Board Members
Marlaina Schroeder Spivey
Board President & Founder of IAA
Marlaina Schroeder Spivey is the founder and board president of Inclusive Arts Alliance. As the mother of two IVF miracle babies, Aurora (4) and Giannis (1), Marlaina is deeply committed to creating a bright future for her children. When her daughter Aurora was diagnosed as autistic at 21 months, Marlaina’s search for resources led her to realize a need for more inclusive options. This inspired her to create the organization she wished had existed for her family and others.
Now in her 15th year as a full-time science teacher at River City High School in West Sacramento, Marlaina also brings over 30 years of experience in dance as the owner and director of Mirror Image Dance Company. An award-winning choreographer and instructor, she founded MIDC to provide a safe and nurturing environment where students of all backgrounds can learn, form lasting friendships, and express themselves freely.
Marlaina's dedication to education extends beyond the dance studio. As a respected teacher and community leader, she has developed innovative academic programs that have been implemented statewide, earning her recognition for fostering student growth and achievement. She is a passionate advocate for the power of dance, education, and inclusivity, striving to make a lasting impact in both her local and broader communities.
Allison Olson
Board Secretary
Allison lives a full life: running a small business- FIT4MOM Davis-Woodland, raising four kids, two dogs, and a husband in Woodland. Hobbies include karaoke dance parties with children and adults with I/DD, memorizing 90s rap lyrics, and rewatching The Office and Star Wars (4-9 ONLY). Allison and her husband adopted their daughter, June, from China in 2018, adding a little girl with Down syndrome to their growing family. Allison was previously the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Information Alliance and the Yolo County satellite of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She is also currently an advocate and consultant for inclusive, Affordable Housing for adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities in Davis. She is happy to be on the board for IAA!
Allison Chilcott
Board Member
Allison is honored to serve as a board member for IAA. She's spent her career working with individuals, foundations, and corporations who support UC Davis, where she currently serves as Managing Executive Director of Development. As the mom of two adult children, one of whom was born with a traumatic brain injury, the mission of IAA resonates deeply with her. Allison aims to utilize her prior experience as a board member for the Yolo Community Foundation, Davis Arts Center, and the National Charity League (Davis chapter) to help IAA grow and flourish.
Steve Anderson
Board Member
Steve Anderson is a long-time dance parent at MIDC with a passion for the arts. He is also an uncle to a special needs child with a combination of autism and Downs Syndrome. Steve has served on several boards over the past decade,generally involving the arts, education, or the environment. In some cases, all three. Recently he chaperoned performing arts high school students in both Yellowstone National Park and Costa Rica, helping them conduct scientific research alongside scientists. Steve holds a PhD in Ecology from UC Davis, and is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with a practice here in Davis. He currently sits on the Board of the Chautauqua Dance Circle (Chautauqua, NY) working to provide scholarships for young ballet dancers, enabling them to further their dance training.