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DEA Educational Foundation regional directors and managers.

SMILE With Our Regional Directors and Managers!

Everyday our directors and managers work to establish programs in our communities and bring smiles to us and our families. We give a big shout out to our dedicated regional directors and managers!

Regional Directors and Managers

Working behind the scenes can sometimes be a challenging job, but come find out what makes our Regional Directors and Managers smile and why they remain dedicated to making a change!

  • Youth Programs Consultant

    Kiera Anderson

    Youth Programs Consultant

    She has always been passionate about access to arts education, and has taught workshops and classes for young people since 2002.

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  • Regional Director

    Cristine Dhimos

    Regional Director

    She began her professional dance career with what was then called the Alvin Ailey Third Company and toured the West Indies performing in such ballets as Revelations and Blues Suite.

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  • Regional Manager and Multi Region Coach

    Pete Harbolick

    Regional Manager and Multi Region Coach
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  • Evaluation, Media and Project Consultant

    Meredith Liepelt

    Evaluation, Media and Project Consultant

    She is CEO of Rising Star Publicity, has guided thousands of business leaders and entrepreneurs to unearth, execute, and communicate their big ideas.

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  • Training Director, DEAEF Youth Programs and Regional Manager

    Michèle Morris

    Training Director, DEAEF Youth Programs and Regional Manager

    Michèle Morris has had the privilege of working with the DEAEF Youth Dance Program since the inception of its predecessor, the D.A.R.E. Dance Program in 2000.

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  • Regional Director

    Jodi Obeid

    Regional Director

    Jodi is a dance educator who believes deeply in the mission of the program and that all children should have opportunities for movement and self-expression.

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  • Associate Director, DEAEF Youth Programs and Regional Manager

    Christina Ruiz Pastras

    Associate Director, DEAEF Youth Programs and Regional Manager

    She advocates for at-risk children and provides them with a safe space, mentors and a feeling of accomplishment through a drug free lifestyle and dance.

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  • Regional Manager

    Allison Tanaka

    Regional Manager

    She has dedicated more than 20 years to working with nonprofit organizations and government agencies in multiple capacities ranging from program coordinator to development director.

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  • Youth Baseball National Director, Multi Region Coach

    Rick Zeitlin

    Youth Baseball National Director, Multi Region Coach
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What will you do today to make someone smile?!

by Amy Danos

Updated Aug 20, 2025

Spotlight, DEAEF