Arms Wide Open San Diego Board Of Directors.

Yvonne Rubio, President, and her son, Chris Rubio, Artistic Director of Arms Wide Open, have a personal connection with the special needs population through Yvonne's son and Chris's older brother, Joshua, who is severely autistic. The family knows the importance of providing a program for special needs children and adults that is designed specifically for their unique abilities and taught by trained professionals. Joshua Rubio is the inspiration for Arms Wide Open and both Yvonne and Chris are committed to make a difference in the lives of every student who walks through their doors by providing opportunities they never thought possible.

Chris Rubio, has worked in every aspect of performing arts.  He ensures that AWO students are surrounded by excellent instructors who see past the disability and see each individual as a person with potential. Chris is a master teacher in the fields of percussion, dance, choreography, instrumental, producing a Broadway production, writing a screenplay, writing music, directing theatre, etc. He performed with the off-Broadway production of STOMP for six years both in the United States and overseas.  In 2015 Chris choreographed the closing performance for the European Games featuring more than 55,000 dancers and drummers from all over the world. 

Kerry Meads, has been one of San Diego theatre professionals for more than 40 years, working as a director, actor, playwright, and arts administrator.  A native of Minnesota, Kerry began her theatre career at Lamb’s Players Theatre where she continues to serve as Associate Artistic Director and Director of Educational Outreach.  In addition to writing several of Southern California’s favorite shows – Mixtape, Boomers and American Rhythm - she has been involved in more than 200 productions and remains a strong believer in the power of stories to entertain, engage, and inspire audiences. At Lamb's Players she has written and directed many of its educational outreach programs, which serve thousands of students in County schools each year. Kerry has always been a strong advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in all walks of life, including the performing arts, which she believes has the power to create a supportive community that improves the quality of life for all people. 

Noel Slattery, is a trial attorney in San Diego.  She practices exclusively family law.  She is a mother of six children, four of whom have studied the arts with Chris Rubio.  She devotes time to various non-profit organizations and pro bono work.  Noelle is originally from Massachusetts.

Judge Darlene Lokey-Anderson, is a Federal Administrative Judge, with the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals, under the Office of the Secretary of Defense.  Her office is located in Woodland Hills, California.  She has been serving on the bench since 1995.  She is married and has one son who is in medical school.  Judge Lokey Anderson truly appreciates the value and contributions to the arts made by special needs students and the sacrifices and dedication made by the parents.  After observing just one production, she was motivated to become involved.   Judge Lokey Anderson never misses an “Arms Wide Open” production.  

Teresa Wignall graduated from Pt. Loma Nazarene University and received a teaching credential from San Diego State University and a bi-lingual credential from UCSD. She worked in the Insurance coding and billing industry for over 15 years for several different nationwide companies. She also traveled nationwide doing seminars teaching physician office staff on how to set their fee schedules. Teresa has spent the last 20 years with the Rubio’s after bringing her grandchildren to dance classes. She now has 8 great grandchildren and enjoys working with everyone at Arms Wide Open.

Development Consultant/Grant Writer

Barbara Broderick, Ed.D., has been a fundraising professional for more than twenty-five years, specializing in grant writing and program development.  She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego and transitioned to the non-profit world where she has worked ever since, first at the Children’s Museum of San Diego, the Neurosciences Institute, and KPBS before working solely on a consulting basis.  Her consulting clients have ranged from very small to very large organizations in many fields, including performing arts, museums, health and human services, and education.  She has served as the grant writer for the San Diego Symphony for more than 22 years. Working with Executive Directors, Directors of Education, and other senior staff, she has participated extensively in strategic organizational and program development and planning.  She has a highly successful track record securing grants from local foundations, corporate foundations, and local, state and national government grant making entities, including the California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Humanities.