Kris Murray

As Executive Director, Kris is responsible for all aspects of Young Audiences of Northern California.  She brings non-profit experience, having served as the Deputy Director, West Region, of DonorsChoose.org and the founding Executive Director of the Alameda Education Foundation, and education experience, having worked as an elementary and preschool teacher for many years.  Kris is passionate about the importance of high-quality arts education for California ’s young people.

When not working with Young Audiences, Kris volunteers as the Costume Mistress for Alameda Children's Musical Theatre, leads a troop of 20 energetic Brownie Girl Scouts, and plays the role of proud mama to her two grown-up artist-children.

Emily Garvie

As Outreach and Development Associate at Young Audiences of Northern California, Emily works to build relationships in the community, spread the word about Young Audiences, and generate support for our work. Before coming to Young Audiences, Emily worked as a professional opera singer, having studied music at Yale University and Manhattan School of Music. While singing opera for students and teaching through opera, Emily discovered the magic created by bringing artists and students together and is thrilled to be facilitating this powerful work.

JillAnn Wood

As Scheduling Manager, JillAnn works with artists and schools to secure meaningful arts programs for students across the Bay Area. Jill is passionate, organized and professional and enjoys working hard to get the job done well. Before finding Young Audiences, Jill donated time to fundraising efforts in schools to enhance the education experience, including funds raised on behalf of “Arts in the Schools” programs. Jill works closely with young people as a principal in her own interior design firm specializing in children’s spaces. She takes great pride creating rooms in which her young clients feel comfortable expressing themselves. Outside of work, Jill enjoys hiking with her dog, retreating to her cabin in Colorado and sewing anything she can think of. She is a devoted mother to her 2 aspiring adult children that are artistic in their own ways.