President

Carrie Souza is a seasoned communications strategist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, bringing over 20 years of experience in media planning and mission-driven campaigns. She specializes in social change marketing, designing health communication efforts that drive positive social and environmental impact across California and beyond.

As the founder of Freelance Media Buying, Carrie has led numerous outreach initiatives aimed at engaging minority and underserved communities. In addition to her work in communications, she is an accomplished songwriter, vocalist, and producer who has taught vocal performance to youth and dance to adults and seniors throughout Marin County.

Carrie also volunteers her time at the Sausalito Portuguese Cultural Center, sharing her passion for music, dance, and cultural heritage with the community.

She brings this unique blend of creativity, strategic expertise, and community commitment to her leadership of the Aragon Foundation. Her dedication to equity, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts inspires the Foundation’s mission to expand access to music, dance, and creative expression for underserved young people in Marin County.

Vice Chair

Haley Mears is a Marin County child welfare leader, vocalist, and advocate for youth empowerment with over two decades of experience supporting vulnerable children and families. As a trained singer who performed with Michael Aragon, Haley has always believed in the arts as a powerful tool to heal, inspire, and build self-worth—especially for those navigating adversity.

In her professional career, Haley has managed emergency response and family preservation programs, trained child welfare professionals across the Bay Area, and led equity-focused initiatives. Fluent in Spanish and committed to culturally responsive, trauma-informed care, she has helped countless children and families from diverse backgrounds, including Spanish-speaking communities, overcome systemic barriers.

As a vocal instructor for youth and adults of all ages and ethnicities, Haley creates safe, empowering spaces where people can discover their voice and confidence. As Vice Chair, she draws on her deep experience in social services, nonprofit leadership, and the arts to help guide the Aragon Foundation’s vision of expanding access to music, dance, art, and theater.

Director of Community Partnerships

Gamal Abdel Chasten is an acclaimed playwright, performer, musician, and social action activist whose work has transformed American theater and elevated underrepresented voices. As a founding member of Universes, he pioneered a unique blend of poetry, music, and storytelling to engage audiences on issues of identity, equity, and resilience.

Throughout his career, Gamal has collaborated with nonprofit arts organizations, schools, and cultural institutions, drawing on personal experience and professional expertise to create spaces where all young people feel seen and valued. As a U.S. Cultural Ambassador with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rhythm Road Tour, he championed cross-cultural understanding through the arts.

As Director of Community Partnerships, Gamal brings an essential perspective rooted in his lived experience and leadership in culturally responsive arts education. His insight helps ensure the Foundation’s programs are accessible, inclusive, and reflective of the communities they serve.

Marketing and Outreach

Amanda Denny is a strategic and creative problem-solver with over 20 years of experience in marketing, healthcare communications, and corporate branding. She is known for her ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages that resonate across diverse audiences.

Amanda’s expertise spans branding, content strategy, design, market research, and event planning. After a decade in agency work, she shifted her focus to mission-driven marketing for organizations supporting older adults—a path inspired by her family’s experience with dementia.

As a freelance strategist, Amanda partners with nonprofits to align messaging, elevate visibility, and deepen engagement. Her passion for the arts and belief in creative expression as a catalyst for change inspires her work with the Aragon Foundation, where she helps expand access to arts education for underserved youth. She also serves on the board of LITA Marin, connecting volunteers with isolated seniors.

Amanda’s combination of strategic thinking, heart-centered communication, and dedication to community make her an invaluable member of the team.

Secretary

Charity Goodin-Sannen is a dedicated vocalist, composer, and songwriter whose passion for music is matched by her exceptional organizational skills. With a background rooted in the performing arts, Charity understands the transformative impact of creative expression—especially for young people facing challenging circumstances.

In her professional life, Charity has combined her artistic expertise with a talent for administration. As Secretary, she manages meeting agendas, records, and communications with clarity and precision. Her ability to bridge structure and creativity ensures the Foundation’s operations run smoothly and effectively.

Charity’s commitment to fostering access to the arts for foster youth and underserved communities makes her a vital part of the Aragon Foundation’s mission to inspire and uplift.

Treasurer / CFO

Nicole Walsh is a seasoned bookkeeping professional dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve financial clarity and confidence. As Treasurer of the Aragon Foundation, she ensures that resources are carefully managed and strategically allocated to expand access to music education for children in foster care.

Nicole specializes in comprehensive bookkeeping services, including financial organization, compliance, and planning. Proficient in platforms such as QuickBooks Online and Excel, she supports sound fiscal decision-making with accuracy and transparency.

Known for tailoring solutions to each organization’s needs, Nicole empowers nonprofits to build sustainable growth and accountability. She is committed to strengthening the Aragon Foundation’s operational foundation so more young people can experience the transformative power of music.

Artistic Advisor

Ken Cook is an accomplished music educator, pianist, and composer with a deep commitment to equity and access in the arts. As Jazz Piano Chair at Sonoma State University, Ken brings decades of teaching experience and a belief in music’s power to uplift and transform lives.

A California native, Ken spent nearly 25 years on the East Coast freelancing, touring, and recording internationally, including performances with New Orleans legend Johnny Adams. His music blends Modern Jazz, Soul, Blues, Latin, and Brazilian influences, and he collaborates with acclaimed artists across genres.

Ken holds a master’s degree in Jazz Performance from New England Conservatory and is an alumnus of Berklee College of Music. As an active clinician, performer, and advocate, he brings real-world insight into curriculum development, student engagement, and program design.

His dedication to mentoring young musicians—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—makes him a powerful voice on the Aragon Foundation board, ensuring programs remain relevant, high-quality, and inclusive.

Music Educator and Performer

Rob Fordyce is a veteran bassist, music instructor, and advocate for arts education whose career has been shaped by the Bay Area’s vibrant music community. A seasoned recording session player, he has performed and recorded with artists across genres, sharing stages with Michael Aragon and many others.

Rob is known for his infectious groove and creative energy, driven by a belief in music’s power to inspire. As an educator, he has taught private lessons and led full-band workshops for teens and adults at Crossroads Music School, guiding students to build confidence, overcome stage fright, and discover the joy of performance.

His youth band classes have become a beloved tradition for families, creating lasting memories and fostering a lifelong love of music. Rob’s experience working with children and teens makes him a valuable resource to the Aragon Foundation, where he helps design music education programs that are engaging, inclusive, and life-changing.