Our Staff

Alex Bootzin — Founder

Alex Bootzin, co-founder of Spindrift School of Performing Arts, is an accomplished musician and educator dedicated to advancing piano and voice instruction. He holds a B.A. in Piano Performance and an M.A. in Musicology from the University of California, where he trained under esteemed teacher Dusi Mura. In 1994, Alex and his late wife Martha founded Spindrift as a community pillar for artistic education. In addition to his work at Spindrift, Alex leads the jazz quartet Nucleus, showcasing his musical versatility. Believing in the transformative power of music, he sees the arts as essential to personal growth and strives to help students discover their authentic voices. With decades of teaching experience, Alex continues to inspire aspiring musicians of all ages on their creative journeys.

Leadership & Admin Team

Rebecca Marinos — Managing Director

Rebecca Marinos brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, and arts education to her role as Managing Director at Spindrift School of Performing Arts. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Communication from Rutgers University and a Leadership Coaching certification from New Ventures West in San Francisco. Her work bridges strategy and creativity, with a focus on strengthening programs, partnerships, and long-term sustainability. Rebecca’s experience spans both adult and youth education, having led workshops in business communication, proposal writing, fundraising, and life balance for adults, while also teaching drama, journalism, creative writing, and public speaking to children and teens. As a nonprofit consultant, she has supported mission-driven organizations in building strong systems, cultivating donors, and securing institutional funding throughout the Bay Area. She joined Spindrift’s Board of Directors in 2021 and served as Board President during a time of organizational transition. Now, as Managing Director, she oversees daily operations, program development, and community partnerships. A longtime member of the Spindrift community and parent of three, Rebecca brings both personal and professional investment to the school’s future, along with a collaborative approach, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to accessible arts education.

Gianna Franco — Creative Director

Gianna Franco serves as Creative Director at Spindrift School of Performing Arts, bringing a dynamic blend of broadcast journalism, arts education, and community advocacy to the role. A Morning Co-Anchor at KPIX CBS News, she has been a trusted presence in Bay Area media since 2008, with a background that includes roles at FOX, ABC, KCBS, KNBR, and Access Hollywood, spanning news, traffic, and national sports broadcasting. Gianna’s roots in the performing arts run deep; she began training in dance, theater, and acting as a child, and those early experiences continue to shape her creative vision. She has served on boards that support youth in the arts and is passionate about creating inclusive, high-quality opportunities for all students. A longtime member of the Spindrift community, Gianna joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and now leads creative strategy, season planning, and production oversight. She blends her love for storytelling with a strong understanding of audience engagement, bringing energy and purpose to each production. As Creative Director, Gianna is committed to cultivating a vibrant and supportive environment where young performers can grow, connect, and shine both on stage and in the broader community.

Nina Akin — Office Assistant

Nina is a valued member of the front office team at Spindrift School of Performing Arts and serves as the primary contact for private lessons. With a calm and welcoming presence, she helps keep the school running smoothly behind the scenes. A mom of two young children, Nina brings warmth, patience, and a genuine love for the arts, and for the vibrant community of students and families who make Spindrift their creative home.

Larissa Schwabe — Office Assistant

Larissa is a proud mom of four young adults, each of whom was positively impacted by the magic of Spindrift School in their own way. She holds a bachelor's degree in business, but her true passion has always been raising her children, including homeschooling them through their early years. She spent countless hours driving them to theater, dance, and music classes and performances, and she loved volunteering in local theaters by helping with costumes, sets, kid wrangling, and fundraising. Larissa is grateful for the chance to support the Spindrift community, knowing how meaningful and enriching these creative experiences have been for her family.

Board of Directors

Kristen Beckler — Chair

Kristen Beckler is a Certified Child Life Specialist and seasoned healthcare professional with over 25 years of experience supporting children and families. She holds a BS in Education from the University of Tennessee, an M.Ed from the University of Missouri, and a Leadership Certification from UCSF. Kristen currently serves as a Certified Child Life Specialist III at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and is the co-founder of the Youth Performers Wellness Network. She began volunteering as Spindrift’s Digital Media Manager in December 2021 and joined the Board in 2022. As Board Chair, she brings clinical insight, nonprofit leadership, and a deep commitment to arts access.

Michael Mahoney — Treasurer

Michael Mahoney brings decades of professional experience in corporate leadership, compliance, and strategic events to his work in the nonprofit sector. As a seasoned nonprofit leader, he combines business acumen with a deep commitment to the arts, community service, LGBT rights, and inclusion. Michael is passionate about creating spaces where people, especially youth and marginalized communities, can show up as their full, authentic selves. Whether mentoring, volunteering, or championing local theater, he leads with heart, purpose, and a drive to make a meaningful impact on the communities he serves.

Alex Bootzin — Secretary

Alex Bootzin is the co-founder of Spindrift School of Performing Arts and a dedicated educator with decades of experience in piano and voice instruction. He holds a B.A. in Piano Performance and an M.A. in Musicology from the University of California, and studied under master teacher Dusi Mura. Since founding Spindrift with his late wife Martha in 1994, Alex has remained a guiding force in the school’s mission. In addition to teaching, he leads the jazz quartet Nucleus. As Secretary of the Board, Alex brings artistic vision, institutional knowledge, and a deep belief in the power of music to inspire growth.

Vicki Moore — Member at Large

Vicki Moore has lived in Pacifica most of her life. She attended several local schools, including Cabrillo Elementary, and is a proud graduate of Terra Nova High School. Over the years, the heart of the community has remained constant, and her deep roots on the coastside continue to shape her work and advocacy. Vicki is thrilled to serve on the board of Spindrift School of Performing Arts and honored to support such a cherished local treasure. She brings decades of real estate and community experience, along with a strong belief in the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and uplift young people.

Lisa Bolle — Member at Large

Lisa Bolle is a parent, community organizer and resident of Pacifica. She founded the Pacifica Children’s Business Fair and has been making major contributions to Pacifica Education Foundation (PEF) fundraising initiatives since 2022. Lisa is also active on the parent council at Ocean Grove Charter School, served as communications co-chair for Ocean Shore Elementary PTO and has logged significant volunteer hours as a former parent at Sunset Ridge Elementary. She has 25 years of professional event planning experience and a background in corporate communications.

Ashleigh Karkazis — Member at Large

Ashleigh Karkazis is a Drama and English teacher at Terra Nova High School, where she shares her passion for the arts with her students. She began volunteering with the Terra Nova Theater Program in 2018 while recovering from a stem cell transplant for leukemia, serenading her husband, Sean, from her hospital bed and rediscovering her love for theater. She started as a vocal director and recently directed Shrek and Mamma Mia, also serving as tech director for the latter. A performer and former production manager with JB Presents, Ashleigh is now a proud mom to two miracle daughters, Ellie and Katy.

Gianna Franco — Member at Large

Gianna Franco is an Emmy Award–winning broadcast journalist and the Creative Director at Spindrift School of Performing Arts. She brings decades of experience in television, radio, and storytelling, with a career that includes roles at KPIX CBS, KCBS, KNBR, and Access Hollywood. Gianna has been involved in theater and dance since childhood and is a passionate advocate for youth in the performing arts. As a board member, she contributes her expertise in communications, creative programming, and community engagement. Her work helps ensure Spindrift’s performances, classes, and outreach efforts reflect the organization’s artistic values and commitment to student-centered growth.

Gary Schoenfeld — Member at Large

Gary Schoenfeld serves as Artistic Lead for Productions at Spindrift School of Performing Arts and brings more than a decade of creative leadership to the organization. Since 2016, he has directed numerous productions and played a key role in shaping Spindrift’s theatrical programming. Gary joined the board in spring of 2025, following years of service as a Company Director and mentor. In addition to his work in the arts, Gary runs a tutoring company dedicated to helping children achieve their educational goals. His focus on ensemble-based storytelling, inclusive practice, and student-centered support helps shape Spindrift’s mission and programming.

Rebecca Marinos — Ex Officio Member

Rebecca Marinos serves as the Managing Director of Spindrift School of Performing Arts, where she oversees operations, program strategy, and community partnerships. With a background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, and arts education, she brings a strategic mindset and a deep commitment to inclusive arts access. Rebecca holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Communication from Rutgers University and a Leadership Coaching certification from New Ventures West. She joined Spindrift’s Board of Directors in 2021 and now serves in an ex officio, non-voting capacity, helping to align board governance with the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term sustainability goals.

A Message from the Board of Directors

Spindrift School of Performing Arts exists to serve our community: every child, every family, and every artist who walks through our doors. It is our mission to provide a caring and safe space for students to learn, develop, and grow as performing artists. Every member of our team is expected to uphold this commitment.

As we reflect on the Fall of 2025, we are proud of the creativity, resilience, and talent demonstrated across all of our programs and school locations. Our youngest performers brought imagination and joy to the stage in Beauty and the Beast, our Junior Talents showcased confidence and growth in Beetlejuice, and our Mainstage students took on the energy, discipline, and ensemble work of Grease. This fall, our play production students brought heart and storytelling to A Christmas Carol. Across our dance programs and classes at all locations, students of all ages continued to build skill, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

We also want to acknowledge an ongoing legal matter. In late spring of 2025, the Board of Directors became aware of a situation involving suspected abuse that was not reported by a mandated reporter. Under California Penal Code §11166, mandated reporters are legally required to report suspected abuse immediately. There is no discretion, delay, or investigation permitted prior to reporting. Upon learning that this legal requirement was not met, the Board acted immediately by removing the individual involved, filing a mandated report, and notifying the appropriate authorities. The matter has resulted in criminal charges, and the school continues to cooperate fully with the investigation. For legal and privacy reasons, no further details can be shared.

As we move into 2026, we are focused on the continued growth and momentum of our programs. The year ahead includes musical theater showcases, ongoing dance classes, and play production with Game of Tiaras. Our Junior Talents performers will take on Once Upon a Mattress, while our Mainstage students prepare for Heathers. Across all disciplines, students will continue to develop artistry, collaboration, and confidence in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Spindrift is a community of dedicated teachers, staff, board members, and families who believe in the transformative power of the performing arts. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for students of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and lived experiences. Respect, care, and accountability are foundational to our work, and we strive to ensure that every student and family feels seen, supported, and valued within our community.