Our Staff

Sarah Beckman is an accomplished and collaborative nonprofit leader with a proven track record of sustaining and growing high-profile organizations. She is known for her agile approach, data-driven decision-making skills, and visionary thinking. Before joining Outside The Lens, Sarah was Vice President of Advancement for Forever Balboa Park. She previously worked for UC-San Diego, The New Children’s Museum and the San Diego Museum of Art. Sarah earned her JBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied journalism, advertising, and gender studies—providing a strong foundation for working at the intersection of critical social issues, informed communication, and creative expression.

Tyler was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. She received her BA in Sociology from University of California at Davis, and her MEd and teaching credential from DePaul University. She taught in Chicago, IL for five years and in Seattle, WA for one year before moving to San Diego. Through her years of teaching she led social and emotional learning as well as restorative justice curriculum and practices. Tyler believes diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to digital media in education allows for both lifelong learning and social change.

Tim is an experienced operations & administrative professional with over 20 years serving San Diego-based nonprofits and schools. From classroom teacher to operations manager, Tim has helped non-profits and schools grow by overseeing program development, finance, grants, HR, strategic planning, and community engagement.

Kevin was born and raised in New York City. He has a B.A. in Sociology from Syracuse University, and a B.A. in Photography from Brooks Institute of Photography. He began his journey with Outside The Lens as a Media Educator, teaching photography and storytelling in various programs throughout San Diego. Over the past few years he has helped build the Media Makers program, bringing Media Arts to individuals with disabilities.

Jeff Valenzuela Garcia is a bi-national photographer, educator, and community organizer. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, he has spent the last several years living and working along the Tijuana-San Diego border. His photography focuses primarily on documenting his immigrant rights movement work in San Diego and with migrant communities in Tijuana. Jeff’s work at OTL embodies the intersection of art, education, and social justice, using media arts as a vehicle for empowering young people while documenting important social movements and immigrant experiences in the border region.

Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Jana graduated with her M.A. and B.A. in photography from the Manchester School of Art in the North of England. She has extensive experience as a freelance photographer and as a teaching artist for young people and is hugely passionate about both.

JC is a multi-media artist born and raised in Barrio Logan and Logan Heights. JC dedicates their time and passion for social justice matters and involves themselves in Xicanx activist spaces. JC focuses their personal and professional career on Special Education healthcare and social-emotional teaching. JC has worked and taught in multiple schools in San Diego County with specialization in SpEd and behavioral intervention and therapy. They are an activist and advocate for peers and students alike. They believe that change starts in the classroom and the work done at OTL can create long-lasting positive experiences in our students.

Luisa Martínez (she/they) is a cultural organizer, artist, and transborder educator rooted in the Tijuana///San Diego region. Her work challenges borders as more than physical lines—understanding them as emotional, political, and historical forces. She uses radical imagination, storytelling, and collective making to explore belonging, resistance, and solidarity. Luisa holds an M.A. in Arts Politics from NYU and a B.A. in Sociology and Latin American Studies from UC Berkeley. She co-founded Tijuana Zine Fest and has built numerous community-rooted art spaces along the border. From 2019–2023, she collaborated with Otros Dreams en Acción, first as Artivist-in-Residence and later as Program Director for Florecer Aquí y Allá, mentoring migrant artists and facilitating narrative change. She is a founding board member of Dignity Across Borders, a 2021 California Arts Council Fellow, and co-facilitated the 2023 Transnational Border Lab with faculty at The New School. Luisa continues to cultivate creative spaces for connection, memory, and liberation.

Juan was raised in both Rosarito, B.C. and San Diego, blending the best of both worlds—an appreciation for the sun, surf, tacos, and the unique cultural contrasts between the U.S. and Mexico. This vibrant, cross-border experience sparked his passion for photography, a medium through which he could capture and preserve moments in time. His journey into photography eventually evolved into a business, allowing him to merge his artistic vision with his love for storytelling. Through his work with Outside The Lens, Juan has discovered not only a deeper connection to his craft but also to the power of education and community. The organization has been instrumental in his growth, both as an artist and as an individual.

Christian Arreguin is a self taught Chican@ multi media artist born and raised in San Diego and is a descendant of the Purepecha people of Michoacan. The focus of his work is centered around the Chican@ experience and identity with a focus on indigeneity. Christian has centered his work around organizing youth within the Chican@ community while keeping the educational and spiritual components at the forefront. His artwork has been highlighted in various group and solo art shows, as well as in murals and community flyers. Christian hopes to consistently create safe and open spaces for community to blend the artistic, historical, ancestral, and spiritual into one cohesive space.

Cassandra Ceron is an environmental geologist, photographer, and ceramist who interweaves art and science to deepen her understanding and relationship with the environment.
Through her work, she fosters a sense of wonder and contemplation, seeking others to discover their unique voices and promoting a community that values the intersection of different disciplines.

Natalie received her B.S. in Television, Film and New Media from San Diego State University. Prior to coming to Outside The Lens, she worked in schools throughout San Diego County. Natalie is thrilled to be combining her studies in media with her love of working with youth.

Marcie Frausto is a Chicana graphic & illustrative designer from San Diego, CA. She has achieved formal education in graphic design at San Diego City College along with having a studio arts background where she’s been working with directors over the last 3 years. Marcie maintains a multidisciplinary approach in typography, branding and creative illustration. She is able to introduce progressive media concepts in her teaching, with an emphasis on design. By identifying and working directly in marginalized communities for over 5 years, her work has been largely influenced by the LGBTQIA+ and Chicano community of San Diego, highlighting the beauty of our communities.

Fedella Lizeth is a Nicaraguan and Italian analog photographer born and raised in San Diego, California. Her perspectives within her photographic work showcase her fascination with the true authenticity of everyday life, community, and multicultural perspectives and influences in what is one of the country’s most significant cities neighboring the U.S./Mex. border. She has been published in works such as the contemporary archival book, La Tierra Mia, as well as have been interviewed for ABC10, “Latin In America” and for the San Diego Union Tribune, “A New View of Home: Fedella Lizeth rediscovers her love for her native San Diego” . Her passions have created a deep sense of pride and adoration for her community. With a camera in hand, she aims to document aspects of local culture typically in marginalized communities that often go unrecognized in mainstream media.

Gizelle Lopez is a multifaceted artist and educator passionate about storytelling through photography and film. With a background in TV and film production, art education, and design, she understands the power of creativity in the shaping of our identities. She believes in making artistic exploration accessible to the youth in our communities, showing them that storytelling isn’t limited to the traditional paths, but that it’s an evolving language they are able to use to share their lived experiences, culture, and dreams. Through her work, she hopes to inspire the next generation to embrace creativity as a tool for expression, empowerment, and change.

Eiram is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist, passionate about arts integration and Social Justice. Growing up in Tijuana, the border has inspired them to challenge their own culture. They strive to inspire others to speak out against discrimination and discover themselves through artistic expression.

Sydney was born and raised in La Habra, CA. She attended UC Santa Cruz where she received her B.A. in Art & Design: Games and Playable Media. With extensive experience in digital media education, Sydney is thrilled to bring her passion for nurturing others’ artistic endeavors to Outside The Lens.

As a content creator and educator, Brandon Johnson has a passion for telling stories that matter. He holds a Master of Art in Media Design and Instructional Design from Full Sail University, where he learned how to design and deliver media-rich learning experiences. He joined Outside The Lens after teaching media communication courses at Chicago City Colleges, and Chicago Public Schools, where he empowered students to express themselves through media. He has also been a Content Creator and Producer at Creative Architech, where he worked on projects with clients such as OWN Network, Free Spirit Media, and Pulitzer Crisis Center.

Melanee is dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse needs. She was born and raised in San Diego and holds a degree in Child Development from Point Loma Nazarene University. Her background includes experience in ABA therapy and working in Special Education classrooms which helped her discover her passion for making a positive impact on those around her and creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for those she serves.

Eduardo has been freelancing since his high school days, focusing as a graphic designer. His love for the digital arts has introduced him to photography, photo editing, apparel production, web design, social media content creation, and marketing. Thanks to Media Makers, Eduardo has found his passion for educating others about the media arts. He is constantly finding new projects to engage with students, including pixel art, AI art generators and more.

Born and raised in Chula Vista, JR graduated from the SF State Film and started his freelance career in videography after moving back to San Diego. His video projects highlight San Diego’s hidden rock and jazz culture with music videos and live sessions. From teaching Tae Kwon Do to narrative filmmaking and photography, he brings a strong passion for all things art and media into the classroom. His high energy lifestyle and experience in education gives him the perfect balance to share his spirit for art with students and give them the tools they need to succeed.

Melanie is a Chicago-area native who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts with a concentration in Photography from Illinois State University in 2013. Beginning her career as a summer camp art instructor, she discovered her commitment to empowering youth through creative expression in underserved communities.
Melanie served as an AmeriCorps LISC member with Outside The Lens in 2019 and has co-directed an arts empowerment program for homeless and runaway youth. Through this initiative, she successfully integrated arts-based interventions with youth advocacy, using creative outlets to address mental health stigma while fostering both artistic development and emotional well-being among participants.

Morgan May is a creative professional with over a decade of experience in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, along with a strong foundation in both graphic design and fine arts. Morgan has completed extensive coursework at Palomar College and Cuyamaca College, where they also served as a Teacher’s Assistant for drawing, figure drawing, and other subjects.
Beyond their artistic pursuits, Morgan brings valuable perspective as an advocate who has worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 2009. As an autistic woman, they offer both personal insight and professional experience in creating inclusive and accessible learning environments.

Iris has a BFA in Animated Arts with a minor in Art + Ecology from the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon. They love working as an art educator to help others develop more confidence in their personal art practice and pursue their dreams. Iris is always drawing or crafting and enjoys nature journaling outside.

Alexis Rosas is a multidisciplinary designer and illustrator with a passion for visual storytelling and community engagement. Born and raised in Yonkers, New York, Alexis graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Health Care Informatics. It was during his time in college that he discovered a love for design—initially through creating event materials—and soon found himself immersed in student programming and volunteer work. Through his role as a Senior Event Coordinator, Alexis developed a deep appreciation for the impact of accessible, creative experiences within communities.

Elijah previously served as a guest Teaching Artist as part of the vis(Ability) program in 2023. His four-week series on 3D Animation using Blender was a huge hit with the Media Makers students, leaving them eager for more. In 2024, Elijah joined the Media Makers team as an intern and is teaching 3D Animation and learning about Filmmaking. Elijah is a graduate of California State University, Chico with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Animation and Game Development.