Meet our Board!

Artemis Valenti

Executive Director/Board President

Artemis founded Kids Can Do It! Productions when he was twelve. He has directed all of our shows, including our first, The Miraculous Six, a full-length musical he wrote. Arty has performed in over 25 productions, been in choir for five years, and has copious experience on crew, including tech. He has been singing, acting, and dancing since he was three years old. He is currently studying Psychology at San Diego State University.

Leasa Thernes

Vice President

Leasa Thernes is a Teaching Artist, award-winning Filmmaker and Choreographer. She has written, directed, and/or produced five short films. Her film: Basket of Sane, won awards for Best Surrealist and Best Experimental at the New York International Independent Film Festivals in New York City and Los Angeles, and was a participant in the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner in Cannes, France. She has directed and choreographed numerous Ballets and Theatrical Productions. Her choreography won the Gold Medal for Group Dance and the Silver Medal for Solo Dance at the Maccabi Games (Jewish Olympics) in Boston. Leasa can be found teaching, choreographing and directing at Coronado Academy of Dance, San Diego Junior Theatre, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, and after school theatre enrichment programs at numerous San Diego county schools.

Matt Valenti

Secretary

Matt Valenti, Esq. is an attorney and former early childhood educator and school counselor. He has experience guiding companies and nonprofit organizations in legal compliance as well as formation, fundraising, and maintaining non-profit status. He has served as a parent volunteer in numerous youth theatre programs in San Diego and is thrilled to be a part of Kids Can Do It! Productions. In third grade he played the Wizard in a production of The Wizard of Oz and has never stopped talking about it.

Sean Boyd

Treasurer

Sean Boyd is proud to be the treasurer of Kids Can Do It! Productions. He is a middle school teacher for Drama and English, as well as an arts administrator for Trinity Theatre Company. Other Board and Officer Positions include: Trinity Theatre Company (President, 2012-present), Theatre Alliance of San Diego (Treasurer, 2020). In theatre, he has performed and directed for many theatres throughout the city. He is an associate member of the SDC, the labor union for stage directors and choreographers.

Samantha Penn

Board Member

Samantha Penn is a local business owner here in San Diego. She founded her cleaning service over 30 years ago and manages her team of employees while running all aspects of the business. She is also a horseback riding instructor and ensures her students have fun while helping them build confidence, connection with animals, and a love of nature. Sam was a nanny for eight years. She really believes that kids can do anything, and is here to help young actors reach that goal. In her free time Sam enjoys traveling, painting, photography, and spending time with her dog, cats, and horse. She is excited to be on the Board of Directors!