Justin Canty is the Deputy Chief Operations Officer at the San Diego Natural History Museum where he provides leadership and vision for the Museum’s operations, security, facilities and A/V IT departments. Prior to serving as COO, he was the VP of Education and Engagement and oversaw the development and delivery of education and volunteer programs, exhibits, community partnerships and capital improvement projects.

Justin previously danced and taught youth breaking at Rhythm Dance Studio in Santa Barbara, CA, and is ecstatic to serve as the Chair of Culture Shock San Diego to promote the powerful impact of dance and build community awareness of Culture Shock’s work.

A San Diego native, Elsa Barbi took her first Culture Shock class almost 30 years ago. After a long hiatus, she recently returned, danced with Afta Shock and now takes classes regularly. She loves the CS community and wants to give back by utilizing her Marketing Management degree to create more awareness to the community. She’s passionate about cultivating a positive environment and hopes that she can support the CS mission in any way she can.

Cari joined the Culture Shock Dance Troupe Board of Directors the summer of 2021.  She is a Human Resources Manager with WD-40 Company and values making things better than they are today.  Prior to her role in HR, she held leadership positions in entertainment and brand marketing.  She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State University, San Marcos, and a certificate in Human Resource Management.

A San Diego native, Cari is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others and is inspired to contribute to Culture Shock’s mission to utilize dance to cultivate education, entertainment, and empowerment to inspire positive change in the communities we serve.

Cari’s breadth of relevant skills and experience add to the Board’s capabilities.

Dr. Novien (Novi) Yarber, PhD., is a locally-based conscious leadership educator and performing artist. Though beginning his dance training later in life (at the age of 16), he quickly developed an intense love and fervor for the artform; this love quickly propelled him into an accelerated career in the commercial industry with credits such as Nike, iHeartRadio, Bravo, BET, Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance with artists like Boy II Men, Babyface, Ciara, & Kanye West, to name a few. Since moving to San Diego he has been fortunate to train and work with local companies such as ThaMost and Brickhouse Dance Productions, and now serves as an instructor and board member at the renowned Culture Shock  San Diego. Novien currently serves as Director of the Leadership Development Collective at the Nonprofit Institute, University of San Diego; as a leadership educator, researcher, and practitioner Novien explores ways to facilitate positive social impact on and beyond the stage— utilizing embodied leadership as a means of personal discovery/exploration and community healing. 

In his over 20 years in the dance community, Justin “J.” Vaughn has had the privilege of wearing many hats: dancer, choreographer, producer, mentor, and leader among them. Raised in San Diego, CA he founded Morse High’s All Male Dance Team, danced for FORMALity and UrbanFX, and was the long-time Director of the Super Galactic Beat Manipulators (SGBM). Now J. resides in Long Beach, and is the Executive Director of two teams, Outer Class and Oasis. His love for people development combined with 17 years in business management has uniquely positioned him to provide valuable tools and resources for dance companies and aspiring professional dancers. His desire to build a healthy, safe, and empowered community fuels his work as he continues to pour into new generations and future leaders.

J.’s journey with Culture Shock started in 2003 and he feels honored to help support it’s important mission today.

Tiffany Domingo