EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Erik Auerbach found photography at eleven years old and has never turned back. Having witnessed firsthand the power of image-making in a young person’s life he began volunteering with First Exposures for one year prior to taking over as program director in 2005. Until 2013, when the program became independent from its previous sponsor, he taught the program's weekly darkroom-based photography classes. His photographic work has been exhibited and published nationally, and he has taught photography at the Academy of Art University and served as a guest instructor at UC Extension in San Francisco and the San Francisco Art Institute.

In the past, he has volunteered with Rebuilding Together and more recently, the San Francisco Symphony’s All San Francisco Concert Committee that issues the Ellen Magnin Newman Award since 2015 and was a co-chair from 2016 - 2018 and co-presented workshops at the National Mentoring Summit in Washington, DC each year since 2016 and at the European Mentoring Summit in 2020. He participated in the Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring at Portland State University in 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2017. Erik attended UCLA and holds a BFA from San Francisco State University.

PUBLIC PROGRAM MANAGER

Rebeca Abidaíl Flores, a Salvadoran and Mexican artist from Fresno, CA, creates compelling stories and narratives that invite audiences to engage in playful exploration. Rebeca’s artwork transforms tools and items used by the working class into objects of play. Her debut solo exhibition featured a giant volcanic yard with sculptural interventions, including paletas, mangüeras, and a larger-than-life camisa.

Her goal as Public Program Manager is to activate students artwork and share widely! She’s passionate about arts education being a tool for learning but also for joy. Self expression builds confidence and can help a young person soar.

DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Larry Melton is a Bay Area native, by way of San Jose, CA, who has a passion for harnessing insights and storytelling to build connections, elevate voices, and drive impact. He holds a B.A. in Communications from Stanford University, and an MBA with Distinction from the University of Michigan. His background includes driving communication and fundraising for USA Ultimate, the national-governing body for ultimate frisbee, working in consumer marketing for large corporations like Eli Lilly and Clorox, and serving as an after-school tutor for local middle and high school students.

As the Development & Communications Manager, Larry’s goal is to connect the mission and impact of First Exposures to the broader arts community - in the Bay Area and and beyond - to ensure that local youth from historically marginalized communities continue receiving access to high-quality arts education and mentoring that allows them to discover themselves and their capabilities in a creative, safe, and supportive environment.

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Jaime is a born and raised Bay Area Californian earning a BFA in Studio Arts with an emphasis in Visual Communications from the University of Arizona. Following graduation, she served as an AmeriCorps member with the Excelsior Action Group in San Francisco to revitalize the business corridor. Prior to joining First Exposures, Jaime extended her love of art and collaborating with the arts community as the Gallery Coordinator at Creativity Explored. There she enjoyed welcoming visitors in the gallery and helping first-time and long-time art collectors find the perfect artwork to take home.

As the Development Associate, she hopes to continue to spread the mission and vision of FX through year-round fundraising efforts. As a graphic designer, Jaime's mind is programmed to create chaos into order. As an extrovert, she also thrives on producing memorable experiences for all to engage. When she's not in the office, you'll see her doing something artsy or watching something sporty.