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ABOUT

OUR MISSION:

grace the arts is a non-profit organization that awards creative and fine arts scholarships, in addition to providing education, performance, and theater/dance intensive program opportunities, to children and young adults.

Founded in 2020.

About

The Board

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THE BOARD

Judy Cupo Brondon

President and

Co-Founder

Bryant & Stratton /Business Administration, SUNY Brockport / Dance Training, Certifications; Dance Educators of America, Dance Masters of America and Professional Dance Teachers of America

In 1978, Judy established A Touch of Dance Performing Arts Studio, Inc. in Rochester, NY and continues to hold the position as Artistic Director. In 2000, she added to the arts in the Rochester area creating, A Touch of Children’s Theatre; theatre program training & giving young students the complete theatre experience at the same time giving back to the community benefitting childhood cancer, The American Heart Association, Pirate Toy Fund, Gilda’s Club, School of the Holy Childhood & more. Judy held the position of Vice President in the nonprofit organization of Dance Rochester / Choreographer of High School & Community Theatres/college prescreen advisor /Rochester Fringe Festival. grace the arts is a passion of Judy’s to bring the gift of the arts to students who inspire to explore their dreams; Children wishing to experience any of the arts and to fill our community with the joy of it all!

OFFICERS

Grace the Arts was a timely creation of four cousins who have a love for kids & the arts. They were blessed with two loving & giving mothers named “Grace." This inspired them to call their non-profit grace the arts and to “grace” our community with opportunities & scholarships.

Joann DeLano

Secretary and

Co-Founder

Payroll Coordinator

Davis Ulmer Sprinkler Co Inc

Joann is enthusiastic, dedicated and has a great work ethic. Joann was a teacher aide for BOCES and worked with special needs children. She then was an inventory analyst and payroll analyst for Monro Inc and is now the lead payroll coordinator for Davis Ulmer Sprinkler Inc Co. Joann was a girl scout leader for her daughter Emilie’s troop for six years. She was also an assistance soccer coach for both her daughter Emilie and son Austin’s teams.

Joann enjoys camping, reading and spending time with family and friends. Joann and her SO, Kevin, reside in the City of Rochester, NY with her son, dog Bentley and two cats Boo and Little Boo.

She is excited to be a part of grace the arts and looks forward to the organization’s bright future.

BOARD MEMBERS:

Patricia Merlau

Treasurer and

Co-Founder

Finance Manager

Monro, Inc.

Patricia is a resourceful accounting and financial professional with over 27 years’ experience in management including general accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets, inventory, budgeting, forecasting, treasury and banking, cash flow, sales and cost of sales for multiple companies according to GAAP. She is experienced in initiating new finance systems and programs and documenting accounting processes as well as initiating cost control measures.

Patricia graduated from The State of New York at Brockport with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting.

In her spare time Patricia enjoys camping, kayaking and spending time with friends and family. Patricia and her husband, Steven, reside in the Town of Greece, NY with their two dogs, Molly and Peanut.

Tracy Merlau

Vice-President and

Co-Founder

Tracy is currently a NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with a background in community mental health and crisis mental health (mobile and psychiatric emergency department). Tracy has a part-time psychotherapy practice while working full time with the VA.

Before her work as a psychotherapist, Tracy lived in New York City and in Europe, working mostly in the public relations, education, and non-profit arenas focusing on building business brands, health education, grant writing, events, and fundraising/development.

Tracy has a bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY Brockport and a Master of Social Work degree from the Greater Rochester Collaborative MSW Program (Nazareth University/SUNY Brockport).

Tracy grew up with a love and pursuit of music, singing, and dance that continues today! She is thrilled to be a part of grace the arts helping others pursue their artistic endeavors. Tracy enjoys traveling, keeping up with arts and culture in the community, writing, and spending time with family and friends.

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