Back 2 the Future

Ricardo Peña brings decades of Therapeutic Activities and Music Therapy experience to his role as Marquis’ Vice President of Life Enrichment & Therapeutic Activities, Mid-Atlantic Regions (Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey & Florida). A Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Dementia Trainer, Ricardo oversees the Life Enrichment and Memory Care Departments at Marquis client centers. His music, theatre, visual arts, media arts and digital arts expertise and leadership help ensure that Marquis clients are following all regulatory programs guidelines and providing on-going person centered activities that are both meaningful and impactful to residents. Creative, revolving programs complement each center’s innovative-focused, person-centered approach. Previously, Ricardo served as the Regional Director for Windsor Healthcare Management LLC and as an owner and operator for Lyric Performing Arts Center; he also co-found and facilitates Bridges Intergenerational Program at the Montclair Arts Museum. Ricardo earned his degrees at City University of New York.

Malik Whitaker was born and raised in Newark, NJ. He is a published illustrator, educator and visual painter. Malik is also an accomplished muralist whose work can be seen on several buildings, churches and colleges throughout NJ. He specializes in portrait and figurative painting impressions through visual translation based on individualized customer needs. He has studied many forms of art; oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil, charcoal and pastels. He currently is the owner of M-Print Art studios in Newark, where he continues to display his art while working on projects and mentoring students with disabilities. Malik is also currently a teaching artist with NIPAC, Studio Institute of New York and Studio Montclair and the owner of Cement Gallery.

Rachel Fawn Alban is a Newark-based museum educator and photographer. She organizes and teaches art workshops at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Jewish Museum, and Paul Robeson Galleries, focusing on school, access, and community engagement programs. She is also a photojournalist and portrait photographer, known for documenting public art. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across New Jersey, New York City, and nationally, including Portland, OR, and Denver, CO. Rachel creates large-scale photomurals inspired by community art-making, including The Golden Life in Newark, a collaboration with painter Armisey Smith, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. She holds a BFA in Art Education and Graphic Design and an MPS in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts.