Who we are
VALENE BYRD
FOUNDER AND PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Valene Byrd, MFA (She/Her) is the Founder and Program Director of ART-TISM, an inclusive arts program dedicated to creating safe, sensory-friendly spaces where children of all abilities and their families can learn, create, and connect. A special needs parent, educator, and artist, Valene founded ART-TISM from lived experience and a deep commitment to building community spaces where neurodiversity is celebrated—not accommodated as an afterthought.
Valene’s work is deeply inspired by her son, Mateo, who is on the autism spectrum. Mateo’s journey—and the gaps Valene encountered while seeking inclusive, culturally affirming spaces for him—became the driving force behind ART-TISM. Through her advocacy, Valene works to ensure families like hers feel seen, supported, and empowered.
With a background in arts education, community engagement, and disability advocacy, Valene leads ART-TISM’s signature programs, including the Annual ART-TISM Interactive Art Exhibit, community art workshops, and professional development training for educators and school staff. Her approach centers trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and equity-driven access to the arts.
Valene’s leadership has been recognized by the City of Sacramento, where ART-TISM was named District 8’s Community Organization of the Year, and she received the Tim Haley Award for Disability Rights. She also serves as Chair of the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education within the Sacramento City Unified School District.
Through ART-TISM, Valene continues to honor Mateo’s story by creating inclusive spaces where every child and family can thrive.
eVANGELINE COARD-HOLLIDAY
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Evangeline Coard-Holliday serves as the Program Coordinator of ART-TISM and has been a key foundational partner in the growth and expansion of the program. She played an instrumental role in helping launch the first ART-TISM Interactive Art Exhibit, supporting its early vision and community-centered approach.
Through her leadership, Evangeline has expanded ART-TISM’s reach to New York, where she coordinates ART-TISM Awareness and Acceptance events, provides early-intervention resources to mothers of children ages 6 months to 4 years, and creates safe, supportive spaces for caregivers. She also facilitates the annual ART-TISM Arts Workshop at the International African Arts Festival, ensuring culturally affirming, sensory-aware programming is available within large community settings.
Evangeline travels to California each year to help coordinate the Annual ART-TISM Interactive Art Exhibit, strengthening the bridge between East Coast and West Coast families and partners. In addition to her work with ART-TISM, she is a full-spectrum doula and the Director of Mothers Loving Hands Daycare, bringing deep expertise in maternal care, early childhood development, and family wellness to her role. understand autism.
Kimyetta Barron
Program Coordinator
Kimyetta Barron serves as the Program Coordinator for ART-TISM, bringing over 15 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in weddings, events, and professional headshots. Her background in capturing genuine moments and meaningful connections translates seamlessly into her role at ART-TISM, where she helps create welcoming, thoughtfully organized experiences for children and families.
Kimyetta is known for her calm, supportive presence and her ability to help people feel comfortable and seen—qualities that are essential when working with neurodivergent children and caregivers. Her attention to detail, creativity, and people-centered approach support the planning and coordination of ART-TISM programs and events, ensuring spaces where authentic connection and creativity can naturally unfold.
Outside of her professional work, Kimyetta is a homeschool mom who enjoys spending time outdoors, line dancing, and getting creative with crafts. These passions inform her work at ART-TISM, inspiring a warm, patient, and intentional approach that reflects the heart of the organization’s mission to celebrate every individual’s unique gifts.
Contact us
Interested in working together?
Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!