MEET OUR BOARD
ELSA has a committed, talented and diverse board of directors.
SUSAN LETTWEEN CARR
Founder / Director
Susan landed as a volunteer at a ranch doing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in February 2008. Falling in love with the work, Susan launched ELSA in September 2009.Susan comes equipped with 30 years of marketing, business development & sales experience, and a lifetime of loving horses. She built her business expertise in the corporate world starting her career at Ogilvy & Mather, followed by management positions at Vans Shoes, The Walt Disney Company & DreamWorks. She holds degrees in Psychology and Business from UCLA and is trained in EAGALA and PATH methods of equine-assisted activities as well as natural horsemanship and dressage. Susan has worked as a volunteer on behalf of animals and at-risk youth her entire adult life. Today, Susan says the best part of her work with animals is “it feels authentic and resonates deep within me; I see animals having that positive effect on others as well.”
CHRIS KURJANOWICZ
Marketing Strategist, Nonprofit Consultant
Chris has more than 30 years’ experience in marketing leadership roles in Fortune 500 consumer products companies. Advertising Age recognized her as a Top 100 Marketer. Chris holds a BS/MBA in Marketing and International Business from New York University, plus an AAS in Fashion Buying & Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology. In March 2013 Chris received a Certificate in Global Sustainability from UCLA Extension. For ELSA, Chris leads strategic and revenue-generating projects.
RIKA ZAHIR
Coach for Individuals with Special Needs
Rika is a Behavioral Specialist with over eight years of experience working with youth and young adults with autism and their families. Currently Rika works as a coach for adults with moderate to severe disabilities. For ELSA, she assists planning and programs by applying her experience with autism and other special needs.
C. JAMIE CARR
Production Design, Art Direction
Jamie is an architect by trade but left architecture after a decade working in the San Francisco Bay Area in search of a more creative pulse in the entertainment industry. In 1994, Jamie returned to LA for work in art direction and production design. Notable projects include the 1996 Olympic Opening & Closing Ceremonies, Michael Jackson’s “Scream” video, concert sets for Madonna, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Lopez, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell as well as television award shows including the Grammys, the Golden Globes, Billboard Music Awards, the Critics’ Choice Awards, and the People’s Choice Awards. For ELSA, he uses his event production experience for ranch events and fundraisers. His love of reading helps keep tabs on current affairs, research and news relevant to ELSA’s mission.
PAM CAMERON
Designer
Pam is a serial entrepreneur, having owned and operated for 25 years an independent commercial/ residential design firm, and for five years, a retail design store. She is a former Editor in McGraw-Hill’s architectural division, and holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism from Pepperdine University. Pam also serves on the board of Hearts for Hope, is a CASA advocate, and member of ISID and LACMA Arts Council. For ELSA, Pam works on fundraising and ELSA’s special events.
