Meet Our Team
Kathleen Ellertson
Founder and President
Kathleen Ellertson is the dedicated Founder and President of the Veteran Art Institute (VAI). Inspired by her father, an Army Air Forces Veteran and WWII Bronze Star Medal recipient, Kathleen has channeled her lifelong passion for the arts into a mission to honor veterans through creative expression. With a BFA in Art History and years of experience curating veteran art exhibits, including a notable year-long exhibit at the Pentagon, Kathleen has established VAI as a platform for veterans to showcase their work both online and in local galleries. Since its inception in 2019, VAI has not only hosted numerous art exhibitions but has also cultivated a nurturing community where veteran artists can share their stories and find solace. Kathleen's unwavering dedication to giving back to the veteran community continues to drive her work, making a meaningful impact through art and advocacy.
Laura Taylor
Executive Director, Co-creator and Artist
Laura Taylor is a proud US Navy Veteran and fine artist, passionately working to uplift the veteran community through her creative endeavors. As the Co-creator and Volunteer for the VAI online gallery, Laura channels her artistic talent and military experience to support and inspire fellow veterans. Her mission is deeply personal, driven by the desire to honor her late father, a Vietnam Veteran whose legacy continues to inspire her commitment to service and art. Through the Veteran Art Institute, Laura provides veterans with opportunities for artistic expression, fostering a supportive community and promoting healing through the arts.
Dr. Barbara Febbo
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Barbara Febbo currently serves as a Primary Care Physician specializing in Internal Medicine within the Northern California Veterans Administration Healthcare System. Working with Veterans has been an incredibly rewarding aspect of her career, and she is honored to serve those who have sacrificed for the country, preserving democracy and our way of life. Dr. Febbo's family has a rich history of military service, with her father serving in World War II, her father-in-law in the Korean War, and both her grandfathers in World War I. Dr. Febbo is excited to join the Board of this remarkable organization. For her, the VAI represents an additional opportunity to serve veterans, extending the work she does in the clinical setting.
Kristina Gold
Secretary
Kristina Gold is the granddaughter of an Army veteran and has many friends and family members who are either active military or veterans. Over the years, Kathleen has shared her passion for art with Kristina, and it has been a true honor for her to be part of launching the Veteran Art Institute. Kristina's background in business and marketing has enabled her to help the team navigate this journey. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a mother of two beautiful children, a wife to a loving and supportive husband, and runs her own real estate business. Supporting the veteran art community has brought, and continues to bring, Kristina much joy.
Michael Nelson
Veteran Administrative Consultant
Michael Nelson is a Vietnam veteran (E-5). He was a Chaplain Assistant assigned to the 212th Combat Aviation Battalion stationed at Dong Ha and Marble Mountain (Da Nang) in 1971. His art background is extensive. Michael holds a B.A. in Studio Art and a M.A. in Painting/Photography from Western Illinois University, where he was a Graduate Teaching Assistant. He has postgraduate studies at Art Center School of Design and UCLA, as well as graduate independent studies with Garry Winogrand, Eileen Cowin and Kenda North. He was a founding partner at Nelson and Sixta; a creative services company offering graphic design, photography, video production and new media for a wide-ranging client base. Through his own publishing company, nXtwo Press, Michael Nelson has produced ten fine art photography books. He is now concentrating on his own art, painting and photography. He is happy to be a part of the Veteran Art Institute and is humbled by the work they are doing.
M.B. Dallocchio
Social Worker and Veteran Advocate
M.B. Dallocchio is an Iraq War Veteran (U.S. Army), social worker, artist, and author committed to empowering others through creative expression and advocacy. A former member of Team Lioness, the first all-women team to engage in direct combat operations in Iraq, M.B. draws on her unique experiences to support marginalized communities, Veterans, trauma survivors, and their families. As a social worker, she continues to provide critical support and resources to those navigating complex challenges and shares her experiences in transforming trauma into inspiration through her YouTube channel. M.B. is also the author of several books, including The Desert Warrior, which explores resilience and healing through storytelling. She is honored to join the Veteran Art Institute board, where she aims to further champion the transformative power of art for the Veteran community.
Kelly Hodsdon
Founder and CEO of 123 Enterprises
Kelly Hodsdon, a proud Marine Corps Reserve veteran who served in Desert Storm, is the Founder and CEO of 123 Enterprises, the company behind Retreeve™ Docs, the enterprise document management tool that powers the Veteran Art Institute's (VAI) online platform. Kelly is honored to play a role in providing a platform for veteran artists to showcase their work, share their stories, and find solace through art. By leveraging his company's innovative technology, he aims to enhance the reach and impact of the Veteran Art Institute. Semper Fi!
Kevin Hodsdon
COO of 123 Enterprises
Kevin Hodsdon is the head of operations at 123 Enterprises, where he played a key role in the creation of the company's website engine, Retreeve™. With a career rooted in manufacturing operations, Kevin seized the opportunity to collaborate with his brother at 123 Enterprises. Kevin holds deep respect for the veteran community and their sacrifices for national freedom and safety. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII, his brother was a Marine in the first Gulf War, and his nephew served in the Army, spending time in Afghanistan. Though Kevin did not serve in the military, he is committed to supporting veterans and is honored to contribute to the Veteran Art Institute. Kevin resides in Pennsylvania with his wife Dawn and their dog Bella.