Board of Directors

Andy Pendoley is an independent consultant offering strategic planning, community engagement, and grant writing services to public agencies, nonprofits, and philanthropic groups in the San Diego region. His passion is leading initiatives that tap into the collective wisdom and creativity of teams and communities to create impactful change and results. He has a breadth of experience across many topic areas including economic and community development, nonprofit management, health and human services, and more. Andy also provides pro bono consulting services through Amplified Impact Partners, a non-profit serving small and mid-size nonprofits in the San Diego region. Andy is the proud parent of a recently graduated SDCYB dancer!

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.

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.

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.

Andrea Steinbrenner’s leadership experience and commitment to helping businesses thrive make her a valuable addition to the SDCYB’s Board of Directors. As Chief Executive Officer of Exit Consulting Group, Inc., Andrea brings a wealth of expertise from working across multiple industries, always focused on improving the organizations she serves. Her mission is to leave businesses in a better state than she finds them, ensuring the best possible outcomes for her clients. Known for her clear communication and collaborative approach, Andrea prioritizes listening to the needs, goals, and priorities of her clients and teams. She works closely with both clients and staff to craft solutions that align with their objectives while preserving the culture and values of the organization. Andrea’s true win comes from guiding people toward achieving their goals and seeing them succeed.

With over a decade of experience in corporate leadership and Human Resources, Casey Vasquez brings a people-first approach and a lifelong passion for the arts to her role on the SDCYB Board of Directors. Growing up in ballet studios alongside her mother, a dance teacher, Casey developed an early love for movement and performance that led to a professional dance career and years spent coaching competitive teams. She credits ballet with shaping her discipline, creativity, and resilience - qualities she now brings to her professional and volunteer work. Today, Casey leads employee experience and people programs as an HR executive at Cox Communications. Beyond the office, Casey is active in community outreach through Cox Impact, participating in programs that support veterans, environmental stewardship, and youth development. She is passionate about giving back to the art form that shaped her and helping ensure all children have access to the joy and confidence that dance inspires. Casey lives in Poway with her husband and their young daughter, who recently experienced her very first ballet performance at SDCYB.