Meet Advancement
Welcome to the family.
Our advancement team includes trained musicians and professionals who understand what SFCM needs to thrive. We’re committed to connecting SFCM supporters with students and faculty in significant, enduring ways. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about supporting SFCM with a gift that is meaningful to you.
Contact Advancement
![Mike Peluse headshot](/sites/default/files/mike-peluse-headshot.jpg)
Mike Peluse
Acting Vice President of Advancement
mpeluse@sfcm.edu
415-503-6393
I manage our direct fundraising team, including individual philanthropy, legacy giving, and corporate/foundation/government support. I have a strong personal background in music and I am excited to engage with our donors, staff, and faculty to build a bright future for our students.
![kati Platt headshot](/sites/default/files/2024-08/kati-platt-headshot.jpeg)
Kati Platt
Associate Vice President of Advancement Operations
kplatt@sfcm.edu
415-503-6268
As leader of Advancement Operations, I oversee our data strategy, supporting the fundraising team and the philanthropic community of SFCM. I have worked with arts and science nonprofits for over 20 years, and I am especially thrilled to be with the Conservatory as it transforms the future of musical education.
![Thea Hashagen headshot](/sites/default/files/Thea_-_Thea_Hashagen-2.jpg)
Thea Hashagen
Director of Proposal Development and Advancement Communications
thashagen@sfcm.edu
415-503-6289
I manage institutional grants for SFCM, submitting proposals and reports to corporate, foundation, and government endowment, campaign, and annual fund supporters. If you work for an organization that is interested in supporting our students or the Conservatory as a whole, please reach out!
![Nic Meredith headshot](/sites/default/files/Nic_Meredith_1.jpg)
Nic Meredith
Director of Legacy Giving
nmeredith@sfcm.edu
415-503-6201
A choral and French Horn scholar from Winchester, England, I am responsible for our program and manage the . You can contact me if you would like to discuss how to include us in your estate plans to make an impact for generations to come.
![Lanlian Szeto headshot](/sites/default/files/Lanlian_-_Thea_Hashagen-2.jpg)
Lanlian Szeto
Director of Individual Philanthropy
lszeto@sfcm.edu
415-503-6347
I manage the Major Gifts program and work with individuals who support SFCM's many programs and initiatives. I believe music and education are essential in connecting our communities and building toward a better society. If you have any questions about how to make an impact or to learn more about funding opportunities, please don't hesitate to contact me.
![Danielle Blechle Headshot](/sites/default/files/2023-07/akemi-yamaguchi-headshot.jpg)
Akemi Yamaguchi
Director of Donor Engagement & Special Events
ayamaguchi@sfcm.edu
415-503-6245
I oversee the fundraising event strategy, and organize and produce internal fundraising and engagement events for SFCM. If you have questions about SFCM donor events, please contact me!
![Claire Amaral headshot](/sites/default/files/2023-09/1-1-claire-amaral-headshot.png)
Claire Amaral
Annual Fund Manager
camaral@sfcm.edu
415 503-6210
I am an East Bay local with a love of the outdoors, art, and travel. I am excited to support the dedicated donors of the annual fund and the extremely talented students at SFCM.
![Mia Macaspac headshot](/sites/default/files/Mia_-_Thea_Hashagen-2.jpg)
Mia Macaspac
Donor Engagement Manager
mmacaspac@sfcm.edu
415-503-6282
I organize and produce internal fundraising events at SFCM, creating experiences for constituents to engage with the school and see first-hand the impact of their generosity. If you have questions about a particular event, please contact me.
![Derek Jandu headshot](/sites/default/files/2023-09/1-1-derek-jandu-headshot.jpg)
Derek Jandu
Major Gifts Officer
djandu@sfcm.edu
415-503-6291
I help to foster meaningful connections between valued SFCM supporters and our students, faculty, and alumni. I work to engage our community of patrons with the programs they are passionate about so that SFCM can continue to make an enduring impact in the world of music, scholarship, and service.
![Danielle Blechle Headshot](/sites/default/files/Danielle_Blechle_Headshot_.jpg)
Danielle Blechle
Data and Operations Coordinator
dblechle@sfcm.edu
415-503-6204
I support SFCM's Advancement Team through gift processing and donor database support!
![Kaleigh O'Connor headshot](/sites/default/files/2024-02/kaleigh-oconnor-headshot.jpg)
Kaleigh O'Connor
Stewardship and Donor Relations Coordinator
koconnor@sfcm.edu
415-503-6338
I joined the SFCM team to help strengthen stewardship efforts. I strive for attentive, personal, and meaningful communication with our loyal donor base. As a life-long performing arts fanatic, I am thrilled to be a part of the SFCM community.