Kiran Shelat, Executive Director
Kiran Shelat is the Executive Director of Classics 4 Kids, a position she has held since 2016. Under Ms. Shelat’s leadership, Classics 4 Kids has made tremendous strides through increased grant funding, added staff positions, growth in programs, and increased community outreach and partnerships. Over the past ten years, Kiran has served in numerous leadership roles and brings a deep understanding of nonprofit management and philanthropy through positions at The American Red Cross, Jewish Family Services, Senior Services of Northern Kentucky, World Affairs Council of Greater Cincinnati and then finally at Classics 4 Kids in 2014. Kiran was a finalist for the 2018 Business Leaders Under 40 from the San Diego Business Journal. In addition to her Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies from Northern Kentucky University, she as attained certificates in Nonprofit Management, Human Resource Management, and Leadership Development from the University of the Pacific.
Dana Zimbric, Artistic Director and Conductor
Dana Zimbric celebrates her 15th season as the Artistic Director and Conductor for Classics 4 Kids in 2018. As a regionally recognized expert in music education, Ms. Zimbric has presented at the Association of California Symphony Orchestra’s Annual Conference on curriculum based-educational programming and was a 2015 finalist for the San Diego Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Awards. Her High School Alma Mater in Rockford, Michigan inducted Mrs. Zimbric into their Foundation’s Hall of Fame in 2014 for her work as a conductor in the field of classical music.
As guest conductor, Ms. Zimbric has led the San Diego State University Symphony Orchestra and various Honor Orchestras for the San Diego Unified School District, including the 2011 High School Honor Orchestra.
Previously, Ms. Zimbric 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.
She is also a frequent coach, judge, and guest conductor at festivals and schools throughout southern California. In addition to her work with Classics 4 Kids, Zimbric is also the Artistic Director and Conductor of the California Chamber Orchestra in Temecula, CA. Mrs. 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 Coordinator
Corrine Huber is the Program Coordinator at Classics 4 Kids. Originally from Richmond, VA. In Richmond, VA she worked for a small non-profit, Conexus Vision, for four years as a core member of the programs team. Corrine brings experience in customer service, partnership management, and program coordination.
As Program Coordinator, she has expanded our outreach to bring music education opportunity to schools and students all over San Diego County specifically low-income schools.
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.
Janelle Hickey, Director of Development
Janelle Hickey serves as the Director of Development for Classics 4 Kids, joining the team in August 2020. A nonprofit development professional, she has spent her career partnering with community-focused organizations to help make a positive difference in the world. With an academic background in public health, she received her Master of Arts degree in nonprofit management and leadership from the University of San Diego in 2018. Her previous development experience includes working with organizations focused on mental health, LGBTQ rights, HIV/AIDS advocacy, environmental justice, international humanitarian work, and community services for senior citizens and holocaust survivors.
Raised in the Central Valley of California, Janelle has a passion for helping to expand access to resources for those who live in communities of need, especially in the arts and education. She loves San Diego and it’s delightful independent coffee scene.
Kelly Makley, Communications Coordinator
Kelly Makley joined the Classics 4 Kids Team as the Communications Coordinator in September 2020. She supports Classics 4 Kids’ communications needs through media relations and special projects. She has managed communications, fundraising, community partnerships and special events for a variety of nonprofits in the music, environmental and research sectors. In her most recent position at Recreational Music Center, she guided the overall strategies for messaging including mass emails, social media, annual reports, press releases, graphics, and website development.
Kelly is a music enthusiast and is dedicated to Classics 4 Kids’ mission to inspire children through the experience of music. She enjoys taking piano lessons and spending time outdoors with her husband and two children.