in which children and youth engage while outside of school hours are critical to their development. High quality after school programs like DAVA generate positive outcomes including improved academic performance, classroom behavior, and health and nutrition.  Communities and businesses also benefit when youth have safe and productive ways to spend their time while their parents are at work.  DAVA does all this, and with soul!  Dedicated and caring staff members provide Aurora youth with a safe haven and creative, skill-building opportunities that also develop character and leadership. It’s a wonderful organization!”

Treasurer Yusuf Hassan
Banking Officer, FirstBank

Lindsey A. Sousa
Senior Planner at Parsons Brinckerhoff
“DAVA is an incredible program for arts-based learning and engagement in the center of a high-risk urban neighborhood. Youth have the opportunity to explore creative projects and in that process, learn invaluable job training and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, they learn about themselves and gain confidence and strength through the creative process. I am a true champion of DAVA and its mission.”

Natalia Ballinger 
Attorney at Law, Greenberg Taurig
“DAVA gives local youth a voice through art, and is a vibrant bridge between the community and families it serves.” -Natalia

Rochelle Rabeler, 
Attorney at Law, Holland & Hart Law Firm
“Children are often subject to negative circumstances far beyond their control.  DAVA provides these youth with a safe, free, inclusive environment that inspires and promotes responsibility, leadership and creativity.  It’s been said that today’s youth are our future leaders and DAVA provides them with opportunities and creative tools that empower them to succeed.  As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future” and I am confident that DAVA does just that.” -Rochelle

Ana Martin-Mejia
Colorado Community College System World Languages Chair, and Community College of Aurora Faculty and World Languages Coordinator
“I love DAVA because it gives kids a place to develop qualities that they will use for the rest of their lives. It shows them that there is more in life for them that what they expect. It gives them a community where to explore possibilities, think about the world, and develop leadership skills. And they are able to do all of this while having fun.”

Brian H. Price
(Last) Manager of the Denver Production Office,(Noblis Business Process Development)

Kristen Del Calzo
Executive Producer

“Through community based arts education, DAVA advocates for the necessity of providing opportunity to disadvantaged youth, inspiring them to reach their fullest potential. When I interact with these children, I am reminded of the awesome power of human spirit and how it can be positively expressed and nurtured through art and a commitment to fostering personal responsibility. “ – Kristen

Kerby Meyers
Communications Consultant
“Among communities rife with challenges, DAVA stands out a bastion of creativity, encouragement and hope for school-age children.” -Kerby

Shubhra Raje
Architect, LEED AP, Shubhra Raje_Built Environments
“I love being on the DAVA board because of the organization’s commitment to youth leadership and empowerment through a sustainable, inclusive, actively engaged and critical model of arts education. I am in awe of the talented and committed staff who develop programs and create an environment that ensures that the youth who walk into DAVA are given the opportunity to discover and express their own voice; engaging with communities through the art they create.” – Shubhra