Meet Our Team
Deanna Rossi
Board Member
The Senior Philanthropy Manager for Monterey’s Montage Health Foundation, Deanna Rossi is passionate about wellness and promoting equity. With over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, she holds an MPH from New York University and served as an employee, volunteer, and board member. Deanna resides in Carmel Valley and enjoys traveling with her husband and dog.
Jay Tulley
Board Member
An Army Corps energy research engineer and former navy sailor, Jay Tulley advocates for green building and energy conservation. He has also served as Co-chair of the Monterey Chapter for US Green Building and on Pacific Grove’s boards for the Beautification and Natural Resources Committee and Recreation. Jay also coaches the youth Monterey Condors soccer team and lives in Pacific Grove with his wife, children, and dogs.
Jennifer Kuyper
Board Chair
The Senior Relationship Manager at Pinnacle Bank in Salinas and Monterey, Jennifer Kuyper is a 20-year veteran of commercial banking. She has also served in the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and on the boards of the Gateway Science Museum in Chico, Salinas Rotary, and California Farm Link. Jennifer is inspired by her son, an Art Abilities student, providing financial expertise to the board.
Jim Landman
Vice Board Chair
A retired businessman and board chair of the Monterey County Gateway Center, Jim Landman is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the board, inspired by his brother Paul’s transformative experience with Art Abilities. He also enjoys visiting his grandchildren, bike riding, camping, reading, and honing his pottery skills.
Manish Kapoor
Board Member
The Vice President of Janitorial Systems Inc. based in Dallas, Texas, Manish Kapoor is dedicated to his family, especially his son with special needs. Playing a key role in the founding of Art Abilities, his leadership, personal experiences, and commitment to community drive his passion for initiatives that empower individuals with different abilities.
Mari Adams-Osuna
Board Member
A Homeless Advocacy volunteer and actor, Mari Adams-Osuna’s versatile journey spans a diverse career from day jobs in Head Start to Investment Banking. Originally from Seattle, Mari now calls Pacific Grove home with her spouse and three dogs.
Michelle Vallentyne
Board Member
Michelle Vallentyne’s background is rooted in storytelling, primarily in theater, video, and radio. She’s worked in event planning, production, and on stage for a repertory company. She has extensive experience in sales and marketing, primarily in the hospitality industry, and media. She’s currently in advertising for 5 prominent radio stations covering Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
Mi Ra Park
Board Member
Mi Ra Park is a seasoned leader with significant experience in government finance, human resources, and operations. She currently serves as the Finance Officer at the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC). A resident of Monterey since 1998, Mi Ra earned her degree in Earth Systems, Science & Policy at Cal State Monterey Bay, and remains deeply committed to the environment, sustainability, and her community.
Ritika Kumar
Founder & CEO, Executive Director
The driving force behind Art Abilities, Ritika Kumar is dedicated to helping individuals of all abilities, especially the neurodiverse community, express themselves creatively. With over 20 years of experience teaching art, she has seen firsthand the transformative, healing, and life-changing power of personalized art education on her students.
Scott Seeley
Board Member
The founder of digital marketing firm PlayBig Digital, Scott Seeley is eager to support the development of education, youth, and art-focused non-profits in Monterey County. He is also a member of the Monterey and Carmel Chambers of Commerce and lives in Pacific Grove with his wife and sons.