Kiran Shelat, Executive Director
Kiran Shelat has served as Executive Director of Classics 4 Kids since 2016, leading the organization through significant growth, including expanded grant funding, increased staffing, broadened programming, and deepened community outreach and partnerships.
With over 19 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Ms. Shelat has held positions at The American Red Cross, Jewish Family Services, Senior Services of Northern Kentucky, and the World Affairs Council of Greater Cincinnati, cultivating deep expertise in nonprofit management, human resources, and philanthropic strategy.
She has been recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as a finalist for Businesswomen of the Year (2023) and 40 Under 40 Top Business Leaders of Influence (2025), and was honored with the Top 40 Changemaker Award (2025). Classics 4 Kids was also recognized with the Outstanding Social Responsibility award at the 2022 Nonprofit Awards & Citizenship Awards.
Ms. Shelat holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies from Northern Kentucky University and certificates in Nonprofit Management, Human Resource Management, and Leadership Development from the University of the Pacific. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Diego World Affairs Council and the San Diego Indian American Society, where she supports academic scholarships for high school and community college students.
Born in London, England, she relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, at a young age and discovered her passion for the nonprofit sector. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring culinary experiences, going to concerts, and spending time with family.
Dana Zimbric, Artistic Director & Conductor
Dana Zimbric has played an instrumental role with Classics 4 Kids since 2002. An expert in music education, Ms. Zimbric has presented at the Association of California Symphony Orchestras’ Annual Conference on curriculum-based educational programming and received the California Music Educators Association’s Music Industry Leadership Award. Her high school alma mater in Rockford, Michigan inducted her into their Foundation’s Hall of Fame for her work as a conductor in the field of classical music.
As guest conductor, Ms. Zimbric has led the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego State University Symphony Orchestra, and various Honor Orchestras for Southern California area school districts.
Ms. Zimbric is a member of the San Diego Unified School District’s Visual and Performing Arts Advisory Council and sits on the Board of Directors for the Conrad Avenue Arts Foundation, which supports the arts magnet CPMA Middle School in San Diego. Previously, she has held conducting positions with Orchestra Nova San Diego, San Diego Youth Symphony, Avanti (Youth) Chamber Orchestra, and the University of Wisconsin Chamber and Symphony Orchestras.
A frequent coach and judge at festivals and schools throughout Southern California, Ms. Zimbric is also the Artistic Director and Conductor of the California Chamber Orchestra in Temecula, CA. Ms. Zimbric holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Corrine Huber, Program Manager
Corrine Huber brings years of experience in organizational development, program coordination and partnership management to Classics 4 Kids. As the Program Manager, she works diligently to expand the Classics 4 Kids In-School Assemblies program and takes the lead on coordinating in-person and virtual music education opportunities to thousands of students in schools across San Diego County.
She moved to San Diego from Richmond, Virginia, she worked for the small nonprofit Conexus Vision for four years as a core member of the programs team. Corrine attended school at James Madison University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. In high school she was also an active member of the marching band, and strongly believes in the value of music in shaping and enriching the education experience. She brings a passion for helping others and her community.
Kelly Makley, Development Manager
Kelly Makley leads Classics 4 Kids’ fundraising efforts, focusing on grant research, writing, and submission to sustain and expand the organization’s programs. She also manages the multiple aspects of fundraising events such as the Annual Gala, and supports Classics 4 Kids’ broader communications through media relations and special projects. Kelly brings more than 30 years of experience in communications, fundraising, community partnerships, and special events across the music, environmental, and research sectors, including roles as Director of Communications at the Recreational Music Center and Environmental Specialist at the Port of San Diego. She holds a B.S. from UC San Diego and an M.S. from Florida Atlantic University. A mom who loves sharing music with her kids, Kelly is dedicated to Classics 4 Kids’ mission of inspiring all children through the experience of music.Kelly Makley leads Classics 4 Kids’ fundraising efforts, focusing on grant research, writing, and submission to sustain and expand the organization’s programs. She also manages the multiple aspects of fundraising events such as the Annual Gala, and supports Classics 4 Kids’ broader communications through media relations and special projects. Kelly brings more than 30 years of experience in communications, fundraising, community partnerships, and special events across the music, environmental, and research sectors, including roles as Director of Communications at the Recreational Music Center and Environmental Specialist at the Port of San Diego. She holds a B.S. from UC San Diego and an M.S. from Florida Atlantic University. A mom who loves sharing music with her two kids, Kelly is dedicated to Classics 4 Kids’ mission of inspiring all children through the experience of music.