Michele Vavonese
Executive Director
Michele considers it an honor to work with, support and introduce to the broader arts industry the highly underexposed and underrated works of HOPE artists. Made up of many truly gifted individuals, Michele comes into work each day invigorated with the possibilities of giving HOPE artists every opportunity their hard work deserves.
Jorge Chavira
Student Services Coordinator
Jorge Chavira brings an energetic and enthusiastic passion to helping others at Hope Center for the Arts. This devotion also secured him a B.S. in Human Services from California State University of Fullerton.
Sandra Carter
Director of Visual Arts | Hope Handcrafted Coordinator
Sandra D. Carter is certified in both Horticultural Therapy and Social-Emotional arts therapies from UCLA and engaged as a therapeutic fiber arts facilitator. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of special education focusing on adults with intellectual disabilities.
Steven Noguera
Performing Arts Instructor | Co-Director of Hand Bells
A professional musician since the age of 12, Steven Noguera has performed all across the United States; and composed and recorded over 60 pieces of music. For a significant portion of his life he was a successful entrepreneur and business owner.
Danielle Tsujino
Performing Arts Instructor: Video Production & Acting
Danielle Tsujino has a range of experience and expertise in Theatre and Film. Danielle started acting at the age of 8, performing in a variety of plays until her first film at the age of 18.
Fatima Franks
Visual Arts Instructor
Fatima studied at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture Karachi where she obtained her BFA in painting, drawing and printmaking and was later invited to teach as assistant professor in the Foundation program.