Board Member

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 2000, the mission of the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is to provide innovative arts, education, and therapy programs to low-income and special needs families that unlock potential, nurture creativity, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

OCCTAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates in downtown Santa Ana. Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami founded OCCTAC in loving memory of her parents. Fueled by a passion for children with special needs and inspired by her parents' legacy of humanitarian work, Dr. Jimenez-Hami established OCCTAC as a beacon of hope for at-risk youth and children with special needs in Orange County.

What started as after-school music and art classes for children with special needs soon expanded to include all youth, irrespective of their backgrounds, due to the pressing need in our community. Since then, OCCTAC has grown exponentially, extending its reach and impact through diverse educational, therapeutic, and support programs that serve families from various socio-economic backgrounds.

OCCTAC’s programs include the following:

• Day School
• Early Intervention for Older Adults
• Early Start and Pre-Kinder Arts
• Family Mentoring
• Home Visiting
• Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
• Preparatory Arts Academy
• Santa Ana Unified School District Engage360 Arts
• Therapeutic Arts
• Wraparound Tutoring
• Youth Employment

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OCCTAC’s Board of Directors is responsible for selecting and supporting the Executive Director, providing financial oversight, ensuring the organization has adequate resources, enhancing the organization’s public standing, setting the mission and purpose, and assisting in monitoring its strategic plan.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS | WHO YOU ARE

OCCTAC is looking for passionate volunteer leaders to be a part of our Board of Directors. Does this sound like you?

Desired personal qualities:

• A commitment to providing excellent arts, education, and therapeutic programs to low-income and special needs families
• Solid business judgment and the ability to help guide the organization strategically
• Interest in developing and/or leveraging philanthropic relationships
• Financial acumen to read and understand financial statements and support fiduciary oversight
• Understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles
• Initiative and follow-through to support successful results
• Desire to embrace a leadership role with professionalism and accountability
• Strong communication skills and transparency
• Responsible, ethical, and goal-oriented
• Solutions-focused and mission-driven

We especially welcome candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising and donor engagement
• Budgeting and financial literacy
• Legal expertise
• Accounting expertise
• Insurance expertise
• Public relations, social media and communications
• Human resources and talent management

Prior board experience would be helpful, but is not required.

Board Member expectations:

• Attend 70% of Board meetings
• Participate in at least one Board committee or taskforce
• Support fundraising commitments, including an annual give/get commitment of $5,000
• Act as an ambassador for OCCTAC within your networks

What you’ll gain:

• A rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families
• Experience in nonprofit governance and strategic leadership
• A chance to expand your professional network and deepen your community involvement

Board terms last for two years and board members can serve up to three consecutive terms.

We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply – especially those who reflect the communities we serve.

Interested in learning more about joining the OCCTAC Board? Please submit your interest through Idealist, along with a brief bio or résumé. Our Nominations Committee will follow up with you to share additional information and our Board application.

Learn more about OCCTAC and our programs at