Board of Directors

With decades of experience in social impact and youth development, Debby Lenz leads the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Board of Directors with her expertise in nonprofit leadership and management. She retired in 2019 after a distinguished 36-year career with the San Diego YMCA, where she served as Executive Director of the Cameron Family YMCA from 2016 to 2019. Debby began her YMCA journey as a program director, coach, dance instructor, and choreographer for competitive gymnasts, growing a program of 50 students into the largest YMCA gymnastics program in the country, serving over 1,400 students. Her leadership helped establish one of the top competitive gymnastics programs in California. In 2003, as Associate Executive Director, Debby facilitated a key partnership with the City of Santee, which led to the construction of The Cameron Family YMCA. She managed a nearly $4million budget, oversaw a membership of more than 8,000, and raised over $1 million for the YMCA throughout her career. In recognition of her contributions, the Cameron Family YMCA’s Gymnastics Center was renamed the “Debby Lenz Gymnastics Center” in 2008. In addition to her work with the YMCA, Debby has a rich background in dance, having taught ballet and choreographed at Hidden Valley in Carmel Valley, as well as teaching ballet at the University of San Diego for the MFA/Old Globe Theater acting program. She holds a BS in Human Services from Springfield College. Debby lives in North Park with her husband Robert Drake. She enjoys walking her dogs, traveling, and regularly attending ballet classes.

Shana Medley’s expertise in marketing, public relations, and community engagement makes her a valuable asset to the SDCYB’s board. She is Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Century Club of San Diego, the organization that operates San Diego’s annual PGA TOUR event, the Farmers Insurance Open, held at the iconic Torrey Pines golf course. Shana’s diverse experience includes prior roles in integrated marketing, event management, public relations, and business development with companies such as Caesars Entertainment, Jewish National Fund, Competitor Group, Siemens, and Sports Illustrated. A proud San Diegan for nearly 15 years, Shana is an avid sports fan and fitness enthusiast, often found supporting her Florida State Seminoles or running, weightlifting, golfing, or skiing.

Nicole Leavitt’s expertise in bookkeeping, business operations, and project management makes her a natural to be SDCYB’s treasurer, leading strong financial oversight and strategic growth. As the founder and President of Alacritous Solutions, a bookkeeping and admin firm serving small businesses across the U.S., Nicole helps companies maintain accurate financials to drive data-informed decisions. Before launching her own business, Nicole spent 10 years in the technology sector as a project manager, optimizing internal operating systems for large companies to streamline processes and scale operations. She holds an MBA with an emphasis in Global Management from Ashford University and a BA in Art History from San Diego State University. A native San Diegan, Nicole’s background in the arts includes her time as a musician with the San Diego Youth Symphony and volunteering with her daughter’s theater productions. She currently lives in San Diego with her husband, daughter, and their rescue dog.

Arielle Sykes’ deep connection and historical knowledge of SDCYB, combined with her extensive experience in education and the arts, gives her a unique understanding of SDCYB’s needs. Having volunteered with the organization for 16 years as a parent, Arielle continues supporting its mission now that her daughters have graduated from the school. Arielle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater and Dance from UCSD, and before having her three children, she performed with Starlight Civic Light Opera, Lawrence Welk Theater, Moonlight Stage Productions, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. She also taught ballet, tap, and jazz throughout San Diego County before transitioning to a career in education. Currently, Arielle is a Kindergarten teacher at Silver Gate Elementary School within the San Diego Unified School District and has held leadership roles in the Point Loma Cluster Schools, including serving as President of Friends of Silver Gate and Friends of Dana Middle School, as well as being a long-standing member of the Point Loma Schools Foundation. A dedicated advocate for youth and the arts, Arielle enjoys supporting local organizations. When she isn’t traveling to visit her three children, she loves taking long walks, reading, and attending live performances. She lives in North Park with her husband, Dean, along with their dog and cat.

Daniel Brunton’s legal expertise and passion for the arts make him a strong advocate for the SDCYB’s mission, and he plays a critical role in guiding the board in areas of governance. With over 24 years of experience in environmental law, with an emphasis on helping developers obtain entitlements for large-scale infrastructure projects, Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge in delivering practical legal guidance while supporting creative and innovative teams. Daniel is dedicated to expanding access to justice for vulnerable communities through his pro bono work. Daniel is also an enthusiastic supporter of dance and youth programming. Having supported the organization for 15 years as a parent, Daniel continues supporting its mission now that his daughters have graduated from the school. He earned his J.D. from New York University of Law and his B.A. in Mathematics and English from the University of Washington. He lives in San Diego with his wife and three children.

With over two decades of experience in corporate operations, business development, and the travel and wine industries, Jen Lesaigle brings a diverse set of skills from the business and hospitality sectors. As a business development consultant, Jen offers expertise in launching and expanding companies, along with specialized knowledge in private cellar management, retail and wholesale wine sales, travel planning, and relocation services. A skilled multitasker, she engages across different areas to guide and support organizational growth. Jen’s extensive network in the wine industry allows her to secure donations or discounts for events, helping to defray costs and enhance fundraising efforts. Her connections are an asset to the organization, providing valuable support that extends beyond traditional business development.

Yulian Ligioso’s extensive expertise in finance, business operations, and organizational leadership helps provide strong financial and operational leadership. With a career spanning over three decades in the community college sector, Yulian has held various executive roles, helping institutions enhance their fiscal stability, execute facility master plans, and successfully navigate accreditation challenges. His leadership was instrumental in chairing a successful college facilities bond campaign and overseeing technology system conversions. Yulian began his professional journey at Ernst & Young (EY), one of the Big Four accounting firms, where he earned his CPA and built a foundation in public accounting. He also owned and operated three specialty retail businesses and led his own consulting firm focused on tax, accounting, and business matters. Yulian holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California, an MBA from the University of the Pacific, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of Massachusetts Global. His deep connection to the arts is reflected in his daughters’ involvement in the Cecchetti Ballet method, which they taught during their college years. His wife Nicole is a Fellow with the Cecchetti Council of America. Yulian also previously served on the Stockton Arts Commission.

Cheryl Nichols’ expertise in wellness, corporate training, and product development, along with her passion for promoting mindfulness, makes her a valuable addition to the SDCYB’s Board of Directors. With extensive experience in the medical and luxury skincare industries, Cheryl has traveled the world as a corporate trainer, working with research scientists to develop leading skincare brands. Her commitment to improving well-being extends to her keynote speaking engagements, where she highlights the healing power of touch in a high-tech world, emphasizing its ability to boost the immune system and reduce disease. As the founder of Scent of Being, Cheryl creates personalized, eco-friendly candles designed to promote mindfulness and self-care. Each candle is thoughtfully crafted to inspire connection with one's environment and nourish the soul. Cheryl’s lifelong mission is to help people feel their absolute best.

Andrea Steinbrenner’s leadership experience and commitment to helping businesses thrive make her a valuable addition to the SDCYB’s Board of Directors. As Chief Executive Officer of Exit Consulting Group, Inc., Andrea brings a wealth of expertise from working across multiple industries, always focused on improving the organizations she serves. Her mission is to leave businesses in a better state than she finds them, ensuring the best possible outcomes for her clients. Known for her clear communication and collaborative approach, Andrea prioritizes listening to the needs, goals, and priorities of her clients and teams. She works closely with both clients and staff to craft solutions that align with their objectives while preserving the culture and values of the organization. Andrea’s true win comes from guiding people toward achieving their goals and seeing them succeed.

Rosemary Linden is the founder and Managing Director of Momentum CFO, a financial consulting firm that helps small to mid-sized businesses grow profitably. Rosemary has 20 years of financial management experience leading the finance organizations of companies ranging in size from small start-ups to global Fortune 500 enterprises. Prior to founding Momentum CFO, Rosemary held financial leadership positions including Director of Global Financial Planning and Analysis at WD-40 Company and Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis at Alliant Insurance Services. Throughout her career, Rosemary has served as a trusted advisor to corporate executives, guiding them to make informed financial decisions in the best interest of their companies and shareholders. She has been responsible for developing and managing budgets exceeding $1 billion per year, and has deep expertise in financial reporting and analysis, strategic planning, and investment management. Rosemary earned her MSBA in Financial and Tax Planning from San Diego State University and her BA in Economics from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.