Krissy is no stranger to Diablo Theatre as she formerly served as the Marketing and Business Manager for the company. Her parents, Mike & Betty Harwood, have been longtime supporters of the company for 30 years, and Krissy literally grew up on the Diablo Theatre stage, performing, choreographing, or working in the wings. A graduate of Loyola Marymount University, Krissy previously worked in the entertainment industry where she ran the in-theater marketing departments for a number of film distribution companies before returning to the Bay Area.

Ian grew up in the Bay Area and is a University of San Francisco graduate. An Equity Actor, he played Rolf on The Sound of Music International Tour. Locally, he has performed with TheatreWorks, American Musical Theater San Jose, and 42nd Street Moon. Most recently he appeared in the Diablo Theatre production of Legally Blonde, The Musical playing the lovable role of Emmett. He has extensive arts management and teaching experience with Children’s Musical Theater San Jose. He is also a founding member of “The Peelers”, one of the Bay Area’s busiest cover bands.

“As we begin our 53rd season, we are thrilled to have this dynamic management team at Diablo Theatre Company,” announced Carole Wynstra, Board President. “Krissy and Ian bring exciting and diverse experiences to the company and we look forward to their leadership.”

Though Stockdale never made it to New York City, she made quite a name for herself first in Sacramento, where she came from a pioneer family, to Vallejo, where she lives and commutes to her teaching job at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill.

With a resume that includes 13 years at DVC, 32 years at Solano Community College and a stint teaching at SCC, DVC and Napa Community College simultaneously, Stockdale has sent many quality dancers into the world.

“I’ve been doing it for awhile,” Stockdale said.

And it’s all acknowledged on Thursday when the Contra Costa Commission For Women honor Stockdale with a lifetime achievement award in the Women Contributing to the Arts category at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Concord.

“This is how I make a living. I feel guilty getting an award for it,” said a humble Stockdale, planning a June retirement.

Good for her. But not good for up-and-coming instructors and students wading through ongoing budget cuts.

“It’s sad,” said Stockdale. “It makes me worry about education. Arts is one of the first things to get cut. I feel so sad for the young people coming out of college. They’re cutting so much.”

Stockdale said “it’s understandable” that her ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance courses aren’t imperative.

“But cutting all activities, I don’t get it,” she said. “I don’t know where any of the money’s gone. I certainly don’t have it.” Stockdale said if money appears and there’s an opening, she would be glad to get back into it. If not, she’s ready for her garden.

“I’ve had a great run,” she said. “I’m doing what I love to do. And I’ve been doing this (dancing) since 4. I’ve always danced. I can’t do anything else. It’s all I’ve ever done. Dance is my life.”

Physically, “I’ve been really lucky,” she said.

Sure, there were sprains here and there, “but, knock on wood, nothing real serious,” Stockdale said. “A little cortisone and you go on that night.”

Stockdale had ballet early, learning the art of dance “and how to do things properly,” she said. “So many dancers today just want to be a star when they’ve never had real training.”

Not that there isn’t that special talent. One may go onto the Joffrey Ballet School. One may end up on a cruise ship or a musical or in Las Vegas. Or to Paris, which Stockdale’s daughter, Suzanne Brandt did before becoming a choreographer.

“Every once in a while, you find a student who is gifted,” Stockdale said.

If you go

What: Contra Costa Commission For Women’s 2012 Hall of Fame Dinner

Who: Vallejo’s Sheri Stockdale, six others, honored

When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel, Concord

Info: (925) 324-9595, womenscommission.com.