Board of Directors

Jennifer has a wide-ranging international background encompassing oenology, tourism, corporate / nonprofit management and journalism. Jennifer first moved to San Diego to pursue her undergraduate studies at the University of San Diego. She rowed on the crew team during her studies followed by further training for the US national team post-grad. Her passion for world affairs led to a post on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington, DC and Peace Corps service in Eastern Europe. She later followed her interest in wine which led her to a stint in Napa Valley. Jennifer spent recent years in wine regions across France and curating travel experiences throughout Europe. In addition to her role as CEO of LJL Collection, Jennifer operates a consulting business focused on operations management and business development. After completing her MBA, she built and traded companies in Asia and Europe. Jennifer is thrilled to join the Board at SDCYB. With fond memories of dance lessons while growing up, she appreciates the joy and wisdom dance can bring to dancers throughout their lifetime. She and her husband enjoy traveling, volunteering with animal rescues, and spending time at Mission Bay’s beautiful beaches with their dog.

With decades of experience in social impact and youth development, Debby Lenz leads the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Board of Directors with her expertise in nonprofit leadership and management. She retired in 2019 after a distinguished 36-year career with the San Diego YMCA, where she served as Executive Director of the Cameron Family YMCA from 2016 to 2019. Debby began her YMCA journey as a program director, coach, dance instructor, and choreographer for competitive gymnasts, growing a program of 50 students into the largest YMCA gymnastics program in the country, serving over 1,400 students. Her leadership helped establish one of the top competitive gymnastics programs in California. In 2003, as Associate Executive Director, Debby facilitated a key partnership with the City of Santee, which led to the construction of The Cameron Family YMCA. She managed a nearly $4million budget, oversaw a membership of more than 8,000, and raised over $1 million for the YMCA throughout her career. In recognition of her contributions, the Cameron Family YMCA’s Gymnastics Center was renamed the “Debby Lenz Gymnastics Center” in 2008. In addition to her work with the YMCA, Debby has a rich background in dance, having taught ballet and choreographed at Hidden Valley in Carmel Valley, as well as teaching ballet at the University of San Diego for the MFA/Old Globe Theater acting program. She holds a BS in Human Services from Springfield College. Debby lives in North Park with her husband Robert Drake. She enjoys walking her dogs, traveling, and regularly attending ballet classes.

Denise Gurulé brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit and small business accounting, financial leadership, and operational strategy. Her deep commitment to empowering mission-driven organizations and her belief in the power of community make her a valuable addition to the SDCYB Board of Directors. Denise’s professional journey is guided by a philosophy she describes as “ripples in water”—the idea that every action, whether personal or professional, has the power to create positive change across families, communities, and ultimately the world. This belief is the foundation of her work and the mission of her company, DMG Accounting Services. Through her firm, she partners with nonprofits and small businesses to strengthen financial operations, improve efficiency, and build capacity for sustainable impact. Denise’s career includes leadership roles such as Assistant Controller at LEGOLAND California, National Controller at the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and Chief Financial Officer at Feeding San Diego. She has also spent over five years consulting as a fractional CFO and Controller for a diverse range of organizations. Her strengths lie in optimizing accounting functions, aligning financial strategy with mission, and supporting growth through sound fiscal management. With a strong foundation in both technical expertise and community-driven values, Denise is committed to contributing her experience and insight to advance the mission of SDCYB.

Kelli Loper brings nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit program management, community engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. As Senior Manager of Wish Assist & Community Partnerships at Make-A-Wish San Diego, she leads with empathy, precision, and a strong focus on impact. She started with the organization as an intern in college and has worked her way to the Senior Manager title over the past 8 years. Kelli manages national wish logistics, stewards high-profile community partners, and provides counsel to Make-A-Wish America on effective strategies for nationally implemented guidelines and best practices for welcoming children to cities across the country. Kelli will graduate with an MBA from West Texas A&M University in May 2026. Known for her attention to detail and problem-solving mindset, Kelli is a trusted partner in creating transformational experiences for children and families.

Sam Blackstock is a seasoned leader with a diverse background in airline management, nonprofit governance, and association leadership. He began his career in the 1970s as an inflight service manager with Trans World Airlines, where he worked throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Blackstock later transitioned to nonprofit and association work, serving as executive vice president of the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians until his retirement in 2020. Sam’s love of Ballet lead him to serve in leadership board positions with the Oklahoma City Ballet where he currently serves on their Board Advisory Council. In 2022, Blackstock and his partner, Jeff, relocated full-time to San Diego after more than a decade of enjoying the cooler summers in the area. Blackstock’s adult children, Jessica and Beau, frequently visit and share in his passion for exploring San Diego. An avid swimmer at USD and a dedicated sailor in San Diego Bay, he is actively involved in the local community, including the Harbor Island Sailboat Club, USD Recreation Center, San Diego Zoo, The Park HOA, and St. Paul’s Cathedral of San Diego.

Daniel Brunton’s legal expertise and passion for the arts make him a strong advocate for the SDCYB’s mission, and he plays a critical role in guiding the board in areas of governance. With over 24 years of experience in environmental law, with an emphasis on helping developers obtain entitlements for large-scale infrastructure projects, Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge in delivering practical legal guidance while supporting creative and innovative teams. Daniel is dedicated to expanding access to justice for vulnerable communities through his pro bono work. Daniel is also an enthusiastic supporter of dance and youth programming. Having supported the organization for 15 years as a parent, Daniel continues supporting its mission now that his daughters have graduated from the school. He earned his J.D. from New York University of Law and his B.A. in Mathematics and English from the University of Washington. He lives in San Diego with his wife and three children.

With over two decades of corporate business expertise and a lifelong dedication to the arts and community engagement, Sabina brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to support SDCYB. Professionally, Sabina translated an early passion for biotechnology and its impact on humanity into a strong career in the healthcare industry. As Global Service Marketing Leader for BD’s Life Science division, she excels in developing growth strategies, driving internal efficiencies, and enhancing customer experience. She earned her business degree at Villanova University and is often found cheering with her fellow Wildcat alums during basketball season. Sabina is committed to fostering others’ career growth through mentoring, professional development, and networking. She proudly leads BD San Diego's award-winning women's associate resource group, demonstrating her dedication to empowering others. Beyond her professional achievements, Sabina is deeply involved in community service and philanthropic activities supporting women’s health and cancer causes. She spent her youth performing and loves to support local theater and dance through engagement and financial support – especially in her beloved “backyard," Balboa Park.

Arielle Sykes’ deep connection and historical knowledge of SDCYB, combined with her extensive experience in education and the arts, gives her a unique understanding of SDCYB’s needs. Having volunteered with the organization for 16 years as a parent, Arielle continues supporting its mission now that her daughters have graduated from the school. Arielle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater and Dance from UCSD, and before having her three children, she performed with Starlight Civic Light Opera, Lawrence Welk Theater, Moonlight Stage Productions, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. She also taught ballet, tap, and jazz throughout San Diego County before transitioning to a career in education. Currently, Arielle is a Kindergarten teacher at Silver Gate Elementary School within the San Diego Unified School District and has held leadership roles in the Point Loma Cluster Schools, including serving as President of Friends of Silver Gate and Friends of Dana Middle School, as well as being a long-standing member of the Point Loma Schools Foundation. A dedicated advocate for youth and the arts, Arielle enjoys supporting local organizations. When she isn’t traveling to visit her three children, she loves taking long walks, reading, and attending live performances. She lives in North Park with her husband, Dean, along with their dog and cat.