Sharlene O’Keefe

Sharlene’s career has evolved over the years from being a participant and student of the arts, to becoming an Arts Educator and Administrator. After graduating from Poway High School, she earned a BFA in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.  She continued her studies at the University of California, Irvine with a Master’s Degree in Dance with emphasis in Education and Curriculum Development.  Prior to joining Poway OnStage in 2013, Sharlene owned a studio that specialized in multi-disciplinary arts training in Dance, Drama, Music and Art and she designed and taught a Visual Art and Art History curriculum at Tierra Bonita Elementary School.

Sharlene began as Poway OnStage’s Operations Manager and then transitioned into the role of Director of Education, where she acted as the primary architect of the organization’s Arts in Education Initiative.  She accepted the position of Executive Director in July of 2022 and has assumed directorship of both the Professional Performance Series and the Arts in Education Initiative.  Sharlene currently serves on the Board of Directors of NCAN (North County Arts Network) and is an active member of California Presenters and AERO (Arts Education Resource Organization).

Sharlene continues to live in Poway with her husband, Tom and their three children, Evan, Brady and Carolyn.  When not attending the kid’s sporting events and performances, the family enjoys spending time at the river and exploring in their RV.