People & Partners

FOUNDER

With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. Steve Stopper is the former audio technician for Starlight. He currently runs the largest audio, video design service, in San Diego, with customers ranging from the NFL to the Navy. Stopper is also the founder of The School for Creative Careers, a nonprofit focused on giving students experiences in real world performance art environments.

Secretary

Put aside her successful interior design career to costume Damn Yankees and Sweeney Todd at Starlight in 2004. Although living overseas, she returned to Starlight each summer to costume shows and, in 2009, became the Resident Costumer. She also worked at the Kelly Theater in Stuttgart, Germany and the JR Theater in Balboa Park. She moved to San Diego in 2012 and is eager to ensure Starlight's success in its new mission. She holds a BA from St Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana, in Humanistic Studies and Art History.

Vice Chair

Molly has been a part of Noah Homes for 25 years and accepted the role of CEO in February 2008. “I experience Starlight Theater as a youngster with my family and friends, and want to see this beautiful San Diego outdoor treasure reimagined in a form that is exciting and useful to the people of San Diego. Starting anew inspires creativity and greater inclusion. Coming from a professional background of working in the disability world, the addition of this special needs population would not only be a door opening for them, but it would also be a gift to the rest of us to experience their joy and creativity firsthand.”

Ashley Gardner Has spent over 40 years’ experience in the Radio, Television, Production, Theater, Arts and Culture Industries, Her “can do” attitude is an asset to any group she joins. With a focus on Non-Profits, Theatre and other companies, she has a tendency to “dive in” and make magic. She is currently involded in a variety of community projects and passions.

I remember as a young kid, we went to see The Sound Of Music.  I was awestruck at the whole production and when one of the kids was sliding down the 2 story banister, stopped midway (due to a plane overhead) and then continued without skipping a note, I was in love with the magic that I experienced that day.  Fast forward 30 years later, I found myself doing all of the programs, banners, logos and website for the shows for 5 years before they closed.  The Onsite manager at the time and I had many discussions and the "vision" we discussed was a bowl that was open year round, with many types of events, and entertainment for ALL of the community.  When I heard about "Save Starlight" and that they shared that vision, I was IN.

Henry L. Wallace was born March 30, 1952 into a Military family. My father was a Conservative Master Sargent in the air force.  He taught me how to be responsible. My mom was a domestic housewife,  who taught me financial and business wisdom. She believed in spending on needs and not wants. I was raised in Catholic School for a time and transferred over to the public school system, where as i learned to communicate with all different types of individuals and learnt to be appreciative of their cultures. My early years of life's lessons prepared me for a long life of adapting to the many business and cultural challenges within society.

Jamie helped to start the Save Starlight Organization in 2016 and continues to be an active member with other organizations in the community and park. Jamie and her husband own and manage two local businesses. With an extensive background in sales, marketing, and events, she aims to help develop a diversity of programs and performances that The Starlight Bowl can provide for San Diego and all its visitors.

Robin Peters has been active in current music and production her entire life. Director of Rockin Robin Promotions, she creates music events here locally and in Los Angeles. Her events support causes such as Make-a-Wish Foundation, North County Food Bank, The Midnight Mission, MusiCares and of course the Save Starlight mission.

Stan Canaris recently retired after 36 years of service within the Sweetwater Union High School District as a teacher, football coach and dean of activities at various schools. He oversaw the opening of Eastlake High School in 1992 and served as vice principal before assuming the role of principal in 1995. Highlights are: Administrator of the Year at Sweetwater Union High District, San Diego Proclamation, Coach of the Year, Certificate of Congressional Recognition, Recognition from President George W. Bush.

Wayne Nelson is a career musician, born and raised in the Midwest. His musical roots began to form at an early age in Peoria, IL, singing in church choirs and performing in local theatre productions. In 1965 his family relocated to the Chicago area, where he met new high school friends who wanted to start a band. By the end of college in ‘73, the die was cast. He moved to Chicago and began his musical career.

John Bolthouse graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a degree in air transportation and aviation sciences and a master’s in nonprofit leadership and management from the University of San Diego.

Dan Woodard is an alumnus of UC San Diego and received his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles in 1986. He’s been an attorney in private practice since then. In addition to nearly 30 years in estate planning and litigation practice, he’s mediated nearly 1000 disputes. He was honored by the Los Angeles Superior Court as the Probate mediator of the year in 2010, 2011, and 2012. He has been a member of numerous Boards of Directors and been counsel to multiple non-profit organizations over the past 25 years.

Angel is a student at UC San Diego studying Neurobiology and a current research assistant at the Center for Better Beginnings. Angelique, being born and raised in beautiful San Diego, has been involved in multiple non-profit organizations around town and has extensive technical and web-design experience. Her volunteering experiences are mainly within the hospital network, but also with The School for Creative Careers and now Save Starlight.

Outreach

Carleton is a native of San Diego, CA. Carleton aka CEO is known by many as a drummer, brand manager, business consultant, and promoter. CEO (a social media influencer) is a graduate of Howard University (HBCU Washington D.C.) and SDSCPA (San Diego School of the Creative and Performing Arts). As one of the many hats this driven entrepreneur wears, he is a mentor for at-risk youth and manages an Independent Living Program for former foster care teens transitioning into adulthood.

Facilities

Phil came to San Diego in 2000 to work on the Coronado Bay Bridge retrofit with Taylor Pacific. Before that, he spent five years with Cal-Dive International in marine construction, with over 150 dives. Other large projects were piers for the Navy and the Port of San Diego with Manson and General Construction. His poem " Untitled" was published in Across the Way: Countryside by Eber & Wein and Poetry Nation in Sept. 2015 Library of Congress.