Vania Deonizio, MFT, Keynote Speaker, Philanthropy Executive | Founding Director - Board Chair - is a dancer, choreographer, and an advocate for cultural change fighting for hospitals to treat humans as individuals who benefit from having access to creative and expressive arts during hospitalization. Born in Rio de Janeiro and raised throughout Brazil, Vania founded Dancin Power in the spring of 2006, while living in the United States. Thanks to her passion and determination, today, more 19,000 hospitalized children and their families at eight children’s hospitals across the United States and beyond have been positively impacted by the power of music, movement, mindfulness, and dance. Vania has been featured by NBC, NowThis, and The Huffington Post. She has been awarded the Front Line Scholar Award from TEDMED and was has been named by the British Medical Journal as their International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare 2018’s Artist-in-Health Resident. What started as a dream has become a reality that is transforming thousands of lives across the US and beyond, and for that, she will forever be grateful.
Catt Olazabal - Treasurer - Catt is a financial professional who has worked with Dancin Power since 2016; initially hired as a contractor then transitioning to serving on the board of directors. Her expertise lies in finance, governance, operations, and human resources. She currently runs her own business supporting a variety of non-profit organizations throughout the bay area in industries such as education, social services, arts, housing and philanthropy, and concurrently serves as Chief Financial Officer at Hispanics in Philanthropy. She is passionate about Dancin Power’s mission to serve hospitalized children by improving their quality of life through the power of music and dance.
Diane Oviatt, RN | UCSF BCH- Oakland - Board - As a dedicated Registered Nurse at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland for over 43 years, has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of Dancin Power. Her work in the Infusion Center has allowed her to see the liberating joy that Dancin Power brings to chronically ill children, describing it as life-changing. Diane’s passion for the organization's mission runs deep, and her commitment to helping Dancin Power continue its work is unwavering. As a board member, she hopes to see the organization thrive and continue bringing joy to those who need it most.
Sasha De Sola, Principal Dancer | San Francisco Ballet - Board - Sasha has captivated audiences worldwide with her artistry, dedication, and passion for dance. Known for her powerful performances and deep connection to movement, Sasha believes wholeheartedly in the transformative power of dance to inspire, uplift, and heal. After visiting UCSF Children’s Hospital and seeing the profound impact that dance had on children through Dancin Power, Sasha felt a deep connection to the organization’s mission. She joined the Dancin Power Board of Directors, eager to help expand its reach and bring the joy of dance to even more children who need it most.
Dr. Yumi Mitsuya, Chief of Pediatric Rehabilitation | UCSF BCH- Oakland - Board - Dr. Yumi is a powerhouse in her field, helping children overcome serious challenges like spinal injuries and brain trauma. Every day, she witnesses kids fighting to reclaim their strength and independence, and she knows firsthand how vital movement is in their journey to recovery. When Dr. Mitsuya learned that some of her patients had experienced the joy of Dancin Power, she knew she had to be part of it. For her, Dancin Power isn’t just about movement; it’s about giving children back their joy and confidence.
Maricar Boyle, MPA, CFRE - Board - Maricar Boyle is a well-rounded leader and development professional with over 20 years of experience spanning health, global environmental conservation, and children’s welfare. Her background working in a children's hospital has given her firsthand insight into the transformative impact of programs like Dancin Power. Passionate about improving both physical and emotional well-being, Maricar is dedicated to uplifting children during their most challenging moments and is thrilled to bring her expertise and heart to the Dancin Power board.
Sarah Wright-Schreiberg, JD - Creative Powerhouse: Writer, Producer, Actor, and Dancer - Sarah is a mother of three with a deep passion for empowering children and fostering creative expression. A steadfast supporter of Dancin Power for over 18 years, she wholeheartedly believes in its mission to bring healing and joy to kids through movement. Her commitment to advocacy extends from her family life to her professional career, where she championed the rights of low-wage workers and labor unions. Sarah’s artistic talents shine as an actor, writer, and producer, reflecting her belief in the transformative power of compassion, creativity, and resilience.