PRESIDENT, CHAIR–COMMUNICATIONS

I would be honored to serve another year on the Holly Neighborhood Association board, as we sort out what to continue, what to let go, and what new ideas to add.

During this first year, it has been exciting to see neighbors get involved, meet each other, enjoy many of our local businesses and learn more about our dynamic neighborhood. I have gotten to know people I might not have ever met, found places just around the corner I didn’t know existed, and learned more deeply about the history of our neighborhood, and the many changes happening here.

I’m a former lawyer, small business owner, and long-time volunteer with families in the Foster Care system. Art and I bought our home in Holly in 2014, then remodeled and moved in in 2017. We’ve been in Austin over 40 years now.

We are both (mostly) retired, love living in a walkable and bikeable neighborhood, and being close to all the things downtown and East Austin have to offer. I want to continue to help build a fun, tight-knit community and keep the development of Holly family-friendly.

VICE PRESIDENT, CO-TREASURER

I am a long life resident of East Austin, a graduate from Johnston High School and the University of Texas, a Network Engineer and Community Activist. I tackled the issue of the Digital Divide in East Austin, by forming the first Hispanic WebPortal, and created several programs including the East Austin Cyber Surfers. I have worked with nonprofits like the Austin Tejano Music Coalition and Tejano y Mas to promote Tejano Music, Heritage and Culture. I enjoy swimming, dancing and biking. And I really enjoy working with the community to bring people together.

TREASURER

I was raised in Austin, and in 2013, my wife Jessica and I made the decision to move to the Holly neighborhood. We have two kids, Iyla (7) and Shae (10). One of the things we love about our neighborhood is that it is walkable and bikeable. Lady Bird Lake trail is my favorite place to run. Jessica and I have spent many evenings going out to see live music (and still do when we get a rare date night) so being closer to the action is great.

Working from home has enabled me to spend a significant amount of time in the neighborhood. Over the years, we're met so many great neighbors, but haven't had a way to stay connected so I'm looking forward to this group enabling that. As a board member, I hope to bring together neighbors with common passions for improving the community and building stronger connections.

BOARD MEMBER

My name is Monica Caivano. I'm the co-founder and co-director and Tango teacher at Esquina Tango, a 17-year-old non-profit located at Pedernales and 3rd Street. I live next door to the studio (for the same amount of years). I have two kids 10 and 12 and we also have Browny (our dog). I'm originally from Argentina but moved to Austin with my parents in 1994. I started working in East Austin in 1999 for the Aztlan Dance Company (on 7th and Chicon) and I do love this neighborhood!

CHAIR–SPECIAL EVENTS

My wife, Moya McKenna, and I live on E 5th St. I am excited to help out with HNA. I think it is important for a neighborhood to have organizational bodies that seek to enhance and cultivate friendships, relationships and the fabric of life.

My thoughts and beliefs are that, together, we can continue to shape Holly into the most welcoming, culturally rich, friendly and pleasant neighborhood that one could hope to be apart of. It is an honor to be a member of the board and contribute to its aspirations.

BOARD MEMBER

I retired from Corporate banking a few years ago after a long 35 yrs of doing so. I’ve lived in Austin for almost 45 yrs and 9 yrs in East Austin within the boundaries of the Holly NA. I have a  passion to protect the rights, liberties and freedom of all citizens and to give a voice to those that don’t.  I further commit to be respectful and empathetic to those individuals whom I may not agree with but believe our board decisions are for the betterment for all.That’s why I wish to serve on our board of directors. I pray we all share this common theme of serving for the greater good of all residents whether they are a member or not.

BOARD MEMBER, CHAIR-DEVELOPMENT

Hello! I am a recent addition to the neighborhood and I’m so excited to be here for the long haul!

As fate would have it, my fiancée Chantal and I were introduced to each other in New York by a mutual friend who grew up in the neighborhood. During our trips to Austin to spend time with Chantal’s family, it became clear to us that this is where we were meant to be. After a while of searching and saving, we are finally working on fixing up our 105-year-old bungalow on Canterbury.

Professionally, I manage the production and fulfillment for Chantal’s small businesses. Outside of that, I love cooking family recipes, running around Town Lake, and swimming in our city’s wonderful pools. I’m really interested in the development going on around town and how that will shape our shared future, so you’ll find me attending as many community outreach sessions that I can make it to!

BOARD MEMBER

My name is Kyra Matos and I have lived in East Austin with my family since 2010. We are the green house on Diaz Street with the chickens. Feel free to stop in and say hi if you see us on the porch! I am a local business owner, a park adopter with Amigos de Parque Zaragoza, and a mom of kids at Govalle Elementary, Austin High School, and Eastside Early College High School. I volunteer with Yellow Bike Project, Casa Marianella, Austin Parks Foundation, and Keep Austin Beautiful, host exchange students regularly through AFS, and I think of taking the day off to attend a city council session as a good time. (Who needs a movie when you can watch a show where you and your neighbors are the characters!) I think my neighborhood and community are everything and I enjoy all things civic engagement. I feel very lucky to live in and serve this East Austin Neighborhood.

BOARD MEMBER

I am a third generation Austinite and my husband, Russell, is a fourth generation Austinite. Following my graduation from Austin Reagan High School, I went on to pursue my career in healthcare. Working as a RN for many years, I began my fifteen-year career as a healthcare administrator. I was the Director of Nurses and the Director of Medicine at Baylor Scott and White, finishing my career as C.O.O. for RetroHealth. I retired the beginning of 2024.

In 2018, Russell and I began the renovation of Russell’s great grandmothers’ home, Russell’s family has owned the Holly St. property since 1907. Russell has many fond memories of visiting his grandmother and great grandmother on Holly Street. Russell is currently serving on a committee for The Trail Conservancy.

We love living on the Lady Bird Lake Trail, dining at all the wonderful restaurants on the east side and meeting new friends in the Holly neighborhood.