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Our Mission
Vision Quilt’s mission is to prevent gun violence by empowering communities to create solutions through the power of art, education and inclusive systemic change efforts by fostering visionary thinking and offering trauma-informed resources.
Our Vision
Our impact catalyzes communities and schools to address the root causes of gun violence in underserved neighborhoods to create safe and equitable communities.
We train youth and community members in:
Leading Vision Quilt Workshops
Hosting Exhibitions & Community Dialogues
Catalyzing Systemic Change Efforts
Our History
In 2015, our Vision Qult team began working with organizations and schools to help communities create their own solutions to gun violence through the power of art and dialogue. Partnerships have always been at the heart of our work. We believe that people who experience violence hold the keys to break the cycle. We train community leaders to integrate the Vision Quilt model into their ongoing work.
This video highlights how we invite youth and communities to become visionaries, storytellers, and changemakers through our multidisciplinary approach, blending art, education, and trauma-informed practices to inspire resilience and foster inclusive, community-driven solutions.
The Vision Quilt Team
Cathy DeForest
Founder and Executive Director
Cathy taught English to both underserved youth and gifted youth and was an assistant principal of an urban school. After earning her Ph.D. in Organization Development, Cathy consulted with Fortune 100 companies as well as organizations ranging from Lawrence Livermore Laboratory to health care systems. She also applied her experience and expertise in organizational analysis, strategic planning and meeting facilitation to community arts organizations. After her consulting career, Cathy pursued an art career, exhibiting her artists’ books and prints in Europe, Africa and the U.S.. Since 2015, Cathy has dedicated her expertise in education, organization development and art to mobilizing grassroots efforts to prevent gun violence through Vision Quilt. She is a member of Oakland's Violence Prevention Coalition.
Cathy taught English to both underserved youth and gifted youth and was an assistant principal of an urban school. After earning her Ph.D. in Organization Development, Cathy consulted with Fortune 100 companies as well as organizations ranging from Lawrence Livermore Laboratory to health care systems. She also applied her experience and expertise in organizational analysis, strategic planning and meeting facilitation to community arts organizations. After her consulting career, Cathy pursued an art career, exhibiting her artists’ books and prints in Europe, Africa and the U.S.. Since 2015, Cathy has dedicated her expertise in education, organization development and art to mobilizing grassroots efforts to prevent gun violence through Vision Quilt. She is a member of Oakland's Violence Prevention Coalition.
Diana Garcia
Program and Development Director
Diana Garcia, an Oakland-based activist, digital artist, project manager and development director, who is passionate about going above and beyond for her community. Through her non-profit, Litside Artist Association (2017-2019), she organized numerous impactful events to raise funds providing artists with tools and materials to create. She then dedicated her efforts to reducing substance use disorder stigma and providing resources in marginalized communities in Oakland, CA. Currently, Diana focuses on preventing gun violence through art and design. As a multimedia artist and with her managing and organizing skills, she uses her talents to raise awareness about Oakland's issues and connect the community with vital resources. Diana has contributed to the work of Oakland's Violence Prevention Coalition and the Oakland Frontline Healers. She is key to supporting teachers and community leaders in implementing the pioneering multidisciplinary nationally recognized work Vision Quilt developed with Lighthouse Charter Schools entitled, "Creating Visionaries, Storytellers and Community Activists Addressing Gun Violence".
Diana Garcia, an Oakland-based activist, digital artist, project manager and development director, who is passionate about going above and beyond for her community. Through her non-profit, Litside Artist Association (2017-2019), she organized numerous impactful events to raise funds providing artists with tools and materials to create. She then dedicated her efforts to reducing substance use disorder stigma and providing resources in marginalized communities in Oakland, CA. Currently, Diana focuses on preventing gun violence through art and design. As a multimedia artist and with her managing and organizing skills, she uses her talents to raise awareness about Oakland's issues and connect the community with vital resources. Diana has contributed to the work of Oakland's Violence Prevention Coalition and the Oakland Frontline Healers. She is key to supporting teachers and community leaders in implementing the pioneering multidisciplinary nationally recognized work Vision Quilt developed with Lighthouse Charter Schools entitled, "Creating Visionaries, Storytellers and Community Activists Addressing Gun Violence".
Margaret Hoffmann
Portland Outreach Coordinator
Margaret Hoffmann is a retired trial lawyer having practiced in Los Angeles for eight years before moving to Portland, Oregon, where she was a partner at the Schwabe Williamson Wyatt law firm for 28 years. Before becoming a lawyer, Ms. Hoffmann was a social worker in Los Angeles working in the criminal justice area, first with juveniles in a residential treatment setting and then with adults in a pre-release program from federal prison. In retirement, Ms. Hoffmann is volunteering with Vision Quilt to further her passion for social justice.
Margaret Hoffmann is a retired trial lawyer having practiced in Los Angeles for eight years before moving to Portland, Oregon, where she was a partner at the Schwabe Williamson Wyatt law firm for 28 years. Before becoming a lawyer, Ms. Hoffmann was a social worker in Los Angeles working in the criminal justice area, first with juveniles in a residential treatment setting and then with adults in a pre-release program from federal prison. In retirement, Ms. Hoffmann is volunteering with Vision Quilt to further her passion for social justice.
Gabriela Magallanes
Social Media Strategist
Gabriela Magallanes, Social Media Strategist for Vision Quilt, is a passionate advocate for gun violence prevention, dedicated to amplifying the voices of those affected and sharing the inspiring work of the organization. A devoted mother to daughters Daleah, 10, and Gisselle, 2, Gabriela’s commitment to creating a safer future drives her work in raising awareness, fostering engagement, and driving change. Beyond her nonprofit role, she is a professional makeup artist who uses beauty as a medium for empowerment and self-expression, blending her creative talents with her expertise in digital content creation. Through her advocacy, artistry, and motherhood, Gabriela is devoted to building stronger, more compassionate communities and a safer future for the next generation.
Gabriela Magallanes, Social Media Strategist for Vision Quilt, is a passionate advocate for gun violence prevention, dedicated to amplifying the voices of those affected and sharing the inspiring work of the organization. A devoted mother to daughters Daleah, 10, and Gisselle, 2, Gabriela’s commitment to creating a safer future drives her work in raising awareness, fostering engagement, and driving change. Beyond her nonprofit role, she is a professional makeup artist who uses beauty as a medium for empowerment and self-expression, blending her creative talents with her expertise in digital content creation. Through her advocacy, artistry, and motherhood, Gabriela is devoted to building stronger, more compassionate communities and a safer future for the next generation.
Our Instructors
Orion Rodriguez
Orion Rodriguez (he/they) is an Indigenous Two-Spirit artist, writer, activist, and Art Therapy graduate student at Lewis & Clark College. Their clinical focus is working with queer and BIPOC victims of trauma, with an emphasis on supporting transgender survivors of domestic abuse and targeted violence. Prior to joining the mental health field, he spent over a decade in nonprofit advocacy, where he fought to advance social justice and environmental policies nationwide. They have also worked and volunteered in K-12 special education as a visual and language arts tutor.
Nichole Champion
My name is Nichole Champion, and I am deeply committed to supporting high school students through health and wellness initiatives, particularly via the VQ art therapy program, which aligns with my life’s mission to provide the kind of support I wished for growing up in underserved neighborhoods. Losing friends to gun violence while living in Texas highlighted the lack of safe spaces to process such tragedies, which now drives my work to create platforms where students can openly share and heal. Art, as a therapeutic tool, allows students to express emotions beyond words, fostering emotional processing and community building. The growth of VQ reflects its vital role in addressing the emotional toll of gun violence, offering teenagers opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, showcase their creativity, and realize their potential as future leaders. Watching students share their stories, break down barriers, and embrace vulnerability has been profoundly moving, and empowering them as activists and organizers remains a core goal of this work.
Kirk Charlton
My name is Kirk Charlton, and I am the creator of the Art Inside Out program, which uses art as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. As an artist with a lifelong passion for creating, I have personally experienced the transformative benefits of art in building confidence and self-worth. Sharing my own journey of overcoming feelings of insignificance inspires others to recognize their value and importance. Art Inside Out fosters positive dialogue and meaningful connections, emphasizing that it’s the connections we make that truly matter. This evidence-based program is implemented in the Department of Corrections, BHS groups, and drug and alcohol treatment facilities, empowering participants to regain their sense of value. Knowing our worth is a critical step in bettering ourselves. The impact of Inside Out has been affirmed by professionals.
Kathleen Carlson
Mary Andrus
Chloe Armstead
Kenneth Johnson
Julia Cordover
Melvin Cowan
Karen Fee
Michelle La Place-Watts
Gracie Pekrul
Our Advisory Board
The Vision Quilt Board
Tanya Dennis
Chairperson for the Board of Directors
Tanya is a writer, educator, reporter, activist and thought leader. She is a reporter and editor for the Post Newsgroup and was a school administrator for 4 years and a teacher for 45 years. Ms. Dennis has led social justice campaigns and art presentations for over fifty years. Dennis has been involved in social justice issues for housing, probate reform, education, reparations advocacy, and COVID-19 response. As CEO of Black Leaders Coalition, she advocates for reparations for Enslaved Africans. As Director of Media and Communications for Oakland Frontline Healers, she organized her team to produce marketing materials for 26 non-profits and two medical facilities. As board chair of Adamika Village, she created the "Peace in the Streets" campaign, a year-long violence prevention initiative for Oakland.
Tanya is a writer, educator, reporter, activist and thought leader. She is a reporter and editor for the Post Newsgroup and was a school administrator for 4 years and a teacher for 45 years. Ms. Dennis has led social justice campaigns and art presentations for over fifty years. Dennis has been involved in social justice issues for housing, probate reform, education, reparations advocacy, and COVID-19 response. As CEO of Black Leaders Coalition, she advocates for reparations for Enslaved Africans. As Director of Media and Communications for Oakland Frontline Healers, she organized her team to produce marketing materials for 26 non-profits and two medical facilities. As board chair of Adamika Village, she created the "Peace in the Streets" campaign, a year-long violence prevention initiative for Oakland.
Leon Pyle
Board Treasurer
Leon is an analytically trained clinical psychologist. He has worked in federal prisons, low-fee urban therapy centers, in schools, and with patients in private practice. Leon is also a philanthropist, targeting small nonprofit organizations involved in social justice and educational issues with underserved individuals and communities. Leon was previously a real estate developer in Germany and in the U.S. and is passionate about learning foreign languages. His current work includes creating a micro- finance partnership in Senegal for underserved youth, women and men.
Leon is an analytically trained clinical psychologist. He has worked in federal prisons, low-fee urban therapy centers, in schools, and with patients in private practice. Leon is also a philanthropist, targeting small nonprofit organizations involved in social justice and educational issues with underserved individuals and communities. Leon was previously a real estate developer in Germany and in the U.S. and is passionate about learning foreign languages. His current work includes creating a micro- finance partnership in Senegal for underserved youth, women and men.
Herb Rothschild
Board Secretary
After earning his Ph.D. from Harvard, Herb taught English literature at Louisiana State University for 22 years. While there, he founded an ACLU chapter in Baton Rouge and later served as state president and legislative director. In 1978, he founded the Center for Disarmament Education in Louisiana. From 1987 to 1990 he served as executive director of New Jersey SANE/Freeze (now Peace Action). After returning south to work at the University of Houston, in 1999 he founded the Houston Peace and Justice Center. Until recently, Herb chaired the board of Peace House, serving as de facto executive director. He also frequently teaches courses in the Lifelong Learning Institute at Southern Oregon University.
After earning his Ph.D. from Harvard, Herb taught English literature at Louisiana State University for 22 years. While there, he founded an ACLU chapter in Baton Rouge and later served as state president and legislative director. In 1978, he founded the Center for Disarmament Education in Louisiana. From 1987 to 1990 he served as executive director of New Jersey SANE/Freeze (now Peace Action). After returning south to work at the University of Houston, in 1999 he founded the Houston Peace and Justice Center. Until recently, Herb chaired the board of Peace House, serving as de facto executive director. He also frequently teaches courses in the Lifelong Learning Institute at Southern Oregon University.
Nidya Baez
Board Member
Nidya Baez is the Principal at Fremont High, her Alma Mater, where she enjoys supporting the goals of all of Fremont's students, families, and staff. When Nidya was a 3rd grader at Whittier Elementary, her father was shot by a young person, while selling ice cream near her school. While he survived for a few years, Nidya's life changed dramatically and this has shaped her community work and dedication to restorative justice in schools. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at the University of California, Berkeley and later her Administrative Services credential from California State University. At 16 years old, she knew she wanted a career that would allow her to work alongside her community by helping to increase youth voice and leadership as a means to end violence.
Nidya Baez is the Principal at Fremont High, her Alma Mater, where she enjoys supporting the goals of all of Fremont's students, families, and staff. When Nidya was a 3rd grader at Whittier Elementary, her father was shot by a young person, while selling ice cream near her school. While he survived for a few years, Nidya's life changed dramatically and this has shaped her community work and dedication to restorative justice in schools. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at the University of California, Berkeley and later her Administrative Services credential from California State University. At 16 years old, she knew she wanted a career that would allow her to work alongside her community by helping to increase youth voice and leadership as a means to end violence.
Michelle Fitch
Board Member
Michelle Fitch was always deemed, “A natural. A teacher at heart.” However, she wanted to learn business and worked her way up from a little office in Ohio to the headquarters in Pleasanton, CA. But when her daughter was in kindergarten, her teacher labeled her and peers shunned her. So Michelle decided to study literacy, and concentrated on teaching her daughter. Michelle obtained her master's degree as an educational specialist and studied brain research in metacognition, emotional intelligence and character development. Michelle then felt compelled to give other struggling students the same advantages that she was able to give her own. Her desire to give back to Black and Brown kids in underserved communities led her to training teachers in the Tenderloin in SF. Currently, she teaches at Lighthouse Community School as an Academic Intervention Specialist and an Alder resident mentor.
Michelle Fitch was always deemed, “A natural. A teacher at heart.” However, she wanted to learn business and worked her way up from a little office in Ohio to the headquarters in Pleasanton, CA. But when her daughter was in kindergarten, her teacher labeled her and peers shunned her. So Michelle decided to study literacy, and concentrated on teaching her daughter. Michelle obtained her master's degree as an educational specialist and studied brain research in metacognition, emotional intelligence and character development. Michelle then felt compelled to give other struggling students the same advantages that she was able to give her own. Her desire to give back to Black and Brown kids in underserved communities led her to training teachers in the Tenderloin in SF. Currently, she teaches at Lighthouse Community School as an Academic Intervention Specialist and an Alder resident mentor.