OCCTAC proudly celebrates Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami, Founder and Executive Director, who received the “Making A Difference in OC” Award from the OMID Multicultural Institute for Development. The honor recognizes her visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to transforming the lives of children and families through the healing power of art.

The Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) proudly celebrated receiving the Outstanding Arts Organization Award at the 25th Annual OC Arts Awards, presented by Arts Orange County.

OCCTAC is honored to be selected as one of 138 nonprofits awarded funding from the Samueli Foundation’s new Breakaway Fund, a $11 million initiative supporting Orange County organizations. This unrestricted grant will help OCCTAC strengthen its infrastructure, retain talented staff, and continue delivering transformative arts, education, and therapeutic programs to children, youth, and families across our community.

August News & Updates

Elaine Weinstein brings a lifelong passion for creativity and philanthropy to OCCTAC’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. With a background in art and architecture, and a family deeply rooted in the arts, Elaine is a devoted champion of OCCTAC’s mission to empower children and families through creative expression. Introduced to OCCTAC by her daughter, Beth Krom, former Mayor of Irvine, Elaine’s generosity fosters creativity and resilience throughout the community.

The Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) proudly announces Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez as Master of Ceremonies for its 25th Anniversary Celebration. A distinguished public servant and community leader, Ambassador Vasquez’s legacy of leadership embodies OCCTAC’s mission of empowering families through the arts. The milestone event will feature performances, stories of impact, and recognition of community champions.

Cesar Galvan’s award-winning composition Tres Caballeros tells a powerful family story of faith and divine protection. Inspired by his grandmother’s miraculous escape from danger in 1996, the piece captures the moment three mysterious horsemen blocked a gunman’s aim, saving her life. Cesar transforms this story of courage and hope into music, showing how faith can become a living song that inspires and uplifts.

The Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is thrilled to announce that Roberto Reyes, a student of our Preparatory Arts Academy for over 17 years, has been selected as the only American performer for the prestigious 2025 International Special Music & Art Festival in Seoul, South Korea.

As OCCTAC celebrates 25 years, we honor Arturo and Susan Echarte, whose generosity helped shape our journey. From donating refurbished instruments through Acoustic for A Change to championing our programs as board members, their faith-driven commitment has empowered countless children. “With the right environment, there are no limits,” says Arturo. Their story reminds us that giving back creates lasting change.

July News & Updates

The Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is proud to announce it was recently featured on Spectrum News 1 in a heartwarming segment titled “Arts School Founder Creates Space for Learning and Self-Expression for Disadvantaged Youth.” The story, reported by journalist Nikki Kay, aired on May 26, 2025, and highlights the remarkable work OCCTAC has done over the past 25 years to support neurodiverse and underserved youth through innovative arts and therapy-ba

A Milestone Month for OCCTAC | April News & Updates

OCCTAC Selected as Honoree for 2025 Outstanding Arts Organization Award by Arts Orange County

We’re proud to share that Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami, Founder and Executive Director of OCCTAC, has been featured in the April edition of Empresarias Latinas que Dejan Huella, recognizing 8 visionary Latina entrepreneurs in Orange County. As OCCTAC celebrates 25 years, Dr. Ana continues to inspire with her story of resilience, leadership, and commitment to empowering underserved communities.

OCCTAC proudly announces that three students from its Preparatory Arts Academy of Music placed in the 2025 MTAC Composers Today State Contest. Jesus Reyes won 1st Place, Cesar Galvan 3rd, and Jessie Leon earned Honorable Mention. This marks OCCTAC’s first time placing, celebrating the talent of neurodiverse, Latino, and Romanian composers. Winners will perform their original works at the MTAC Convention on July 6.

As we welcome 2025, we thank you for your unwavering support.

October Edition | OCCTAC Quarterly Newsletter

Learn the signs of an opioid overdose, how to respond, the protections offered by Good Samaritan Laws, and additional resources.

Your suggestions are important to us as we strive to improve our programs and services. Please take a moment to share your ideas.

SUN Bucks provides food benefits to families with eligible school-aged children during the summer. (Spanish Translation Included)

Join the OCCTAC Parent Committee and make a meaningful impact! (Spanish Translation Included)

Prep Arts Academy announces a major change to its 2024-2025 academic calendar. (Spanish Translation Included)

June Edition | OCCTAC Quarterly Newsletter

Tune in to an inspiring episode of Jenn Klein's podcast, featuring Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami, Founder and Executive Director of OCCTAC.