Board Members
Ted Barduson
Treasurer
Ted has worked in the healthcare industry for the past 27 years, serving as an executive within four successful start-up companies focused on providing services to hospitals and physicians throughout the United States. Recently, he co-founded the La Jolla Wellness Studio. Ted is a longtime supporter of the arts in San Diego. He feels fortunate to be involved with the San Diego Ballet having performed with his daughter in San Diego Ballet’s Nutcracker. He is currently Vice President of the La Jolla Chamber of Commerce, an active member of the La Jolla Town Council, and a supporter of the Ronald McDonald House. Ted attended the University of Colorado at Boulder graduating with a BS in Political Science with a Public Service Option.
Dionne Schley-Cather
President
A lifelong student of ballet, Dionne started dancing at the age of 8 with Ballet Idaho in Boise, ID. Upon graduating from high school, she attended the University of Idaho where she danced with the student performance group. She graduated in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a minor in Dance. After moving to San Diego that same year, she began her career in marketing working for small and large companies across the city. In 2007 she completed her MBA in Marketing from San Diego State University, and spent the next six years working for Sony Electronics in Market Research. She currently oversee’s Market Research for HouseCheck, a national start-up in the home inspection industry. Dionne is an adult student with San Diego School of Ballet and has served on the Company’s marketing committee since 2013.
Julie Brossy
Secretary
Julie Brossy runs the Health Advocacy Project for the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, specializing in access to health care for low-income seniors. Julie previously worked as an editor, reporter and bureau chief for United Press International in Hong Kong, New York, Washington, D.C., and San Juan, Puerto Rico. She later covered the border for the San Diego Tribune. She is a lifelong ballet fan and great admirer of San Diego Ballet’s creative and beautiful artistry. Julie was thrilled last year to watch San Diego Ballet’s gorgeous Nutcracker from the best seat in the house – onstage as a “lady in waiting.”
Fei Li Twite
Fei Li has been connected to the San Diego Ballet as a student at the school for more than 20 years. Her love for ballet motivated her to join the board of directors to help sustain the organization from the inside out. As a Human Resources Director of a non-profit she brings experience in solidifying staff structures, organizing proper protocol for on-boarding of new staff, and assists in updating job descriptions plus leading in staff reviews annually. She attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa and has lived in San Diego for 40+ years. Ms. Tan Twite looks forward to her service on the board and seeing the shows too!
Julie Bauman
Julie is an attorney specializing in white collar crime. Born and raised in San Diego, Julie has always been involved in the artistic community. Julie trained with the San Diego School of Ballet for fourteen years. Under this training, Julie regularly had the opportunity to perform with the San Diego Ballet Company, which are experiences she still treasures.
Julie is grateful to be able to give back to the San Diego dance community, and especially to San Diego Ballet where she invested so many wonderful years. When not practicing law, Julie enjoys camping across National Parks and hiking through Southern California and beyond.
Cynthia Napoleon
Cynthia has been a San Diego Resident for 31 years and a ballet fan since age 6. She attended the University of Notre Dame and has worked in Accounting and Finance for a variety of San Diego corporations. She loves literature, art and dance and hopes to help the San Diego Ballet continue to grow and prosper. Cynthia is also a Senior Financial Analyst at Quidel, Inc.
Nick Asaad
Nick Asaad is a life-time San Diego resident and supporter of the arts community. He holds active CPA and Real Estate Professional licenses in California. Nick specializes in corporate finance with a focus on taxation at a national public accounting firm. Previously, Nick attended UCLA where he received his degree in Economics with a minor in accounting. In his free time, Nick is an avid reader, runner, and outdoors enthusiast. Nick’s goal is for the ballet and arts to continue to thrive in our San Diego Community