North Bay Woman

F A L L 2 0 1 8 | NORTH BAY WOMAN 57 year old, I disliked it! I longed for home. But it was the best thing that could have happened to us. After high school, I worked for LAPD doing clerical work. But after seven years — back in the '80s — I visited the Bay Area and fell in love with San Francisco. So, I quit my job and moved here. 3 How did you begin working with kids? I was working to put myself through college and someone told me about a nonprofit in Marin City that was looking for a receptionist. I instantly felt connect- ed; Marin City reminded me of home in Georgia. We had started a scholarship program with Phyllis Thelen and the Marin Ballet when the agency closed. Two professional women who lived in Novato — Anne Rogers and Norma Howard — mentored me to launch Performing Stars. We all made it happen! 4 What was it about the ballet that resonated with you? As a child in Georgia, I wanted to take ballet. I would pass by a ballet school every day on my way to my grandmother's house and see little white girls in leotards. I felt like a spectator on the outside look- ing in. So, that has been a driving force for me in working with kids today. 5 What are you most proud of in your work? We've launched many successful careers for our young people. For all our kids, having access helps build their self-esteem and confidence. And we work Gaston continued on page 63> Clockwise from top left: Performing Stars alumni, 2016; Civic education program about the 44 presidents; Felecia Gaston and young performers in the "Good Ship Lollilop"; Felecia Gaston, age 7 (left) and her younger sisters in Marietta, Georgia; the Performing Stars Theater Troupe honors women in history. – Photos courtesy of Haley Skinner, Laurie Reemsnyder and Felecia Gaston

• Cover