Leadership Team

Kalin Balcomb

Executive Director

Hello AIA community! I am honored to work as the Executive Director for Arts in Action. In my role I strive to ensure increased equity in the school setting and a socially just education that is tailored to each individual student's emotional and academic needs. I believe our students need the tools to become advocates and activists for themselves and our community. An Arts in Action education is different- we believe in serving the holistic needs of each child in an arts integrated community setting.

I am in my ninth year working at Arts in Action Community Charter Schools. Prior to the role of Executive Director, I worked as the elementary and middle school principal for Arts in Action, and the Director of Special Education. Before working at Arts in Action, I started my teaching career on the Big Island of Hawaii as a Special Education teacher and Student Services Coordinator.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Syracuse University, with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and minors in Global Political Economy and Geography. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Special Education and teaching credential through Chaminade University in Honolulu. More recently, I completed a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Social Justice through Loyola Marymount University. I am a Teach for America alumni and a member of Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE).

We are always looking to strengthen our partnerships in the community, please reach out if you are interested in learning more! Email: [email protected]

Jamie

Jamie Kikuchi

Elementary School Director

My name is Jamie Kikuchi and I am the Elementary School Director. I was a founding teacher at Arts in Action in the first 2011-2012 school year and had the privilege of teaching both kindergarten and first grade for six years at Arts in Action. I have a Master's degree in educational administration from University of California, Los Angeles. I received my Master’s degree in Education and my Elementary Teaching Credential at UCLA in the Teacher Education Program. Prior to this, I attended the University of California, Berkeley where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with teachers, students and families this upcoming school year. I am inspired every day as we witness our young scholars develop into active and responsible members of our community who challenge themselves to achieve their highest potential.

Melvin Marroquin

Middle School Director

Hello! I am Melvin Marroquin, Middle School Co-Director. I have worked with Arts in Action for the past five years. I have my BA in Sociology from UCLA and my Masters from Cal State Long Beach in Special Education. Currently, I am in the process of finalizing my administrative credential with a Masters in Educational Administration from California State University Dominguez Hills.

I have teaching experience in middle and high school, and have worked as the Director of Special Education for several years. I am from Boyle Heights and South Central, and I am proud to serve my community. Since my start at AIA, I have seen tremendous growth from both schools and am looking forward to continuing to see our students develop to achieve their highest potential. Ms. Kleiner and I are so grateful to be given the opportunity to work together with the rest of our staff to continue providing an affirming and inspiring education to our students.

Erin Kleiner

Middle School Director

Hello, I am Erin Kleiner, Middle School Co-Director. I have worked at Arts in Action for six years in several roles, including assistant principal and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

I have my BA in Linguistics with an emphasis in Spanish and in English Literature. I have my Masters of Arts in Elementary Education and my Masters of Education in Educational Administration. During my teaching career I have taught many grades and subjects, including elementary school as a general education teacher and as an English teacher and Science teacher in middle school.

Mr. Marroquin and I are collaborating to ensure that the rest of this year shines brightly for us all and to continue the academic successes that have been achieved thus far. I look forward to connecting with our families, students, and the community.