Meet Our Team
Elena Correia
Executive Director, The Healing Tree Performing Arts Project
Elena Correia is an acclaimed, award-winning soprano whose distinguished career spans opera, orchestral masterworks, and contemporary collaborations. Celebrated for her vibrant vocal artistry and magnetic stage presence, she has performed with premier organizations like Palm Beach Opera, the Aspen Opera Theater Center, and the Klezmer Company Orchestra, earning an Independent Grammy Award and a solo debut at Carnegie Hall.
An elite performer and master educator with 18 years of pedagogical experience, Elena holds a Master of Music from The Juilliard School and a Bachelor of Music from San Diego State University. She seamlessly blends her deep musical expertise with a passion for service as a principal artistic voice for The Healing Tree Performing Arts Project. In this role, she champions the organization’s mission to harness the restorative and neurological power of the creative arts, breaking communication barriers and fostering deep emotional and cognitive development for individuals of all abilities.
Jennifer Fernandez
Jennifer Fernandez is a dedicated and highly reliable professional with over 30 years of experience driving operational excellence and compassionate care within major San Diego healthcare networks. With an extensive background in fast-paced, high-volume environments, Jennifer brings an elite skillset in administrative coordination, meticulous record management, and empathetic communication.
Deeply aligned with The Healing Tree’s vision, Jennifer beautifully bridges her structural expertise with a lifelong passion for the arts. Driven by a profound desire to make a positive impact on her community, she is committed to channeling her organizational mastery and people-first approach into supporting spaces where creativity fosters healing, connection, and empowerment for individuals of all abilities.
Deputy Executive Director
Virginia Rivera
Virginia Rivera brings a profound personal dedication and a wealth of advocacy experience to her role as Board Secretary. As the proud mother of an autistic son, Virginia’s leadership is deeply rooted in firsthand experience, giving her a unique and empathetic understanding of the triumphs and challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Her commitment to the community is reflected in her extensive work with the Autism Society of San Diego, where she has been a passionate voice for inclusion, resources, and empowerment. Aligning perfectly with The Healing Tree’s vision, Virginia channels her administrative precision, lived experience, and advocacy background into her board leadership—ensuring the organization remains a steadfast, compassionate, and highly effective resource for families navigating diverse needs.
Board Secretary
Finance DirectorCarolina Felix
Carolina Felix is a visionary, servant-hearted leader with a distinguished career overseeing global operations, revenue management, customer experience, and organizational transformation within fast-paced, mission-driven environments. Known for her warmth and empathy, she excels at driving collaboration and operational excellence to create meaningful, lasting impact.
Beyond her professional achievements, Carolina is deeply committed to community engagement, emotional wellness, and faith-centered service. She is passionate about cultivating inclusive environments where people—especially neurodivergent individuals, young adults, and families—can thrive authentically. Believing in the transformative power of human connection and artistic expression, Carolina dedicates her work to building initiatives that inspire compassion, inclusion, healing, and hope.
Program & Grant Development Advisor Kimberly Wright
Kimberly Wright is a passionate advocate dedicated to helping youth feel supported, included, and empowered through strengths-based approaches that foster emotional well-being, confidence, and resilience. With direct experience working with elementary-aged children in school settings, she brings a practical understanding of child development and a deep commitment to meeting young people where they are—especially those navigating physical, developmental, or emotional challenges.
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling, Kimberly infuses a school-counseling perspective into her role as Program & Grant Development Advisor for The Healing Tree Project. In this position, she drives program planning, grant development, and fundraising strategies aimed at expanding access to arts-based therapeutic opportunities. Kimberly is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where children of all abilities feel seen, heard, and valued, helping them discover their unique strengths and communicate through creative expression.
Advisory Board
Nancy Amar - Fiona Chatwin - Bernardo Bermudez - Kimberly Eicholtz - Alannah Felix - Patrick Garcia - Alexiou Gibson
Lauren Hardman - Kathy Maichel - Kimberly Moller - Jim Tompkins MacLaine - Leonard Patton