(Los Angeles) October 18, 2021 – With its new season well underway, LA Opera is focusing on solidifying its future growth and strengthening its leadership support with new energy. To that end, Annette Ermshar, a prominent local neuropsychologist, was recently elected to LA Opera's board of directors.
"Annette has been a big fan of the company for many years, so we were absolutely delighted when she told us she wanted to deepen her involvement with us," said Keith R. Leonard, Jr., chairman of LA Opera's board of directors. "She is passionate not just about opera, but about giving back to the community, and we are excited to have her take on this new leadership role with us."
A prominent clinical and neuropsychologist with a thriving private practice, Dr. Ermshar dedicates her professional life to mental health and to helping others get back on their feet and achieve their personal best. She is the Principal and CEO at Dr. Ermshar and Associates, Specialized Psychological Services, based in San Marino.
Dr. Ermshar specializes in neuropsychology and clinical/diagnostic psychological assessment and evaluation. She has held academic appointments at a number of undergraduate and graduate institutions. She has also served as an expert witness in well over 100 court cases, an expert consultant in television and media, and a consultant to screenwriters and producers in motion picture and television.
She and her husband Dan Monahan have been active supporters of organizations such as the National Ability Center, the Wheelchair Foundation, Foothill Family Services, and Hillsides Pasadena Services for Children and Family. On their honeymoon in 2009, they transported more than 200 wheelchairs to Belize and personally distributed them to inner-city communities and children with physical disabilities.
Dr. Ermshar sits on the boards of the Los Angeles Master Chorale (vice-chair), Adventist Health Glendale Foundation Board (immediate past chair), the Pasadena Symphony and Pops (vice-chair) and the Blue Ribbon of the Los Angeles Music Center. She is a member of The Council of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, Art Center100, Pasadena’s Twilight Club, the Pacific Council on International Policy, and has chaired a number of fundraising galas over the last several years. She is passionate about generosity, service and giving back, and frequently gives community talks on the physical and mental health benefits of generosity.
ABOUT LA OPERA
Los Angeles is a city of enormous diversity and creativity, and LA Opera is dedicated to reflecting that vibrancy by redefining what opera can be with thrilling performances, thought-provoking productions and innovative programming. The communal and curative power of opera is needed now more than ever before, given the extraordinary challenges of the time. As LA Opera awaits its cue to return to the stage with world-class productions in theaters, the company is offering a multitude of content including live recitals, opera broadcasts and learning opportunities via its LA Opera On Now digital offerings, which have accumulated nearly 795,000 views since its launch on March 17, 2020. The company is grateful to its supporters for helping to ensure that it has the resources needed to get through this unprecedented period through the LA Opera Relief Fund. Those wanting to support LA Opera can visit LAOpera.org/donate.
LA OPERA MEDIA CONTACT
Luz Villarreal
Director of Communications
lvillarreal@laopera.org
213.972.7554
LA Opera is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the greater Los Angeles community.
