June 2019 NEWS from CAA

We are Different. We are Able.

Mission CAA provides an equitable collegiate experience to Mayor Sam Liccardo inspires the crowd at CAA's Visionary Luncheon at Scott’s Seafood adults with special needs who historically have not had access to college education. Momentum is accelerating for this lifelong collegiate model

Vision The first half of 2019 has been truly historic Community collaborations continue to grow Empowering the student body for the College of Adaptive Arts. Thanks to the and strengthen with the to creatively transform the way tremendous underwriting by Cisco, CAA was able New Terrains Project, which allowed CAA to the world views individuals to produce four ABC7 Bay Area LIFE segments produce its graduate theatre troupe to perform with disabilities. CAA creates featuring CAA and community partnerships, the Camping Trip at their beautiful venue. as well successful contributing citizens students and families, professors and staff, and CAA’s School of TV/Film’s 10th Annual Best of the through the arts. CAA’s quest to take this model nationwide to Fest Film Festival. The Latizmo Hip Hop Troupe Motto become the Special Olympics-type model in the DreamTeam and the Graduate Theatre Troupe Showcase Ability! education space. showcased their incredible dance and teamwork abilities at sjDANCEco festival and at STEAMfest On January 10, we launched our ten-month of Redwood City. The Sign Language, Adaptive Epic Party celebrating our 10th year of existence. Guitar, and Children’s Music troupes were received Founders Executive Board of Each month we will feature stories about CAA’s Dr. Pamela Lindsay, EdD/CI Directors by a standing ovation from 400+women educator beginnings, students, donors and supporters, DeAnna Pursai, Exec. Dir. Ali Barekat leaders at the State Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) and CAA professors, all of whom are pouring Board of Directors Reverend David Bird Convention in May. Adrien LeBiavant, Chair David Cross their hearts and souls into making this equitable Toni Cook Piero Dusa collegiate model a viable reality for adults with CAA continues to grow and flourish thanks to the Stephen A. Fiss Fleet Easton special needs who are hungry to learn past age 22. collective goodwill, spirit, and belief that education Mimi Giannini Omair M. Farooqui truly is for all adults who want to continue to In March, CAA received a Certificate of Sandee Raval-Kiehl Hubert Gotuaco grow and learn and to become the best versions of Commendation from Mayor Sam Liccardo and the Nicole Matarangas Geri Jewell themselves. Thank you for your steadfast belief in San Jose city council. In April—Autism Awareness Teresa Montes de Oca Sam T. Liccardo this model. Please join us at Saratoga Springs on Month—we were honored with a Congressional Ivan Rodriguez David Maley 10/10 for a #CAA10YearsStrong Epic Party of the Joe Siecinski Michael Pritchard Certificate of Recognition by United States decade! Jen Mulry, ex-officio Blair Williamson Congressman Ro Khanna for providing lifelong Gail Williamson collegiate education to adults who historically have not had access to higher education. The Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation gave us a grant for new classroom tables and chairs. And the Office of Cultural Affairs awarded the College @CAACardinals of Adaptive Arts a TakepART grant to build out caacardinals the School of Fine Arts. In May, Mayor Sam Liccardo spoke at CAA’s collegeofadaptivearts sold-out Giving Luncheon. Donations tripled over collegeofadaptivearts that of previous years, thanks to the exquisite talents and skills of Dee Dee Kiesow of BenEvent www.collegeofadaptivearts.org Auctions. The audience was spellbound by 1401 Parkmoor Ave., Studio 260 compelling speeches from CAA film actor Oliver San Jose, CA 95126 Motiee and Cisco Executive Karen Sanders, who 408-538-3809 has been a steadfast supporter and underwriter of Trying out Adaptive Guitar [email protected] the College and its School of Health and Wellness. From the board Reflections on 10 years of growing this college model Ivan Rodriguez …from the journals of the founders I loved CAA as soon as I walked in. DeAnna’s daughter, Nina, remembers when Almaden YMCA, HOPE Services, and other the idea of a college for adults with disabilities generous community locales. The students There was something powerful about was born: and instructors worked hard to spread the College of Adaptive Arts. I was eager to get word about this collegiate model for adults of involved; I thought “maybe I can offer my It was 2008. I was in the back; DeAnna and all abilities, and the power of ongoing educa- theater training and experiences or help Pam were driving. DeAnna said, “You know, tional opportunity. In 2015, CAA was ac- out in any other way needed.” Shortly after we should start a college for adults with knowledged as an approved state program for our first visit, I talked to DeAnna and Pam differing abilities.” Pam, who was interested the adults served and we moved to our current about the possibility of getting involved. in developing a theatre arts program, replied, Cardinal “nest” thanks to Barry Swenson I had the privilege of becoming a Board “OK.” Pam suggested, “How about if we call it Builders. Member two months later. the College of Adaptive Arts?” DeAnna replied, “ O K .” Over the years, our student body has steadily In January, as the Graduate Theater class grown from 25...to 40...to 60...to 114 students rehearsed their play, the Camping Trip, What followed was brainstorming, research- enrolled this Spring ‘19 quarter. However, Professor Katie encouraged me to offer ing, writing a business plan, talking with a bigger story exists behind that number. acting notes to the students. Each week, parents of adults with special needs, more Most students enroll in multiple classes, and the students worked tirelessly, as we dug brainstorming. Homebase was a local coffee currently, they are filling over 425 seats at the deeper into their characters. And recently, shop where town hall-style meetings were physical and virtual campus. That’s over 425 volunteering during the play's preview at held. There were many moments of joy and individual, adaptive learning experiences that San Jose Museum of Art, I was as nervous as pride; one of DeAnna’s was receiving a note- our amazing professors plan every quarter, I used to be as a young actor. pad emblazoned with the CAA logo that Pam sketched. gathering resources and developing engaging I believe in CAA’s mission of providing an curricula. We’ve also grown from offering a equitable collegiate experience to adults The 2009 inaugural school year began with handful of classes to 10 Schools of Instruction, with special needs. I believe in the students’ small group classes at Pam’s house. By the welcoming our new School of Business to competence and unique abilities. I believe summer, CAA had received its charitable the line-up during our 10th year. All of these in a culture of active engagement, high organization status and moved the show to wonderful developments are due to a robust, expectations, and empowering students to Capitol Dance Company where a musical the- part-time staff of over 30 leaders and profes- expand their strengths while maintaining atre workshop class dubbed the “Showboaters” sors who teach over 40 courses each week. a safe space for creativity and expression. I served 12 students. By fall, more adults found We have a long way to go to bring this model believe in CAA. the College and the course offerings grew to include choir, guitar, songwriting, and visual into full fruition but today feel nothing but It is important for me to dedicate time to arts. In the fall of 2009, the de Oro Cupertino gratitude. We’ve made it #10YearsStrong. We an institution which can serve and teach Club invited the students to perform. Pam and are debt-free. We have a healthy and vibrant someone like my younger sister, who has DeAnna were so grateful for the opportunity community of learners, professors, and sup- Down Syndrome. College of Adaptive Arts to illuminate the students’ abilities; that trip porters. We are helping adults, their families, has become an essential part of my life. launched the development of CAA’s beloved and support team realize that there is so much That something powerful is the students, dance, music, and spirit squad community more out there for them, even after they make faculty/staff, parents and leaders of the touring ensembles. that profound transition out of the public College of Adaptive Arts. I am very excited school system at age 22. Since then, the students have consistently to continuously assist in the growth and be a elevated their work, goals, dreams, and ex- Each day looks a bit brighter than the previous part of the CAA community. pectations. Over the years, we’ve held classes day. Our hearts are full. Immeasurable thanks Warmly, Ivan Rodriguez, MFA at Capitol Dance Company, Randol School, for your belief in the CAA students, mission, Redwood City Senior Center, Starting Arts, and vision. UGMX Recording Studio, Trinity Cathedral Pam and De  Church, Silver Creek Sportsplex, CCO, the

CAA board member Ivan Rodriguez kicks off Broadcast personality Brian Adams is Sound check the Visionary Luncheon at Scott's Seafood interviewed for a CAA podcast Cardinal student highlight: Kaleah Maldonado

When Kaleah Maldonado was three, her severely triggering her negative autistic parents learned that Kaleaha had Jacobsen tendencies. Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that only affects a few dozen families across the US. The Kaleaha’s ILS service referred the family to average life expectancy was two years of age. the College of Adaptive Arts, as she was very Kalaeaha is now 30, and a thriving student at impressed with the progress she saw there the College of Adaptive Arts. with her other clients. Kaleaha selected some courses and arranged various caregivers. After When Kaleaha turned 22 and exited the public a brief period of adjustment, Kaleaha took school system, her parents struggled to find off like a rocket! She started participating the success and overcome the many hurdles a viable option that would accommodate in programs that got her back out into the that she has, had it not been for the staff and Kaleah's medical needs and her need to have community. She enrolled in classes that programming at the College of Adaptive Arts. a 1:1 assistant. They grappled with various rekindled her love of cheerleading. Reading They have formatted a program that seeks programs that had high staff turnover and public speaking became new interests. rates, and at times they almost gave up. The out abilities and adapts a curriculum to allow inconsistency of staffing seriously affected Kaleaha’s mother reports, “As a family, we individuals with different abilities to prosper Kaleaha’s mental and cognitive abilities, do not believe Kaleaha would have achieved and shine like the superstars they are.”

Superstaff spotlight: Danielle Weaver

Danie Weaver is the Director of the School One day Danie accompanied her younger of Communications. She is also a lover of sister to a class at CAA. She was impressed literature, hero journeys, and nerd-dom. Her with the respect given to the students and put philosophy inside and outside the classroom is a bug in DeAnna’s ear about ways she could that everyone has a voice and journey, and the get involved. only way empathy can start is by listening. The rest is history. Danie started at CAA In the classroom, she believes in her students. in 2013 as an Assistant Professor. The next She believes every student deserves a chance summer she created a poetry class which to read a novel more than 300 pages long, became one of the most popular classes at to read and write poetry, to have their own CAA. In quick succession came reading ideas and interpretations. Every student has partners, sign language, speaking with the right to have an opinion, especially if it is confidence, and many more. different from the teacher’s. She challenges Danie loves to share and teach her favorite her students and shows them how to believe novels and encourages her students to explore comics. Danie loves visiting Disneyland in themselves. tropes and relate them to their lives. As Danie or Disney World; she also loves the beach. What you may not know is Danie survived was encouraging her students to use their Danie and her husband Jeremiah love going Hodgkin Lymphoma. At 25 years old and voices, she felt a nudge to use her own. In to superhero movies and drinking tea. Her newly married, her life was a series of 2018, Danie started a blog about fandom, favorite quote is from the Newsies Musical: treatments, radiation, and chemo. To get her anxiety, self-reflection, and how her world “Courage cannot erase our fear. Courage is through this, Danie embraced poetry; it was a view changed as a cancer survivor. when we face our fear.” way for her to express all her feelings and talk When she’s not teaching, scheduling APs and Check out Danie’s blog at: about things for which there are no words. site managers, and doing payroll, Danie can https://daniewithanereflections.blog The day came when treatment was finished be found at her desk, usually laughing, ready but for safety, she was not allowed to be alone. to discuss Anne of Green Gables or X-Men

Distance learning removes barriers to Rehearsing interview techniques Acting students review their scripts participation *Benevent Auctions & Country Club Together we are moving mountains Consulting *Olander Company, Inc. July 1, 2018 - 2019 academic year donors & partners *Benford Real Estate Inc. *Panalo Solutions Birthright of San Jose *Peninsula Visa SCHOOL Antoinette & Gary Cook Robert Rahn *Cisco, Inc. *PG& Recurring Corporate UNDERWRITERS Ramon Coria Sandee Raval *City National Bank Match *City of San Jose - Mayor *PG&E Foundation Cisco Systems, Inc.: Ed & Katherine Correa Ivan Rodriguez Sam Liccardo Pinnacle Bank Health & Wellness Nancy Crowe Elizabeth Santana *City of San Jose - Offi ce of Reliable Offi ce Solutions – Principe O’Farrell Family: Sharon Dahnert Dahnert Debbie Serio Cultural Aff airs Jim & Donna Martinez Theatre Brad Ehle Joseph Siecinski *Color Pros Inc. Robert A. Bothman Private Family Foundation: Joe & Linda Gonzales Kathleen Spampinato *Cupertino de Oro Club Construction TV/Film Brandon Guillen Bobbi Tafoya *Delta Kappa Gamma Rotary Club of San Jose Pursai Family: Amy Hancock Bruce & Maria Tirado Tirado Society International, Chi Silicon Valley Foundation Library & Media Center Chris Heathcote Stephen Fiss & Bette State *San Jose Evergreen Raghuram Family: Richard Hermerding Sokolsky *DKG, Zeta Theta Chapter Community College Communications Evy Horton Graciela Zadrozny *Dr. Daniel Araldi, DDS District Foundation Riccio Family: Bill & Marilynn Host MONTHLY RECURRING *Dr. Jeff rey Laveroni, DDS *Santa Cruz Vanguard Science & Technology Fred Jones CORPORATE DONORS: *Edward Jones - Shane Realtors Soderbery Family: Music Betty Joroski ActionCOACH of Santa Jacksteit *Santa Teresa Golf Club Open: Dance Barbara Keller Clara *Heritage Bank of *Saratoga Springs Open: Business Nicole Kim Benford Real Estate Team – Commerce SCORE retired business Open: Art Tom Kirkley Willow Glen *Gotuaco & Associates executives MONTHLY RECURRING Sharon Lea Adrien LeBiavant Color Pros Inc. *Kiwanis Club of West San *Scott’s Seafood PERSONAL DONORS: PG&E Corporate Match Jose Foundation *Shine on Shirts We are at 52 monthly Pamela & Dave Lindsay Shine on Shirts *Knights of Columbus *SV Creates recurring donors; Goal: 48 Nanette Lopez more to go by 10/10/19 at Dan Mart CORPORATE DONORS Bishop O’Dowd Council Sweeny, Mason, Wilson & 10:10pm Jim & Donna Martinez *Repeat Donor #3474 Bosomworth Nicole Matarangas *16,500, Inc. *lifeSport Fitness *Swenson Development Anonymous Monthly *Linda Krakow Eaman *Telesky Financial Services Donor Janet Molina-Heathcote *ABC7 - Darla Carter & Janel Teresa Montes de Oca Andronico Photography *That’s Amore Charitable Marilynn Ahern Luis Pedro Castillo Pictures Foundation Brian Appleton Mike Morello *ActionCOACH of Santa Jen Mulry Clara *Micheletti Insurance *TikalBayTek Erin Benford Services *UPS Store, Ravinder Lal Loni Spratt Brown Dottie Newick *Anritsu Company Anthony Nguyen *AnT Swim School *MyProGroup Leads & *Vestnomics Judith Calise Referrals Group *VMware Corporate Match Renee Capovilla Ed Peterson *Benefi t Authority DeAnna Pursai Insurance Solutions *Neuf Troux Women’s Nine Women’s Philanthropy Robin Carbone Hole Group - San Jose Jewish Foundation of Silicon Valley PERSONAL DONORS From cutting expenses to diversi ed revenue streams * Repeat Donor We must reach $2 Million = sustainable, replicable Gary Aiello Within the next 18 months, CAA must fi nd a new location; optimally, on a campus of higher education. And Peter Allen we must achieve a $2 million operating budget which will allow CAA to be fully sustainable and replicable. Janice Allen *Bill Alley YEAR BUDGET *Nadine Allport OUR GOAL: $ 2 MILLION BUDGET 2010 < 55,000 *Mike Allport Sustainable, Replicable Ines Alvizar $2,000,000 2011 < 55,000 *Julie Amdur 2012 58,073 *Esmi Anda *Sky & Fay Anderson $1,500,000 2013 153,423 *Netta Anderson 2014 214,988 Roxanne Anderson Jenn Anderson 2015 283,011 Robin Anderson $1,000,000 2016 470,056 *Suzy Andrade *Diane Androvich 2017 590,012 *Brian & Laura Clow $500,000 2018 719,955 Appleton GOAL: *Jaime Arevalo Lawrence Ash $0 2021 2,000,000 Jovito Asual * Budget data per Lixzaida Asurmendi

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