Leadership
The Mount Kisco Arts Council is guided by a team of volunteers who bring experience, creativity, and a shared commitment to the village. Our leadership works together to shape programs that highlight local talent, engage families, and ensure the arts are an active part of community life.
Jessica M. Colón, President
Jessica M. Colón is an educator, nonprofit leader, and community advocate whose work centers on environmental education, creativity, and inclusive access to learning. Her deep connection to nature and commitment to community-driven programming shape her mission to help young people and families build meaningful relationships with the natural world.
Jessica has served as an Educator at The New York Botanical Garden’s Edible Academy, where she introduced students to hands-on gardening, plant science, and sustainability. She has also worked as a Museum Educator with a range of cultural institutions, including the Westchester Children’s Museum, Bronx Children’s Museum, Historic Hudson Valley, Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, and the Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum. Across these roles, she developed and facilitated engaging educational experiences that blend history, culture, science, and the arts.
She is the founder and President of For the People and Kids, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to bilingual education, creative enrichment, and community-focused programming. Through this work, Jessica designs and leads initiatives that nurture curiosity, creativity, and social connection for children and families.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Jessica serves as President of the Mount Kisco Arts Council, Coordinator of the Community Organizations Access Nature Project, and Assistant Program Manager for Dig Youth Academy. In these roles, she builds partnerships among community members, nonprofits, schools, and local organizations to expand access to arts, nature, and educational opportunities.
Jessica’s work is guided by a belief in collaboration, equity, and the power of education to strengthen communities. She is dedicated to creating welcoming spaces where children and families can learn, explore, and grow together.
Contact Jessica: jessica@mountkiscoartscouncil.com
Aviva Meyer, Co-Vice President
Aviva leads Communications & Marketing for the Mount Kisco Arts Council, helping guide programming that connects the community through the arts. She is the Director of Policy and Programs for Health and Infrastructure at Westchester County, where she oversees initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of residents across the region. Aviva also brings experience from the arts world, having served as Media and Managing Director at Stolen Chair Theatre Company. Her leadership at MKAC reflects her commitment to building partnerships, expanding access, and keeping the arts welcoming to people of all ages.
Contact Aviva: aviva@mountkiscoartscouncil.com
Alex Smoller, Co-Vice President
Alex is a Berklee College of Music graduate and multi-instrumentalist who has been performing, recording, and touring since 1984. He is the founder of True Tone Sound, providing live sound and production for community events, and has also run his own web design and development company since 2000. A Mount Kisco resident for 20 years, Alex has served as Chairman of the Village’s Economic Development Council, volunteered as an English tutor at Neighbors Link, and is in his third year on the Mount Kisco Elementary School Association. At MKAC, he leads the Programming & Events Committee, combining professional experience with a deep belief in the power of the arts to bring people together.
Contact Alex: alex@mountkiscoartscouncil.com
Jean Farber, Treasurer
Jean served Mount Kisco as a Village Trustee for 10 years, including 3 years as Deputy Mayor. A founding member of the Mount Kisco Arts Council, she is its current Treasurer and continues to be an active force in community life. Jean is Treasurer and a Board Member of the Mount Kisco Historical Society, an active member of the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the Glassbury Court Homeowners Association, and a member of the Village Board of Assessment Review. She is also a member of the League of Women Voters, was recently appointed to the Westchester County Council for Seniors, and was named the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2024. Her long-standing commitment to civic engagement and the arts continues to enrich village life.
Contact Jean: jean@mountkiscoartscouncil.com
Dr. Barbara Steckel, Secretary
Barbara is a retired Distinguished Professor of Education who dedicated her career to advancing literacy and supporting educators. She brings that same commitment to community life in Mount Kisco, where she serves as a Democratic leader, is a trustee of the Mount Kisco Public Library, and is an active member of the Historical Society. At MKAC, Barbara serves as Secretary, combining her organizational expertise with a passion for the arts and for creating meaningful opportunities that bring people together.
Contact Barbara: barbara-st@mountkiscoartscouncil.com
Loretta Brooks, Board Member
Loretta is Co-Executive Director of the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce, where she works closely with both business and community partners. She also serves as business manager for Mount Kisco Gold & Silver Inc., a distinctive numismatic and precious metals company in the village. With a broad background in hospitality and event planning, Loretta brings diverse experience and a deep appreciation for the arts to MKAC. She contributes her expertise as an advisor on the Business & Development Committee.
Contact Loretta: loretta@mountkiscoartscouncil.com
Michelle Guerrero Henry, Board Member
Michelle chairs the Membership Committee, serves on the Communications & Marketing Committee, and curates MKAC’s Writing Workshop Series, bringing together writers and storytellers. A first-generation Cuban-Ecuadorian writer and Mount Kisco resident for over a decade, Michelle is passionate about making the arts accessible and fostering connections among artists of all disciplines. Her work with MKAC reflects her commitment to collaboration, and creativity, ensuring the arts remain a vital part of village life.
Contact Michelle: michelle@mountkiscoartscouncil.com
Ray Mak, Board Member
Ray is an artist, musician, and performer who co-owns Curio Room, a bookstore and gallery that doubles as a creative gathering space in Mount Kisco. With a background that spans music, theatre, and writing, he brings an eclectic perspective and playful spirit to the Arts Council. Passionate about fostering discovery and artistic exchange, Ray is dedicated to making Mount Kisco a place where creativity and community thrive.
Contact Ray: ray@mountkiscoartscouncil.com
Barbara Schainman, Board Member
Barbara co-directed Mohawk Day Camp and Mohawk Country Day School in White Plains with her husband for nearly 50 years, overseeing a premier summer program and managing a large teaching staff. A respected “Legend in Camping” honored by the American Camp Association, she became involved with the Mount Kisco Arts Council in its early years and has been a dedicated supporter ever since. Barbara continues to bring her nurturing leadership and deep love of artistic community to MKAC.
Contact Barbara: barbara-sc@mountkiscoartscouncil.com
Become a Member
Becoming a member of the Mount Kisco Arts Council is a simple way to support local creativity and be part of something bigger. Our updated membership program offers options for community members, artists, and local businesses, with benefits like early access to events, opportunities to participate, and recognition. Your membership helps bring more music, art, and cultural events to the village while connecting you with neighbors who believe in the power of the arts.