My husband describes me in one word: Verb. I'm all over the place. I started a nonprofit organization, Arts in Education Aid Council, over 15 years ago after my very creative son started kindergarten at a public school at the end of the block. I served on the board of the school PTA for several years and was a founding member of "The Burning Moms", a group of passionate public school moms who tried to get more people committed to public education. I am an artist and cartoonist. I teach art. I produce arts related events in the Valley. I'm a public speaker. I conduct workshops and seminars. I'm a blogger and an op-ed writer. I help others start and run their own nonprofits. I am an effective fundraiser. I love volunteering for causes that I feel passionate about and always give 100%. I am a licensed minister in the State of California, specializing in marrying couples who want an alternative to the traditional wedding. http://spikeminister.myboldsite.com/

I am a champion of the Valley, the arts, public education, and a number of other social issues.

I'm a verb.

Services:

If you are looking to start a nonprofit and have no idea how to do it, I can help you. If you already run a nonprofit but need help getting your board up to speed, I can help you. If you need someone to write grants for your nonprofit, I can do that. If you need help on how to successfully market yourself without spending much money, I'm really good at that. If you are an art lover and want to see more art in the Valley, call me! I can help! I have over 15 years experience in curating art shows and producing festivals. I know how to get publicity. I'm also an artist - paintings from my San Fernando Valley series are on display now at Councilman Englander's office in Chatsworth. If you need a speaker for an event on how ordinary people can effect great change in their own communities, overcoming major obstacles (I went through late stage cancer while being in the national spotlight), how to give spot on radio, print and TV interviews, or how the arts save lives, call me.

I'm the field organizer for the West Valley for Nextdoor, the new social media site that is just for neighborhoods. If you have questions about Nextdoor, or if you'd like to start your own Nextdoor neighborhood, call me. I can help!

Accomplishments:

One of the original "Community Champions" for the Annenberg Foundation's Alchemy program - mentoring nonprofit leaders on how to develop strong, effective boards.

Spoke on the steps of the Supreme Court about how the Affordable Care Act saved my life.

In February, 2014, I was recognized by the City of Los Angeles for my work in supporting the arts in Reseda and the schools of the Valley for the past 20 years.

Associations:

American Association of Wedding Officiants
Reseda Neighborhood Council (Secretary, Outreach Chair, Arts and Culture Chair)

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