Our Theory of Change

Through its visual arts studio program, NIAD gives people with disabilities the skills and experience to express themselves, be independent and earn income as an artist. This nurturing community of artists fosters experimentation, increases competence to make informed choices and increases connections among diverse communities through the commonality of creative expression.

Our Mission 

NIAD promotes creative expression, independence, dignity and community integration for people with disabilities.

Our Vision

A unified community where everyone is included, and art makes the individual and their story visible.

Our Values

1. Diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility
2. Open, straightforward communication
3. Support, respect, and safe spaces
4. Our community and the opportunity to work together
5. Environmental awareness and sustainability
6. Artistic growth and hard work
7. Exploration, change, taking risks, and failing forward
8. Trust, mindfulness, and self-ownership
9. The needs and perspectives of others
10. Humor, fun, and joy!

Administration

Executive Director // Amanda Eicher

Programs Director // Arden Fredman (currently on leave)

Community Programs Director // Ember Avalos

Art Marketing and Partnerships Director // Isabelle Zhang

Accessibility and Communications Specialist // Chrissie Bradley

Office Manager // Ingrid Alonso-Rodriguez (currently on leave)

Administrative Coordinator // Tara Neuffer

Exhibitions and Collections Associate // Liliana Herrera

Gallery Manager // Julio Rodriguez

Development Director // Rebecca Teague Jenkins

Development Associate // Maria Yates

Studio

23rd Street Studio Director // Liam Golden

Virtual Studio Director // Dawline-Jane Oni-Eseleh

Community Programs Manager // Shantanice Swain

Community Programs Manager // Terri Moore

Studio Facilitator // Andres Cisneros-Galindo

Studio Facilitator // Gabriel Garza

Studio Facilitator // Kieren Dutcher**

Studio Facilitator // Kim Huhta**

Studio Facilitator // Em Kettner

Studio Facilitator // Steen Kjorlie

Studio Facilitator // mara poliak

Studio Facilitator // Chelsea Smith

Studio Facilitator // Josh Solis

Studio Facilitator // Emma Spertus

Studio Facilitator // Bill Zindel

Studio Facilitator // Ocean Escalanti

Studio Facilitator and Community Programs Associate // Josh Vidal

**Funding for these positions is generously provided through a partnership with West Contra Costa Unified School District Adult Education.

Board of Directors

Chairperson // Pam Martin

Vice-Chairperson // Karen DiDomenicis

Treasurer // Jay Youngdahl

Secretary // Antonia Dapena-Tretter

Sarah Rothstein

Lauren Vassell

Lizeht Zepeda