Christine Verdun-Roeser - President

Christine has been involved in the arts since a very young child. From the time she was 5 years old she was singing, acting, and dancing using her home and natural surroundings as a stage. In her teens she was working in NYC as an actress and model, while still competing in local shows in NJ. She became a songwriter in high school where she was awarded high achievements for her work in poetry and creative writing. When she discovered the recording studio after completing high school, Christine flourished by putting her love for piano and talent at composition to work at the studio. Her education was the focus in her life and she studied rigorously at achieving Highest Honors at Rutgers College where she earned her BA in Sociology and Communication. After completing her degree, she studied voice extensively with private instructors from Julliard and Manhattan College. In 2004, she started Creative Endeavors where she trained students of all ages and abilities voice, piano, and drama. In 2005 she realized the need for arts education in the special needs community. Christine developed curriculum for children with Aspergers, all spectrums of autism, ADD and ADHD. Her programs began helping children in various schools and communities in the area including: The Callis School, Montgomery Acadamy, ECLC, Hilltop School in Mendham, Bedminster Schools, Franklin Lakes Recreation, St James in Basking Ridge, Roxbury Recreation, Glenn Ridge Recreation, and Morris Twp Recreation. Her research continues as she strives to make the connection between nutrition, brain development and activity, and the arts into an integrated program for the special needs community. 

Julia Alai - Vice President 

Julia comes to the Special Needs Performing Arts Alliance with strong backgrounds in marketing, special education & performing arts. She is experienced in Musical Theater, Opera, Jazz, Rock & Classical Voice Styles. She has performed in a wide variety of shows including; Carousel (dancer & graduate), A Chorus Line (Val), South Pacific (Ensemble), Grease ( Rizzo), The King and I (Anna), Brigadoon ( Ensemble), Finian's Rainbow (Henrietta), Annie ( Miss Hannigan), Rent (Mimi), Hair (Crissy), Cabaret (Sally), Damn Yankees (Lola), Once Upon A Mattress (Queen Aggravain), Anything Goes (Charity), Guys & Dolls (Adelaide) Carmen The Opera (Carmen) and many others. Julia owns and operates Dolce Cuore Event Planning, a full service Event Planning company as well as works as a vocal coach & acting coach. Julia has a lengthy performance background both on stage in musicals and reviews and in vocal cabarets and lounge shows. Julia has extensive experience working with special needs children and adults in both musical therapy and sports coaching. Julia has worked to raise awareness and funding for both athletics and music within the special needs community. A strong believer in music therapy, Julia has worked specifically with Autistic children and adults and individuals with Asburgers Syndrome utilizing both performance skills and a strong understanding and outgoing personality to coach and assist with the treatment and development. Recently Julia was seen performing in a solo showcase at the Side Bar in Morristown NJ and can be seen regularly throughout NJ & NY with different bands and shows. She is in the process of recording her first album. She studied voice with Marielaine Mammon of CCM & Julliard and danced with the NJ State Ballet Company and with Rutgers University's Michael Blake. Julia was part of the pilot class for the Rutgers Summer Acting Conservatory and credits that experience with opening a world of doors and opportunities for her. She is thrilled to be working with The Special Needs Performing Arts Alliance and is eager to bring her performance and marketing experience and connections to the organization.

Delores Jackson - Secretary

Delores Spruell Jackson has worked in the television broadcasting business for thirty years.  She is currently a Producer of the highly-rated syndicated talk show, "Live with Regis and Kelly".   She began her journey in the media industry as an intern for WCBS-TV. From there, she got a production assistant position for the acclaimed TV magazine, CBS SUNDAY MORNING NEWS, where had the great opportunity to work with Charles Kuralt for several years.   Later, she joined THE MORNING SHOW with Regis Philbin and Cindy Garvey as assistant to Executive Producer. The local New York show became an instant hit.  In 1989, the show went syndicated and was renamed LIVE WITH REGIS AND KATHIE LEE.   Delores was promoted to Producer in 1990 and is responsible for spearheading several popular featured programs including, "Mom Dream Come True show", "Live's Wedding Show", and various cooking shows.  She continues to produce a hosts of top name celebrities.  Over the years, she has volunteered her services for several organizations like a battered women's shelter, and nursing home in New York City.  She is extremely involved in assisting new parents with special need children for Chromosome Deletion Outreach Newsletter's website. And, she is proud of her involvement as Event Coordinator for Boys Scout Troop 240, one of the longest running troops in New York city.  Delores Spruell Jackson resides in Riverdale, New York with her husband and son.