Founders
The Mothers Behind the Movement
Circle of Fifths was born from a deep truth both founders know intimately: our children are not broken — the systems are. As parents of profoundly creative, neurodivergent artists, Mara and Katrina saw firsthand how talent can be overlooked when disability is misunderstood.
Together, they built Circle of Fifths to be something more than a program. It’s a place where artistry meets access, where complexity is honored, and where the stage is wide enough for every voice.
Mara LaViola
Disability Policy Advocate | Mother | Co-Founder
Mara is a fierce and compassionate advocate with over two decades of experience supporting families of children with complex disabilities. The mother of three children — each with their own passions, personalities, and needs — she brings both lived experience and professional skill to her work. Her two oldest were raised primarily overseas, where Mara stepped in wherever community called: directing a school musical when the director abruptly stepped aside, chairing multicultural diversity festivals, and organizing large-scale Halloween events for the school community. These experiences deepened her commitment to inclusive community-building and taught her how creativity, collaboration, and culture can bring people together.
As the mother of a profoundly complex DeafBlind musician, Mara now works at the state level to advance disability rights, pushing for equity in education, stronger civil rights protections, and a more responsive Medicaid system. She also serves on the boards of several nonprofits dedicated to advocating for and supporting disabled individuals.
She has seen firsthand how music can unlock connection, confidence, and communication for those too often misunderstood. Circle of Fifths is a direct extension of that advocacy — a place where complexity is embraced, families are welcomed, and disabled artists are honored as creators, collaborators, and leaders.
“When systems fail to imagine a future for our children, we build one ourselves. Circle of Fifths is that future — inclusive, appropriately rigorous and engaging, and filled with possibility.”
Katrina Holden Bronson
Mother | Co-Founder
Katrina Holden Bronson is a passionate volunteer advocate, educator, and mother who began homeschooling her autistic son in first grade. As she built a nurturing environment for him and a small group of peers, she also witnessed the systemic challenges families faced in securing special education services. This inspired her to become a volunteer advocate, helping parents navigate complex systems and fight for their children’s needs.
Her family now divides their time between California and Austin, where Katrina remains dedicated to building inclusive spaces for neurodiverse young people to connect, create, and thrive. She organizes a neurodiverse teen cooking group, where students explore independence and community through culinary arts in warm, sensory–attuned classes masterfully taught by Chef Emilia Edmonson. She also hosts a small group social summer camp that fosters friendship, resilience, and joy through ocean safety, basketball, and tennis. In addition, she coordinates small adaptive kayaking and paddle-boarding outings—gentle, confidence-building adventures that allow teens to experience nature, teamwork, and personal accomplishment in a supportive environment. She also co-leads the development of a nonprofit music education program for neurodiverse young adults, expanding opportunities for expression and artistry beyond traditional school settings.
A former writer, director, and actor with a degree in Art History from UCLA, Katrina brings creativity and purpose to everything she does.
“Circle of Fifths isn’t just a program — it’s a place where our kids can finally be seen for who they truly are. That changes everything.”