Our
Mission
Board of Directors
Every member of our board of directors is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to our community!
Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.
Jessica Riley
Board President
A public school educator of 17 years in south Monterey county, Jessica Riley has been an ardent supporter of the arts her entire life. At different points in her life, Jessica has performed in community theater, written a sketch comedy show, acted on local cable television, played the piano, and taught a variety of arts, crafts, fashion, and STEAM lessons to 4-H and Girl Scouts. She loves the creative arts, her favorite one being writing. Jessica is a firm believer that immersing oneself in artistry is healthy for one's mental well being. She encourages everyone to engage in the artistic medium of their choice, so long as it perpetuates joy.
Jamie Jones
Board Member & Theater Committee Chair
Jamie has served on the Sol Treasures Board of Directors since 2018 and currently chairs the Theater Committee. Her involvement with Sol Treasures reflects a deep commitment to promoting the arts and strengthening community connections through creative expression. She believes strongly in the power of the arts to bring people together, foster empathy, and inspire meaningful change.
A dedicated high school English and drama teacher, Jamie brings professional expertise in arts education to her work with Sol Treasures. She is passionate about helping young people find their voice through theater and has witnessed the transformative impact the performing arts can have on confidence, communication, and personal growth.
In addition to her work as an educator, Jamie is an avid theater artist with experience both onstage and behind the scenes. She enjoys acting, technical production, and mentoring youth in all aspects of theater. Whether performing or supporting a production from the wings, she is driven by a love of storytelling and a belief in the power of live performance to unite audiences and artists alike.
Through her service on the board, Jamie continues to advocate for arts access in rural communities and supports Sol Treasures’ mission to provide inclusive, high-quality arts experiences for all. She is proud to be part of an organization that creates space for creativity, collaboration, and community spirit to flourish.
Teri Umbarger
Secretary
Alicia Trujillo
Treasurer
Sonia Chapa
Founder/ Board of Director
Oscar Avalos
Board of Director
Meet the Passion Behind the Purpose.
Our Team
At Sol Treasures, our team is more than just staff—we're artists, educators, dreamers, and community builders. Each person brings their own unique passion and purpose to the work we do, helping us awaken creativity and unite our community through the arts. Get to know the dedicated individuals who make our mission come to life every day.
Our Teaching Artists!
List of Services
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Jeff HinderscheidList Item 1
Artistic Director
More about Jeff coming soon...
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Aya EttingerList Item 2
Sol Performing Strings
Violin/Piano
Aya holds a degree in piano performance from Elisabeth University of Music in Hiroshima, Japan. With extensive experience teaching students of all ages, from young children to adults, she has honed her skills in various educational settings, including the Yamaha Music School in Japan and preschools and elementary schools in the US. Currently, Aya offers private piano and violin lessons at Sol Treasures, where she continues to share her passion for music. She also enjoys making music with her family and is an active member of the Hartnell College Orchestra.
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Debra CobbList Item 3
Visual Arts
Debra Cobb is a self-taught embroiderer and mosaicist with a passion for lifelong learning. Over the years, she has refined her skills through classes with the Embroiderer’s Guild of America, the Royal School of Needlework, and instructors like Lucy Barter, as well as through self-directed study, including countless hours on YouTube. Her experiences as a medieval re-enactor and world traveler have greatly influenced her work, inspiring her to explore a variety of textiles and techniques.
Debra particularly enjoys working with silk threads but finds great joy in adding goldwork, beads, and gemstones to many of her pieces, bringing an extra touch of "bling" to her creations. In the past five years, she has focused on creating needlework from her own designs, some of which have been exhibited by the San Francisco School of Needlework and Design. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge through teaching, dedicated to reviving the age-old art of embroidery so that it can be worn, touched, manipulated, gifted, and re-interpreted for modern times.
Since 2017, Debra has also delved into the world of mosaics, working with both ceramic and glass tiles. She now creates custom designs for a range of items, from table tops and wall décor to lazy susans, serving trays, and garden art. Her commissioned needlework and mosaic services are fully customizable, and photos of her work are available upon request.
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Verenice AmezcuaList Item 4
Visual & Performing Arts
Verenice Amezcua is a multi-talented artist and educator, deeply passionate about sharing the richness of cultural traditions and artistic expression. With a versatile skill set that spans teaching Baile Folklorico, guiding creative arts and crafts sessions, and actively contributing as a dedicated member of our Dia De Los Muertos committee, Verenice brings a vibrant and authentic energy to everything they do. Her commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage while inspiring creativity in others makes her an invaluable member of our team.
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Louie Benitez
Visual Arts
More about Louie coming soon...
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Emmanuel Cordero
Performing Arts
Guitar
More about Emmanuel coming soon...
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Christian Bonin
Digital Arts
More about Christian coming soon...
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Mimi Black
Visual Arts
Mimi Black is an experienced educator with over twenty years of teaching, beginning her journey by homeschooling her six sons. Her success with her own children led parents to entrust her with homeschooling their children, many of whom had struggled in public schools—whether falling behind academically, facing bullying, or having special needs. Over the years, Mimi’s homeschool grew to serve 12-15 students spanning grades K–12, in collaboration with the Monterey County Home Charter School.
Committed to providing a well-rounded and academically rigorous education, Mimi incorporated a diverse art curriculum, developing a particular passion for watercolor painting. She believes artistic expression is essential for student development, especially for special needs learners, whose confidence has flourished through creativity.
After her sons were grown, Mimi continued her mission to support students, especially those facing challenges in core subjects, by working as an intervention teacher at San Lucas Elementary School from 2021 to 2024. There, she established a weekly watercolor art class for K-8 students, leading them to remarkable achievements—including multiple awards at the Salinas Valley Fair, such as Best-of-Show and Judges awards. This program was supported by a grant from the King City Rotary Club.
Mimi’s teaching philosophy centers on nurturing creativity and freedom of expression within a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment. She strives to inspire students to develop confidence, skill, and a lifelong love for art.
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Annie Nino-Graveline
Visual Arts
Annie Graveline’s love for art began in childhood, with parents and grandparents who nurtured creativity and valued the arts. Specifically, Annie’s mother encouraged her artistic endeavors from a young age and provided various opportunities to create and explore multiple medias of art at the kitchen table.
Annie holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Santa Clara University in Studio Art. She went on to earn her multiple subject teaching credential and Master of Arts in Teaching from Santa Clara University in 2014. Annie has been teaching the primary grades in the California public school system since 2014. She is passionate about teaching the youngest learners and currently teaches 1st grade part time while homeschooling her two young sons. Annie is passionate about bringing opportunities to engage in the visual arts to her students and children.
Annie currently teaches the Tiny Picasso’s class at Sol Treasures.
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Carlos Villagomez
Visual Arts
Carlos F. Villagomez is a bilingual art educator, creative professional, and passionate advocate for the healing power of the arts. With over a decade of experience teaching in diverse cultural and socioeconomic settings, Carlos holds a BFA in Filmmaking and a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Art. He currently serves as an art instructor with both our organization and the Arts Council for Monterey County, where he inspires creativity across age groups and communities. Carlos is also pursuing studies in art therapy, further strengthening his ability to guide others in using art as a tool for emotional expression and healing. Informed by his own personal life experiences, Carlos is deeply committed to helping individuals in our community find their voice and well-being through the transformative power of art.
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Sean Roney
Visual Arts
More about Sean coming soon...
Why We Do The Arts
Inspiring Creativity & Well-being:
Art fuels imagination and self expression, offering individuals a powerful outlet for creativity. Engaging with the arts also enhances mental well-being, reduces stress, and promotes emotional health, making it a vital part of a fulfilling life.
Building & Unifying Community:
The arts have a unique ability to connect people and foster a sense of unity. By providing collaborative and culturally rich experiences, we create opportunities for individuals to come together, share their stories, and strengthen community bonds.
Preserving Culture & Empowering Future Generations:
We celebrate and preserve cultural heritage through artistic education and practices. Our commitment to nurturing young artists and cultural enthusiasts ensures that the legacy of art continues to inspire and shape future generations.