Board of Directors
Yolanda Colorado, Chair
Yolanda is a Registered Nurse with an MBA working in the community and is the parent of two alumni of the SFYSA. She became a board member and an avid volunteer for the Mozart & Mariachi program (now the Elementary Strings Program) in 2003. She stepped off the board once her daughters graduated, but is gladly rejoining because of her enjoyment of music and the wonderful effect it has on young children. She thoroughly enjoyed the work she was involved in with SFYSA the first time around and would like to give back for all the valuable experiences her daughters enjoyed.
Yolanda is a Registered Nurse with an MBA working in the community and is the parent of two alumni of the SFYSA. She became a board member and an avid volunteer for the Mozart & Mariachi program (now the Elementary Strings Program) in 2003. She stepped off the board once her daughters graduated, but is gladly rejoining because of her enjoyment of music and the wonderful effect it has on young children. She thoroughly enjoyed the work she was involved in with SFYSA the first time around and would like to give back for all the valuable experiences her daughters enjoyed.
Susan Steffy, Secretary
Susan joined the board in 1999 after her son, Jesse, graduated the Youth Symphony Orchestra after participating in the orchestra its first five years. Her first task as a new board member was to help launch the “Little Mozart” (now Elementary Strings) string instruction program in the public schools and was excited to see the students’ enthusiasm for this opportunity. Watching the students develop into skilled musicians and mature young people continues to thrill her and brings meaning to her commitment to the work of SFYSA. She has lived in the Santa Fe area since 1976 working both as a fine art photographer and as a massage therapist.
Susan joined the board in 1999 after her son, Jesse, graduated the Youth Symphony Orchestra after participating in the orchestra its first five years. Her first task as a new board member was to help launch the “Little Mozart” (now Elementary Strings) string instruction program in the public schools and was excited to see the students’ enthusiasm for this opportunity. Watching the students develop into skilled musicians and mature young people continues to thrill her and brings meaning to her commitment to the work of SFYSA. She has lived in the Santa Fe area since 1976 working both as a fine art photographer and as a massage therapist.
Mei Hui Chen, Treasurer
Mei H Chen and her husband Joseph Chang moved to Santa Fe in 2018 with their two kids, Lilah and Lexton (both violin players). Before living in Santa Fe, the family lived in Texas, New York, Shanghai, China, and California. Mei is an advocate of whole-person approach education and truly believes that music is an integral part of bringing a balanced lifestyle to a child, especially when music is shared in a group setting that promotes diligent teamwork. A mission also shared by SFYSA. She hopes to share her passion for music with young kids and make playing music more accessible.
Before becoming a full-time mom, Mei worked in the finance sector and holds an MBA in Finance & Investment and MS in Accounting.
Mei H Chen and her husband Joseph Chang moved to Santa Fe in 2018 with their two kids, Lilah and Lexton (both violin players). Before living in Santa Fe, the family lived in Texas, New York, Shanghai, China, and California. Mei is an advocate of whole-person approach education and truly believes that music is an integral part of bringing a balanced lifestyle to a child, especially when music is shared in a group setting that promotes diligent teamwork. A mission also shared by SFYSA. She hopes to share her passion for music with young kids and make playing music more accessible.
Before becoming a full-time mom, Mei worked in the finance sector and holds an MBA in Finance & Investment and MS in Accounting.
Amber Johnson, Member
Amber is the owner and founder of Santa Fe Art Therapy & Counseling-a private practice in Santa Fe, NM since 2016. Inspired by human resilience and the power of loving connection, she believes that each of us has the innate potential to heal, grow and thrive. Her holistic approach is focused on helping people heal from trauma and involves a blend of traditional talk therapy, EMDR, body-centered mindfulness and art therapy.
Before moving into behavioral health, Amber enjoyed life as a full-time professional artist with a focus on figurative sculpture and photography. She had the good fortune of learning from and working with several local artists who produced bronze and cast-glass sculpture, black and white film photography and functional, fabricated steel. Amber’s educational background includes an MA in Art Therapy & Counseling and a BFA in Studio Arts/Sculpture.
In her free time, Amber enjoys spending time with her family (human and furry:) trying out new recipes, playing video games or going for hikes. She also enjoys her daily yoga practice, throwing clay pots, reading and watching Sci-Fi and playing the guitar or piano.
Amber is the owner and founder of Santa Fe Art Therapy & Counseling-a private practice in Santa Fe, NM since 2016. Inspired by human resilience and the power of loving connection, she believes that each of us has the innate potential to heal, grow and thrive. Her holistic approach is focused on helping people heal from trauma and involves a blend of traditional talk therapy, EMDR, body-centered mindfulness and art therapy.
Before moving into behavioral health, Amber enjoyed life as a full-time professional artist with a focus on figurative sculpture and photography. She had the good fortune of learning from and working with several local artists who produced bronze and cast-glass sculpture, black and white film photography and functional, fabricated steel. Amber’s educational background includes an MA in Art Therapy & Counseling and a BFA in Studio Arts/Sculpture.
In her free time, Amber enjoys spending time with her family (human and furry:) trying out new recipes, playing video games or going for hikes. She also enjoys her daily yoga practice, throwing clay pots, reading and watching Sci-Fi and playing the guitar or piano.
Lissa Garcia Lucht, Member
Born and raised in New Mexico, Lissa is a native New Mexican who cares deeply about youth and resides in Santa Fe. She is a professionally employed Information Technology worker with a deep appreciation for classical music. Lissa served for many years on the Santa Fe Youthworks Board of Directors in Santa Fe, an organization helping young people of diverse cultural and ethical backgrounds succeed in life. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern New Mexico University and her Masters of Business Administration Degree from the College of Santa Fe. Currently Lissa is attending Harvard University – Business
Analytics Program for professionals. Lissa enjoys hiking, snow skiing, traveling, and visiting opera houses. She played the flute as a child and in high school and college.
Born and raised in New Mexico, Lissa is a native New Mexican who cares deeply about youth and resides in Santa Fe. She is a professionally employed Information Technology worker with a deep appreciation for classical music. Lissa served for many years on the Santa Fe Youthworks Board of Directors in Santa Fe, an organization helping young people of diverse cultural and ethical backgrounds succeed in life. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern New Mexico University and her Masters of Business Administration Degree from the College of Santa Fe. Currently Lissa is attending Harvard University – Business
Analytics Program for professionals. Lissa enjoys hiking, snow skiing, traveling, and visiting opera houses. She played the flute as a child and in high school and college.
Don O'Sullivan, Member
is a husband and father of three young violinists. Don has witnessed the emotional and intellectual benefits of music in his children's lives having spent countless hours supporting practice, rehearsals, and recitals (and yes, sometimes it is very hard work).
Don is honored to serve the community by supporting the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association, as it and its staff, are a treasure for northern New Mexico and its youth. Professionally, Don is a Program Manager at a national laboratory and a long-time national security professional, serving in a wide variety of management and leadership roles. He has a Ph.D. in mechanical design focused on acoustics and vibration, dual master degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Technology Policy, and dual bachelor degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Russian. Don is an avid skier and mountain biker, whose athletic ambitions often exceed his abilities.
is a husband and father of three young violinists. Don has witnessed the emotional and intellectual benefits of music in his children's lives having spent countless hours supporting practice, rehearsals, and recitals (and yes, sometimes it is very hard work).
Don is honored to serve the community by supporting the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association, as it and its staff, are a treasure for northern New Mexico and its youth. Professionally, Don is a Program Manager at a national laboratory and a long-time national security professional, serving in a wide variety of management and leadership roles. He has a Ph.D. in mechanical design focused on acoustics and vibration, dual master degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Technology Policy, and dual bachelor degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Russian. Don is an avid skier and mountain biker, whose athletic ambitions often exceed his abilities.
Lee Rand, Member
Lee Rand and his wife, Joohee Rand are the parents of Luke (violin) and Jaden (cello). Lee enjoys actively working to support the SFYSA and the vision of the entire dedicated team. “The SFYSA enriches the lives of children and families in the Santa Fe community and it is an honor to support that effort and give back a little bit of what our family has received.” Professionally Lee is a Partner at Sun Mountain Capital and has spent his career starting, managing or investing in technology businesses. He has an MBA and a dual BA in computer science and mathematics with a minor in English and Native American studies. In his free time, he enjoys skiing and biking with the family and traveling as much as possible.
Lee Rand and his wife, Joohee Rand are the parents of Luke (violin) and Jaden (cello). Lee enjoys actively working to support the SFYSA and the vision of the entire dedicated team. “The SFYSA enriches the lives of children and families in the Santa Fe community and it is an honor to support that effort and give back a little bit of what our family has received.” Professionally Lee is a Partner at Sun Mountain Capital and has spent his career starting, managing or investing in technology businesses. He has an MBA and a dual BA in computer science and mathematics with a minor in English and Native American studies. In his free time, he enjoys skiing and biking with the family and traveling as much as possible.
Kirstin Smith, Member
Kirstin Smith recently moved to Santa Fe and wanted to find a community. She loves being a part of an organization that brings music to those who may not have the opportunity otherwise. Kirstin grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and has loved music all her life. She played in many different bands and played alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, and trombone. Since graduating from the University of Montana with a BA in communications, she's had the privilege to live in New York City, New Zealand, Vermont, and now Santa Fe. Music and community from being in bands made such a difference for Kirstin growing up. She’s so excited to work with SFYSA to support the staff, and the musicians of Santa Fe.
Kirstin Smith recently moved to Santa Fe and wanted to find a community. She loves being a part of an organization that brings music to those who may not have the opportunity otherwise. Kirstin grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and has loved music all her life. She played in many different bands and played alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, and trombone. Since graduating from the University of Montana with a BA in communications, she's had the privilege to live in New York City, New Zealand, Vermont, and now Santa Fe. Music and community from being in bands made such a difference for Kirstin growing up. She’s so excited to work with SFYSA to support the staff, and the musicians of Santa Fe.
