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.
Suzanne Breslauer, Member
Sue Breslauer, a 20+ year resident of Santa Fe, has spent her professional life working in the non-profit sector. In St. Louis, Missouri she was the Executive Director of “Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership” (TPPP) and the Co-Founder and Board president of the Fathers’ Support Center as well as Executive Director of The Women’s Counseling Center of the YWCA . When she relocated to Santa Fe she continued her work as coordinator of the New Mexico Dance Coalition, coordinator of the Interfaith Leadership Council, Social Justice Director at Temple Beth Shalom and co-founder and Leadership Team member of Envision, Santa Fe. Sue received a BA from New York University and an MA in Counseling from Webster University. As a young person Sue studied piano for 10 years and developed a great appreciation for music, musicians and composers, all of which she instilled in her children as they followed her path to piano. Currently Sue is Board President of Tomorrow’s Women, an organization that brings young Israeli and Palestinian and American young women together to be strong, compassionate leaders who partner to resolve conflicts and inspire action that promotes equality, peace and justice for all. In 2019 Sue was selected as a Santa Fe Living Treasure.
Sue Breslauer, a 20+ year resident of Santa Fe, has spent her professional life working in the non-profit sector. In St. Louis, Missouri she was the Executive Director of “Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership” (TPPP) and the Co-Founder and Board president of the Fathers’ Support Center as well as Executive Director of The Women’s Counseling Center of the YWCA . When she relocated to Santa Fe she continued her work as coordinator of the New Mexico Dance Coalition, coordinator of the Interfaith Leadership Council, Social Justice Director at Temple Beth Shalom and co-founder and Leadership Team member of Envision, Santa Fe. Sue received a BA from New York University and an MA in Counseling from Webster University. As a young person Sue studied piano for 10 years and developed a great appreciation for music, musicians and composers, all of which she instilled in her children as they followed her path to piano. Currently Sue is Board President of Tomorrow’s Women, an organization that brings young Israeli and Palestinian and American young women together to be strong, compassionate leaders who partner to resolve conflicts and inspire action that promotes equality, peace and justice for all. In 2019 Sue was selected as a Santa Fe Living Treasure.
Clinton Huling, Member
Clinton’s passion for music blossomed during his mixtape era in middle school while playing the alto saxophone. He continued on to orchestra and marching band while regularly attending symphony and chamber music concerts with his family. A flair for music history and curation led him to Inaudible Productions in Los Angeles which represents the James Brown and Rolling Stones catalogs. With almost two decades in film and television development and music supervision, Clint reset in Santa Fe chasing a love interest and a passion for the outdoors. Shortly thereafter he started producing concerts and music festivals tailor made for the southern Rocky Mountain landscape of New Mexico. Now the Vice President of A&R for Panthr, a digital music streaming platform. Clint shares his passion for music with his wife and two kids who have been raised “in stereo.” He takes advantage of the plentiful live music offerings Santa Fe has to offer, attending the Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Baroque Christmas concerts annually. He appreciates the abundance of benefits to the human mind and body, cognition and sense of self that playing and listening to an instrument fosters. His contacts near and far along creative thinking bring expanded opportunities for the SFYSA's talents.
Clinton’s passion for music blossomed during his mixtape era in middle school while playing the alto saxophone. He continued on to orchestra and marching band while regularly attending symphony and chamber music concerts with his family. A flair for music history and curation led him to Inaudible Productions in Los Angeles which represents the James Brown and Rolling Stones catalogs. With almost two decades in film and television development and music supervision, Clint reset in Santa Fe chasing a love interest and a passion for the outdoors. Shortly thereafter he started producing concerts and music festivals tailor made for the southern Rocky Mountain landscape of New Mexico. Now the Vice President of A&R for Panthr, a digital music streaming platform. Clint shares his passion for music with his wife and two kids who have been raised “in stereo.” He takes advantage of the plentiful live music offerings Santa Fe has to offer, attending the Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Baroque Christmas concerts annually. He appreciates the abundance of benefits to the human mind and body, cognition and sense of self that playing and listening to an instrument fosters. His contacts near and far along creative thinking bring expanded opportunities for the SFYSA's talents.
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.
Jeannette Kolokoff, Member
Jeannette Kolokoff moved to Santa Fe in the fall of 2018. Working for most of her life in the performing arts, Jeannette held the position of Executive Director of the Midland-Odessa Orchestra Symphony and Chorale (Texas) the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra (Colorado) and was the Director of Musical Theatre at the University of Northern Colorado. She also owned and operated a Victorian Gift Shop in Windsor, Colorado and worked in Development at the Weld Food Bank. Jeannette holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from the University of California, Fullerton and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from University of California, Irvine. Jeannette believes that music needs to be a part of every child’s life and is excited to serve on the Board of the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Orchestra Association. She and her husband Mark enjoy the many arts opportunities that living in Santa Fe offers. She loves raising orchids and hanging out with Chloe (cat) and Roxie (dog.)
Jeannette Kolokoff moved to Santa Fe in the fall of 2018. Working for most of her life in the performing arts, Jeannette held the position of Executive Director of the Midland-Odessa Orchestra Symphony and Chorale (Texas) the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra (Colorado) and was the Director of Musical Theatre at the University of Northern Colorado. She also owned and operated a Victorian Gift Shop in Windsor, Colorado and worked in Development at the Weld Food Bank. Jeannette holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from the University of California, Fullerton and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from University of California, Irvine. Jeannette believes that music needs to be a part of every child’s life and is excited to serve on the Board of the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Orchestra Association. She and her husband Mark enjoy the many arts opportunities that living in Santa Fe offers. She loves raising orchids and hanging out with Chloe (cat) and Roxie (dog.)
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 Andrea, the rest of 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 Andrea, the rest of the staff, and the musicians of Santa Fe.
