Administrative Staff

Julie McDonald   Executive Director: Julie McDonald

Julie joined the staff of Leap...imagination in learning as Executive Director in 2005. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she earned her undergraduate degree in Art Education from Kent State University, where she taught visual art classes in the juvenile justice system, urban and rural elementary schools, and after school enrichment programs. Her teaching experience led her to see the transformative power of the arts in strengthening schools and communities, motivating her work as an arts advocate and administrator. Julie brings to Leap over nine years of experience in curriculum design, community outreach, fundraising, marketing, advocacy, program development and building school partnerships. Under her leadership, Leap’s programs have grown by over 190%, serving over 6,500 students every year. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Arts Providers Alliance of San Francisco as the Marketing and Communications Chair.

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 Photo by Elisa Cicinelli
   
     
Carol Dunstan   Program Director: Carol Dunstan

Carol joined the staff of Leap...imagination in learning as Program Associate in 2008. A San Francisco native, she earned her master’s degree in Art Education from the University of Bristol, England, where she taught visual art classes in high school, college and adult education. She served as a resident artist in Santa Barbara and taught in a variety of education settings there. After earning a master’s degree in Anthropology, Carol worked with Southeast Asian refugees and other immigrants, most recently as a foundation Program Officer overseeing after-school literacy enrichment programs. She has worked to “level the playing field” for all students. Carol brings to Leap over eight years of experience in community outreach, program management and development, and building school partnerships. She currently serves on the Refugee Educators’ Network.

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Lauren Parent   Office Manager/Bookkeeper: Lauren Parent

Lauren joined the Leap...imagination in learning team as Office Manager and Administrative Assistant in 2007. A Vermont native, Lauren relocated to San Francisco to attend California College of the Arts, where she recently completed her Masters of Fine Arts. Inspired by many fantastic art professors over the years, Lauren is happy to be involved in an organization which supports art programs and fosters creativity in public schools. When she is not in the studio, Lauren enjoys hiking and exploring the Bay Area landscape. Lauren's Website

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