Our Team

Alka Joshi is an internationally bestselling author. Her debut novel, The Henna Artist, was a New York Times Bestseller and is currently in development at Netflix as an episodic series. She has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in the fields of advertising, marketing and PR for 30 years.

Astra Apsitis is the founder of Somatic Healing by Astra and an Education Specialist with a deep passion for helping individuals with different abilities. With decades of experience in special education and a background in Waldorf Education, Astra has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering those with diverse needs. Her extensive expertise and compassionate approach have made a significant impact in the field, helping countless individuals achieve greater well-being and fulfillment.

Dr. Jaspreet Dhillon is an experienced Internal Medicine specialist who has been practicing in Monterey County since 1998. Graduating from medical school in India, Dr. Dhillon brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her practice. She resides in Salinas with her son, where she continues to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to her patients.

A 20-year veteran of commercial banking, Jennifer Kuyper currently serves as Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager with Pinnacle Bank in Salinas/Monterey. She is also mother to Dylan, an 18 year old Art Abilities artist with Autism. She is past Board Chair of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board for California Farmlink and for Salinas Rotary. She is honored to serve as Treasurer for Art Abilities.

Jim Landman is a successful San Francisco-based businessman and a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities. Inspired by his brother Paul's transformative experience with Ritika Kumar's art classes at Gateway Center, Jim became passionate about supporting art programs for those with intellectual disabilities. He brings a wealth of experience from managing a family-run gourmet coffee business and has served on the Gateway Center board for 15 years. Jim now proudly serves as Board Chair for Art Abilities. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, bike riding, camping, reading, and honing his pottery skills.

Manish Kapoor is the Vice President of Janitorial Systems Inc., based in Plano, Texas, a northern suburb of Dallas. As a dedicated professional and family man, Manish lives with his two sons, one of whom has special needs, and his family. His commitment to supporting the community is evident in his contributions, including playing a key role in the founding of Art Abilities. Manish's leadership and personal experiences drive his passion for initiatives that empower individuals with different abilities.

Ritika Kumar is the founder and executive director of Art Abilities, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals of all abilities express themselves creatively through art. With over 20 years of experience teaching art, Ritika has seen firsthand the transformative power of personalized art instruction. Three years ago, she began teaching art to disadvantaged individuals, a journey that profoundly changed her life. Recognizing the healing qualities of art and its significant impact on her students, Ritika founded Art Abilities to expand this essential work on a larger scale.