Celina Brown is the Colorguard Director for Las Palmas Winter Guard. She began dancing at a young age and discovered colorguard in high school at El Camino Real Charter. She went on to perform with the Riverside City College Marching Tigers, Fantasia Winterguard, and Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, holding multiple captain positions throughout her performance career.

Celina earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of California, Riverside and spent seven years working in toxicology while continuing to teach and perform. She has taught with Las Palmas since its founding and was previously the Colorguard Director at Redlands High School. After becoming a parent, Celina chose to make teaching her primary career and dedicate herself more fully to the marching arts.

As a director, Celina is passionate about creating an environment where performers feel welcomed, supported, and excited to perform.

Thomas Jurado is the assistant director and designer for Las Palmas Winterguard. Thomas has been in the performing arts since they were a junior high student, they began playing music and in their high school years began their dance and colorguard journey. Thomas went to high school at Canyon springs high school, continuing their performance career with riverside city college marching band, dance program and winterguard “Fantasia”. Thomas has also performed for Crossmen Drum and Bugle corp, Calliopus Contemporary Dance, Temecula ballet. 

Thomas has had experience teaching many different organizations: Canyon springs high school, Palm Desert Charter middle school, Las Palmas Winterguard, Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corp, United Spirit Association Drum Majors, and current curriculum supervisor for Desert Performing Arts Academy. Thomas has had a wonderful experience being apart of the performing arts that continuing in a educational perspective has been their passion. Providing a space for members to be themselves and learn to be amazing performers.  

Thomas is so excited to begin this next season Winterguard, being a designer and assistant director Thomas is so happy bring their ideas and experiences on the team. We are always welcoming new and returning faces, and we’re so ready for you guys come join us! 

Juventino, as known as Tino, serves as the Social Media Manager and one of our choreographers for Las Palmas Winterguard. His passion for color guard began in high school, where he marched with the Cathedral City Royal Regiment. He continued his marching career with the Riverside City College Marching Tigers and Fantasia, further developing his experience and appreciation for the marching arts. 

Outside of the activity, Tino earned his Bachelors of Science in Nursing from West Coast University in Ontario, California. He currently works for Loma Linda University Health and is pursuing a Master’s degree in education as he continues to expand his career as an educator. 

Tino is excited to contribute to Las Palmas Winterguard this season and looks forward to fostering a culture of community, growth, and excellence. Through his work as a choreographer and educator, he hopes to support the development of both the organization and its members while continuing to grow alongside the Las Palmas Winterguard Community. 

Matt Richards is the Founder and Executive Director of the Desert Performing Arts Association, where he also serves as Ensemble Director for Del Sol Winds.

A lifelong member of the Coachella Valley community, Matt grew up in the valley and attended Palm Desert High School. His connection to the region continues to inspire his commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for local students and performers.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching from the University of Redlands. He began his teaching career as the Band and Color Guard Director at Indio Middle School, where he served for five years. During this time, he also worked as a visual technician and choreographer with several Southern California high school programs - primarily in the Coachella Valley area.

As a performer in the marching arts, Matt has performed as a trumpet player with Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps, the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, Blue Devils International, and the Riverside City College Marching Tigers. He has also performed with Vox Artium Summer Color Guard Ensemble.

Through his work as an educator, performer, director, and choreographer, Matt is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for students and performers to grow, connect, and experience the transformative power of the marching arts.