Meet Our Certificated Faculty!
WHO WE ARE!
Please meet the faculty members of Guitars in the Classroom! Each has special training, experience, and sensitivity to working with both adult beginners and children. We are so fortunate to count on this talented group of professionals to open the pathway to making and leading music in the classroom.
WHO WE ARE!
Please meet the faculty members of Guitars in the Classroom! Each has special training, experience, and sensitivity to working with both adult beginners and children. We are so fortunate to count on this talented group of professionals to open the pathway to making and leading music in the classroom.
Jess Baron
GITC Founder, Director, and National Faculty Member
Jess Baron is a lifelong acoustic guitarist, singer and “incidental” songwriter who began playing guitar at age seven, teaching guitar in Junior High, and has never stopped. Trained as a music educator, child development specialist, and psychotherapist, Jess taught at the Old Town School of Folk Music in the early 1980s. played the clubs there, then moved to California where she completed degrees in Child Development and Clinical Psychology and taught music, human development, and community service to students in grades kinder through twelve. In 1998, Jess officially launched Guitars in the Classroom and has devoted herself to making music more accessible for teachers and children ever since.
GITC Founder, Director, and National Faculty Member
Jess Baron is a lifelong acoustic guitarist, singer and “incidental” songwriter who began playing guitar at age seven, teaching guitar in Junior High, and has never stopped. Trained as a music educator, child development specialist, and psychotherapist, Jess taught at the Old Town School of Folk Music in the early 1980s. played the clubs there, then moved to California where she completed degrees in Child Development and Clinical Psychology and taught music, human development, and community service to students in grades kinder through twelve. In 1998, Jess officially launched Guitars in the Classroom and has devoted herself to making music more accessible for teachers and children ever since.
Amanda Johnson
Faculty Trainer - Online
Amanda Johnson is a teaching, recording, performing, & touring musician from Southern California that has performed locally, nationally, & internationally with various cover & original bands, musical theatre orchestra pits, & as a solo artist. For over half her life, Amanda has been teaching music to students of all ages & grade levels privately & in schools. She has worked with many non-profit organizations that serve Title I schools to provide music education varying from instrumental classes, entire ensembles, songwriting, recording, vocal music, musical theater, & music/cross-curricular integration for over 13 years. Amanda is currently developing the GITC pilot program for training teachers through GITC-Online.
Faculty Trainer - Online
Amanda Johnson is a teaching, recording, performing, & touring musician from Southern California that has performed locally, nationally, & internationally with various cover & original bands, musical theatre orchestra pits, & as a solo artist. For over half her life, Amanda has been teaching music to students of all ages & grade levels privately & in schools. She has worked with many non-profit organizations that serve Title I schools to provide music education varying from instrumental classes, entire ensembles, songwriting, recording, vocal music, musical theater, & music/cross-curricular integration for over 13 years. Amanda is currently developing the GITC pilot program for training teachers through GITC-Online.
Ana Robles
Teaching Artist - California
Ana Robles is an inspirational Argentinian singer songwriter, guitarist, percussionist with more than 25 years of experience performing Latin Jazz, and all kinds of music. She has performed on many stages of the United States and the world with renowned artists like Placido Domingo, Luis Miguel, Gloria Estefan and Quincy Jones. For the last 10 years, she has been studying the benefits of Music Therapy and Sound Healing, applying her experience and musicality to her work with children. Ana holds an A.A. in Music and a B.A. in Psychology from California State University Northridge. She works as a behavioral support teacher using music for strategic intervention with Autistic students. Ana joined the GITC faculty as a teaching artist in 2018 and provides innovative music integration teaching with medically fragile students and their teachers in our residencies through the Carlson Home Hospital School in Los Angeles Unified School District.
Teaching Artist - California
Ana Robles is an inspirational Argentinian singer songwriter, guitarist, percussionist with more than 25 years of experience performing Latin Jazz, and all kinds of music. She has performed on many stages of the United States and the world with renowned artists like Placido Domingo, Luis Miguel, Gloria Estefan and Quincy Jones. For the last 10 years, she has been studying the benefits of Music Therapy and Sound Healing, applying her experience and musicality to her work with children. Ana holds an A.A. in Music and a B.A. in Psychology from California State University Northridge. She works as a behavioral support teacher using music for strategic intervention with Autistic students. Ana joined the GITC faculty as a teaching artist in 2018 and provides innovative music integration teaching with medically fragile students and their teachers in our residencies through the Carlson Home Hospital School in Los Angeles Unified School District.
Andrea Sullivan
Faculty Trainer - West Virginia
Andrea Sullivan discovered her love of music at an early age and has been teaching the subject for almost two decades. She is certified to teach band, strings, choir, and general music. In 2016 she was named Raleigh County Teacher of the Year for her outstanding work in the classroom. Andrea is currently working on her National Board Certification in Early to Middle Childhood Music Education and seeks to be an effective practitioner for music in both children’s and adults' lives. She is the founder of Suitcase Full of Hope, a non-profit organization that provides foster children with luggage to carry their things in from residence to residence. She is also the owner of Twisted Lotus Creations, a business that sells her hand created works.
Faculty Trainer - West Virginia
Andrea Sullivan discovered her love of music at an early age and has been teaching the subject for almost two decades. She is certified to teach band, strings, choir, and general music. In 2016 she was named Raleigh County Teacher of the Year for her outstanding work in the classroom. Andrea is currently working on her National Board Certification in Early to Middle Childhood Music Education and seeks to be an effective practitioner for music in both children’s and adults' lives. She is the founder of Suitcase Full of Hope, a non-profit organization that provides foster children with luggage to carry their things in from residence to residence. She is also the owner of Twisted Lotus Creations, a business that sells her hand created works.
Aurora Franck-Thompson
Faculty Trainer - California
Aurora Franck-Thompson is a highly valued music educator for Los Angeles Unified School District who trains teachers in music integration for GITC after school. She received her BA in Music from Occidental College, her Music Therapy training from California State University Long Beach, and her Professional Clear Teaching Credential from California State University Los Angeles. She also has a supplementary credential as a Language Development Specialist. She joined the GITC Faculty in 2017 and this year she is training teachers at 15th St. Elementary. Rori is most inspired the joy in her students’ faces when they arrive at music class.
Faculty Trainer - California
Aurora Franck-Thompson is a highly valued music educator for Los Angeles Unified School District who trains teachers in music integration for GITC after school. She received her BA in Music from Occidental College, her Music Therapy training from California State University Long Beach, and her Professional Clear Teaching Credential from California State University Los Angeles. She also has a supplementary credential as a Language Development Specialist. She joined the GITC Faculty in 2017 and this year she is training teachers at 15th St. Elementary. Rori is most inspired the joy in her students’ faces when they arrive at music class.
Bari Zwirn
Faculty Trainer - California
Bari Zwirn has been a part of the GITC Faculty at various times since 2000 when she piloted our brand new ideas in Lemon Grove, CA as a classroom teacher. Bari grew up on the east coast and is now grateful her parents insisted on piano and viola lessons. She also sang in choirs and was active in folk dancing. With help from friends, she taught herself guitar and ukulele and even some basic bass, and as a retired classroom teacher now carries all those interests into her life in San Diego. She loves to work with beginners, whether adults or children, and to see their confidence grow as they become comfortable with strumming, singing, songwriting and playing music that speaks to their lives and experiences. Working with GITC is a perfect way to bring all these interests together and to see the joy and fun of music light up the faces of these new musicians.
Faculty Trainer - California
Bari Zwirn has been a part of the GITC Faculty at various times since 2000 when she piloted our brand new ideas in Lemon Grove, CA as a classroom teacher. Bari grew up on the east coast and is now grateful her parents insisted on piano and viola lessons. She also sang in choirs and was active in folk dancing. With help from friends, she taught herself guitar and ukulele and even some basic bass, and as a retired classroom teacher now carries all those interests into her life in San Diego. She loves to work with beginners, whether adults or children, and to see their confidence grow as they become comfortable with strumming, singing, songwriting and playing music that speaks to their lives and experiences. Working with GITC is a perfect way to bring all these interests together and to see the joy and fun of music light up the faces of these new musicians.
Billy Coane
Faculty Trainer - California
Billy Coane has been a professional Musician and leading music educator in the Los Angeles area for over twenty-five years. He received his B. A. and M.A. in Music from the University of California Los Angeles, and his Single Subject Music Teaching Credential, M.S. in Educational Administration, and Educational Administration Credential from National University. He has worked as a musician, vocalist, composer, and educator for a diverse spectrum of clients, from politicians to record labels, including the Los Angeles Unified School District. Within LAUSD he teaches and mentors general music educators and directs school orchestra and band programs. He has trained teachers with GITC for over five years, including leading Literacy Through Music workshops for teachers in grades TK-ETK and K.
Faculty Trainer - California
Billy Coane has been a professional Musician and leading music educator in the Los Angeles area for over twenty-five years. He received his B. A. and M.A. in Music from the University of California Los Angeles, and his Single Subject Music Teaching Credential, M.S. in Educational Administration, and Educational Administration Credential from National University. He has worked as a musician, vocalist, composer, and educator for a diverse spectrum of clients, from politicians to record labels, including the Los Angeles Unified School District. Within LAUSD he teaches and mentors general music educators and directs school orchestra and band programs. He has trained teachers with GITC for over five years, including leading Literacy Through Music workshops for teachers in grades TK-ETK and K.
Dan Decker
Faculty Trainer - California
Dan Decker has been a teacher for 35 years, teaching pre-K to 6th grade. He has taught at San Miguel Elementary School in the Lemon Grove School District for 30 years, where he also had the privilege to be a TOSA (teacher on special assignment) for Art and Music for 4 years. Dan is a professional singer and guitarist, and got involved with GITC in 2013, taking a summer beginner's intensive course. Dan went on to become an instructor for GITC the next fall, and has taught classes at all levels and in 5 different school districts since then. Starting with his forthcoming retirement from teaching elementary school in 2020, Dan will be stepping into the role of Director of Strum & Sing Programs!
Faculty Trainer - California
Dan Decker has been a teacher for 35 years, teaching pre-K to 6th grade. He has taught at San Miguel Elementary School in the Lemon Grove School District for 30 years, where he also had the privilege to be a TOSA (teacher on special assignment) for Art and Music for 4 years. Dan is a professional singer and guitarist, and got involved with GITC in 2013, taking a summer beginner's intensive course. Dan went on to become an instructor for GITC the next fall, and has taught classes at all levels and in 5 different school districts since then. Starting with his forthcoming retirement from teaching elementary school in 2020, Dan will be stepping into the role of Director of Strum & Sing Programs!
Desirée Cera
Board Member, Director of GITC Special Education Services, and Faculty Trainer - California
Desirée Cera, a dedicated arts advocate and a true champion for accessibility and inclusion, revitalizes educators by empowering them to create musical solutions for cross-curricular classroom needs. As a Board Member and Director of Special Education for Guitars in the Classroom, she facilitates music integration in the classroom, after-school training, and professional development workshops that enhance learning outcomes for all students while reinvigorating educators. She holds a BA in Psychology from National University. For over 13 years, she has passionately advocated for the equity, dignity, and inclusion of people with disabilities to learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts in San Diego Unified School District’s Behavior Support Resources Department, and at Training Education Research Innovation (TERI) Inc. She cultivates a fun and effective learning environment by inspiring students and staff to discover their strengths and interests within the framework of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), which fosters positive academic, social, emotional and behavioral outcomes for all students in the Least Restrictive Environment. She delivers conference presentations and workshops for educators, paraeducators, and therapists, including the Adaptive Music for Achievement in Inclusion & Special Education (AMAISE) curriculum for school districts and for the Kennedy Center’s Very Special Artists Intersections conference.
Board Member, Director of GITC Special Education Services, and Faculty Trainer - California
Desirée Cera, a dedicated arts advocate and a true champion for accessibility and inclusion, revitalizes educators by empowering them to create musical solutions for cross-curricular classroom needs. As a Board Member and Director of Special Education for Guitars in the Classroom, she facilitates music integration in the classroom, after-school training, and professional development workshops that enhance learning outcomes for all students while reinvigorating educators. She holds a BA in Psychology from National University. For over 13 years, she has passionately advocated for the equity, dignity, and inclusion of people with disabilities to learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts in San Diego Unified School District’s Behavior Support Resources Department, and at Training Education Research Innovation (TERI) Inc. She cultivates a fun and effective learning environment by inspiring students and staff to discover their strengths and interests within the framework of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), which fosters positive academic, social, emotional and behavioral outcomes for all students in the Least Restrictive Environment. She delivers conference presentations and workshops for educators, paraeducators, and therapists, including the Adaptive Music for Achievement in Inclusion & Special Education (AMAISE) curriculum for school districts and for the Kennedy Center’s Very Special Artists Intersections conference.
Gail Dreifus
Faculty Trainer - California
Gail Dreifus bought her first guitar at the age of 14 and has been writing songs since she could string a series of basic chords together. She developed a program of original songs about Yosemite National Park which has been performed for over 25 years for children and their guardians. Gail has produced seven CDs for National Parks across the United States and has performed them with her children’s band, “Recycled String Band” since 1990, delighting audiences with songs about nature and ecology. Gail joined the GITC faculty in 2015 and has been holding GITC professional development classes for teachers in the Yosemite area and Mariposa Valley ever since.
Faculty Trainer - California
Gail Dreifus bought her first guitar at the age of 14 and has been writing songs since she could string a series of basic chords together. She developed a program of original songs about Yosemite National Park which has been performed for over 25 years for children and their guardians. Gail has produced seven CDs for National Parks across the United States and has performed them with her children’s band, “Recycled String Band” since 1990, delighting audiences with songs about nature and ecology. Gail joined the GITC faculty in 2015 and has been holding GITC professional development classes for teachers in the Yosemite area and Mariposa Valley ever since.
Garner Saguil
Faculty Trainer - California
Garner Saguil was born in Manila, Philippines. At the age of two, his family immigrated to the United States to live the "American Dream " . He grew up in Salinas, California and, in pursuit of his education, attended Hartnell College, San DIego State University, and University of La Verne. His master's thesis was written on the importance of music in education, and music is highly emphasized in his classroom. Garner currently enjoys teaching 4th grade Seminar and directing the Honor Choir at Dingeman Elementary School in San Diego. He is recognized as an outstanding classroom music teacher and was awarded the Mackenzie-Haney Outstanding Choir Director's Award from SDUSD's VAPA department. Fun fact about Garner: his homemade spaghetti almost landed him a spot on Wheel of Fortune! We are thrilled to welcome Garner to our GITC faculty!
Faculty Trainer - California
Garner Saguil was born in Manila, Philippines. At the age of two, his family immigrated to the United States to live the "American Dream " . He grew up in Salinas, California and, in pursuit of his education, attended Hartnell College, San DIego State University, and University of La Verne. His master's thesis was written on the importance of music in education, and music is highly emphasized in his classroom. Garner currently enjoys teaching 4th grade Seminar and directing the Honor Choir at Dingeman Elementary School in San Diego. He is recognized as an outstanding classroom music teacher and was awarded the Mackenzie-Haney Outstanding Choir Director's Award from SDUSD's VAPA department. Fun fact about Garner: his homemade spaghetti almost landed him a spot on Wheel of Fortune! We are thrilled to welcome Garner to our GITC faculty!
Linda and Gerry De La Torre
Faculty Trainer - Arizona
Since 1962 Gerry has played just about every style of music known, both as a solo artist and with others. He currently teaches music at two elementary Montessori schools where he loves to share his passion with the kids. He also does after school enrichment programs on a variety of popular instruments, gives lessons, leads and directs worship at his church, plays for the occasional event, and gets to be with his wonderful wife Linda, their three grown kids, their spouses, and their 11 grandchildren. Gerry came to GITC in 2009, launching programs that reach and inspire many in the Phoenix area with his wit and enthusiasm. He is honored to be a part of this program that transforms lives for the better and makes learning fun.
Faculty Trainer - Arizona
Since 1962 Gerry has played just about every style of music known, both as a solo artist and with others. He currently teaches music at two elementary Montessori schools where he loves to share his passion with the kids. He also does after school enrichment programs on a variety of popular instruments, gives lessons, leads and directs worship at his church, plays for the occasional event, and gets to be with his wonderful wife Linda, their three grown kids, their spouses, and their 11 grandchildren. Gerry came to GITC in 2009, launching programs that reach and inspire many in the Phoenix area with his wit and enthusiasm. He is honored to be a part of this program that transforms lives for the better and makes learning fun.
Jefferson Jay
Faculty Trainer and Teaching Artist
Jefferson Jay is a community music educator and certificated teacher whose lifelong musicianship brought him to GITC in 2017. He has many years of experience teaching in special education and is currently writing a television show that will feature young people with special needs. The Jefferson Jay band is a local favorite in San Diego. Jefferson also hosts the weekly open mic at Winstons Pub in Ocean Beach, and runs music events at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. In 2018 he founded the San Diego Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Jefferson’s warm, inclusive approach to music leadership makes him a natural fit for GITC. He began serving as a GITC Teaching Artist in Title 1 residencies in 2017 specializing in K-2 classrooms with a focus on teaching literacy through music and joined our faculty training staff in 2019.
Faculty Trainer and Teaching Artist
Jefferson Jay is a community music educator and certificated teacher whose lifelong musicianship brought him to GITC in 2017. He has many years of experience teaching in special education and is currently writing a television show that will feature young people with special needs. The Jefferson Jay band is a local favorite in San Diego. Jefferson also hosts the weekly open mic at Winstons Pub in Ocean Beach, and runs music events at the Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. In 2018 he founded the San Diego Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Jefferson’s warm, inclusive approach to music leadership makes him a natural fit for GITC. He began serving as a GITC Teaching Artist in Title 1 residencies in 2017 specializing in K-2 classrooms with a focus on teaching literacy through music and joined our faculty training staff in 2019.
Jeremy Mathews
Faculty Trainer - North Carolina
Jeremy Mathews is a native of Wilmington, NC and has been working with Guitars in the Classroom for over twelve years. He has taught music in schools and privately for over 26 years and currently teaches guitar and orchestra full time at Noble Middle School. He also travels with his family in the summer in Spain and other destinations. Jeremy plays multiple instruments, is a singer songwriter and a performer. You can find what he’s up to at www.reverbnation.com/jeremymathews , www.facebook.com/jeremymathewsmusic or go to www.bandsintown.com and search/track his profile. Jeremy enjoys helping people of all ages to learn how to play music. He is patient and willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others.
Faculty Trainer - North Carolina
Jeremy Mathews is a native of Wilmington, NC and has been working with Guitars in the Classroom for over twelve years. He has taught music in schools and privately for over 26 years and currently teaches guitar and orchestra full time at Noble Middle School. He also travels with his family in the summer in Spain and other destinations. Jeremy plays multiple instruments, is a singer songwriter and a performer. You can find what he’s up to at www.reverbnation.com/jeremymathews , www.facebook.com/jeremymathewsmusic or go to www.bandsintown.com and search/track his profile. Jeremy enjoys helping people of all ages to learn how to play music. He is patient and willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others.
Dr. Joan Maute
Faculty Trainer - Colorado
A self-described “old folkie from the 60s”, Dr. Joan Maute taught public school in Illinois for 35 years. Though she never taught music, Joan used music to teach everything. During her years as a teacher she presented at national conferences, wrote articles and taught graduate classes about writing and integrating music across the curriculum as an instructional strategy. As a singer/songwriter she has written and produced over 50 educational songs. Now retired from public education, Joan found the perfect blend of her three passions: teaching, learning, and music, in GITC. She is the Director of Education on the GITC Board of Directors and has taught GITC classes in the Lowcountry (South Carolina and Georgia) and Colorado since 2012. She loves working with teachers who continue to teach her, and is constantly thrilled as they learn to play guitar or uke and write great lyrics to well-known songs that they creatively use in their classrooms with their students.
Faculty Trainer - Colorado
A self-described “old folkie from the 60s”, Dr. Joan Maute taught public school in Illinois for 35 years. Though she never taught music, Joan used music to teach everything. During her years as a teacher she presented at national conferences, wrote articles and taught graduate classes about writing and integrating music across the curriculum as an instructional strategy. As a singer/songwriter she has written and produced over 50 educational songs. Now retired from public education, Joan found the perfect blend of her three passions: teaching, learning, and music, in GITC. She is the Director of Education on the GITC Board of Directors and has taught GITC classes in the Lowcountry (South Carolina and Georgia) and Colorado since 2012. She loves working with teachers who continue to teach her, and is constantly thrilled as they learn to play guitar or uke and write great lyrics to well-known songs that they creatively use in their classrooms with their students.
Jody Mulgrew
Faculty Trainer - California
Troubadour crooner Jody Mulgrew has been accompanying his own unmistakable tenor voice with an acoustic guitar for years, first as the front man for the Johnny Starlings and for almost a decade as a solo artist. Our young students in GITC classes know him by his signature crooning song, "Cupid (Draw Back Your Bow"). In addition to his success as a songwriter, recording artist and performer, Jody has been teaching music in classrooms in San Luis Obispo and San Diego for many years. He became a teaching artist with Guitars in the Classroom serving first in our Learning through the Arts residencies, then adding special education adaptive music residencies. In 2017, Jody became a very popular trainer for classroom teachers in our after school professional development classes in San Diego. We are honored that he serves with our organization.
Faculty Trainer - California
Troubadour crooner Jody Mulgrew has been accompanying his own unmistakable tenor voice with an acoustic guitar for years, first as the front man for the Johnny Starlings and for almost a decade as a solo artist. Our young students in GITC classes know him by his signature crooning song, "Cupid (Draw Back Your Bow"). In addition to his success as a songwriter, recording artist and performer, Jody has been teaching music in classrooms in San Luis Obispo and San Diego for many years. He became a teaching artist with Guitars in the Classroom serving first in our Learning through the Arts residencies, then adding special education adaptive music residencies. In 2017, Jody became a very popular trainer for classroom teachers in our after school professional development classes in San Diego. We are honored that he serves with our organization.
Jonanne Hammer
Program Supervisor and Faculty Trainer - Tennessee
Mrs. Hammer directs Visual and Performing Arts Education for the Franklin County, Tennessee public schools. She is the newest member of Guitars in the Classroom's faculty. She has successfully launched her first GITC program and looks forward to training her faculty to integrate music with folk instruments in 2019-2020. We are looking forward to supporting her in her efforts to bring more GITC programs to Tennessee.
Program Supervisor and Faculty Trainer - Tennessee
Mrs. Hammer directs Visual and Performing Arts Education for the Franklin County, Tennessee public schools. She is the newest member of Guitars in the Classroom's faculty. She has successfully launched her first GITC program and looks forward to training her faculty to integrate music with folk instruments in 2019-2020. We are looking forward to supporting her in her efforts to bring more GITC programs to Tennessee.
Julia Cole
Faculty Trainer - California
Julia has been teaching elementary school for the past twenty-three years. She received her degree from SDSU in Psychology, her teaching credential from National University and her Masters in Education from SDSU. Bringing music into the classroom has always been important to Julia, but after learning ukulele and guitar as a GITC teacher-student, she was able to incorporate bringing instruments and music making into her classroom. She has enjoyed witnessing the joy this brings to the children so much that she took it upon herself to become GITC Faculty to help other teachers do the same.
Faculty Trainer - California
Julia has been teaching elementary school for the past twenty-three years. She received her degree from SDSU in Psychology, her teaching credential from National University and her Masters in Education from SDSU. Bringing music into the classroom has always been important to Julia, but after learning ukulele and guitar as a GITC teacher-student, she was able to incorporate bringing instruments and music making into her classroom. She has enjoyed witnessing the joy this brings to the children so much that she took it upon herself to become GITC Faculty to help other teachers do the same.
Kristen Herbert
Faculty Trainer and Teaching Artist - California
Kristen Lynn Herbert is a professional actor and musician in Los Angeles. She holds a BFA in Acting from West Virginia University. Her credentials include teaching after school enrichment programs and Mommy & Me & Early Childhood music classes. Her range of classes include Early Childhood Music, Musical Theatre, Guitar, Preschool Uke, and Piano. She believes that if she can use her gift to give back and inspire kids in the performing arts, she can make a difference in a child’s life. Kristen has been on GITC’s faculty for the past five years. She has found a great love in knowing the impact she can make on a child’s life by sharing her experiences and by being a great role model.
Faculty Trainer and Teaching Artist - California
Kristen Lynn Herbert is a professional actor and musician in Los Angeles. She holds a BFA in Acting from West Virginia University. Her credentials include teaching after school enrichment programs and Mommy & Me & Early Childhood music classes. Her range of classes include Early Childhood Music, Musical Theatre, Guitar, Preschool Uke, and Piano. She believes that if she can use her gift to give back and inspire kids in the performing arts, she can make a difference in a child’s life. Kristen has been on GITC’s faculty for the past five years. She has found a great love in knowing the impact she can make on a child’s life by sharing her experiences and by being a great role model.
Lorraine Turner
Faculty Trainer - California
Faculty Trainer Lorraine Turner joined the team at GITC after enjoying a three-day camp in Julian, CA designed to provide skills to teachers to bring music into their classrooms. She saw the value and importance of using music as a device to grab the curriculum through song and verse. Lorraine received her B.S.,Teaching Credential, and M.A. in Education from San Diego State University and has been teaching for 24 years as a kindergarten and first grade teacher. Lorraine loves the energy that new teachers bring to the art of teaching, and supports them in their classrooms through the Induction program with the San Diego Unified School District. Lorraine enjoys singing in her church choir and spending evenings at local community theaters. She has a heartfelt passion for keeping music and the arts an integral part of every school day.
Faculty Trainer - California
Faculty Trainer Lorraine Turner joined the team at GITC after enjoying a three-day camp in Julian, CA designed to provide skills to teachers to bring music into their classrooms. She saw the value and importance of using music as a device to grab the curriculum through song and verse. Lorraine received her B.S.,Teaching Credential, and M.A. in Education from San Diego State University and has been teaching for 24 years as a kindergarten and first grade teacher. Lorraine loves the energy that new teachers bring to the art of teaching, and supports them in their classrooms through the Induction program with the San Diego Unified School District. Lorraine enjoys singing in her church choir and spending evenings at local community theaters. She has a heartfelt passion for keeping music and the arts an integral part of every school day.
Maria Ochoa
Faculty Trainer and Teaching Artist - California
Maria Ochoa is a master elementary educator who retired in June, 2019 after 31 years. During the last three, she successfully led GITC music integration in her own second grade classroom and was the recipient of a brief teaching artist residency in 2018. She found the work to be vitalizing and catalyzing for student learning, and decided she would strive to become a GITC teaching artist as she prepared for her next phase of life. Training after school in San Pedro with GITC’s Aurora Franck, she mastered the techniques of the work. Now in her first year as a GITC Teaching Artist in the South Bay, she is bringing her passion, curiosity, talent and wisdom to teachers and children in that region. We are so pleased she has chosen to join our faculty!
Faculty Trainer and Teaching Artist - California
Maria Ochoa is a master elementary educator who retired in June, 2019 after 31 years. During the last three, she successfully led GITC music integration in her own second grade classroom and was the recipient of a brief teaching artist residency in 2018. She found the work to be vitalizing and catalyzing for student learning, and decided she would strive to become a GITC teaching artist as she prepared for her next phase of life. Training after school in San Pedro with GITC’s Aurora Franck, she mastered the techniques of the work. Now in her first year as a GITC Teaching Artist in the South Bay, she is bringing her passion, curiosity, talent and wisdom to teachers and children in that region. We are so pleased she has chosen to join our faculty!
Michael Hemsworth
Faculty Trainer - California
Michael Hemsworth is the director of NewSongs School of Music in Elk Grove. He passionately works to get music into kid's lives in many ways, from teaching private and group lessons, running after school programs, library and preschool programming, and much more. You never know where you are going to see him next! Cultivating music in the classroom is especially exciting to Michael. One of his recent GITC classes renamed themselves "the Ukuladies... and one guy" and his classes are filled with laughter and encouragement. Professionally, he completed a bachelor's degree in music at the age of eighteen and later returned to complete an MBA while running his school. He is a proud husband and father who, when not leading music-makers, likes to take time away at Disneyland.
Faculty Trainer - California
Michael Hemsworth is the director of NewSongs School of Music in Elk Grove. He passionately works to get music into kid's lives in many ways, from teaching private and group lessons, running after school programs, library and preschool programming, and much more. You never know where you are going to see him next! Cultivating music in the classroom is especially exciting to Michael. One of his recent GITC classes renamed themselves "the Ukuladies... and one guy" and his classes are filled with laughter and encouragement. Professionally, he completed a bachelor's degree in music at the age of eighteen and later returned to complete an MBA while running his school. He is a proud husband and father who, when not leading music-makers, likes to take time away at Disneyland.
Quinn Fitzpatrick
Faculty Trainer - California and Washington
Quinn Fitzpatrick is a professional musician who has been teaching full-time for over 15 years in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. Quinn is a versatile, encouraging and patient instructor who teaches all styles, ages, and levels. His intent for every student is to have a solid foundation, be inspired, and play the music they love. He started teaching with GITC in 2005 and now serves as a Regional Director for Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. His goal is to inspire as many teachers as possible to play music and make learning fun.
Faculty Trainer - California and Washington
Quinn Fitzpatrick is a professional musician who has been teaching full-time for over 15 years in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. Quinn is a versatile, encouraging and patient instructor who teaches all styles, ages, and levels. His intent for every student is to have a solid foundation, be inspired, and play the music they love. He started teaching with GITC in 2005 and now serves as a Regional Director for Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. His goal is to inspire as many teachers as possible to play music and make learning fun.
Scott Detweiler
Teaching Artist - California
Scott Detweiler is an award-winning artist from New Orleans. Based in L.A., he performs with his N.O. Jazz Funksemble, solo and as a church cantor. In addition to studying with Henri Mancini and Dr. Albert Harris, among others, studied music and holds an A.A. Degree in Social and Behavioral Science. He is a prolific lyricist and composer of jazz, blues, opera, chamber music, ballet and sacred music. Scott is a singer and guitarist. His music can be heard on the soundtracks and dozens of releases under his own name. His honors include The Congressional Certificate of Recognition, Billboard Music Award and recognition from Utah Composers Guild. Scott also serves as a juror and board member for the G&O Andriassian Classical Guitar Festival at CSULA, performing in the L.A. County Prisons. He has participated in high school music workshops and teaches music privately. He joined GITC as a Teaching Artist in 2019.
Teaching Artist - California
Scott Detweiler is an award-winning artist from New Orleans. Based in L.A., he performs with his N.O. Jazz Funksemble, solo and as a church cantor. In addition to studying with Henri Mancini and Dr. Albert Harris, among others, studied music and holds an A.A. Degree in Social and Behavioral Science. He is a prolific lyricist and composer of jazz, blues, opera, chamber music, ballet and sacred music. Scott is a singer and guitarist. His music can be heard on the soundtracks and dozens of releases under his own name. His honors include The Congressional Certificate of Recognition, Billboard Music Award and recognition from Utah Composers Guild. Scott also serves as a juror and board member for the G&O Andriassian Classical Guitar Festival at CSULA, performing in the L.A. County Prisons. He has participated in high school music workshops and teaches music privately. He joined GITC as a Teaching Artist in 2019.
Sharon DuBois
Teaching Artist - California
Sharon DuBois, jazz vocalist and songwriter, has three albums under her belt and has been performing favorite jazz standards and originals for the past 20 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology/American Indian Studies from San Diego State University and an Associates degree in Music/Voice Concentration from Monroe Community College. She also studied voice at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
Sharon was the Co-Executive Director and Teaching Artist of SoCal Jazz Society from 2011-2117 and has been teaching the jazz program to children of San Diego County from Kindergarten for the past 5 years. She is currently teaching at Silver Strand Elementary School in Coronado, CA under a DODEA grant as part of the Enrichment Program alongside third grade teachers Debra Hathaway and Robyn Fullmer. Sharon is GITC’s newest teaching artist and we are very excited to welcome her to our faculty.
Teaching Artist - California
Sharon DuBois, jazz vocalist and songwriter, has three albums under her belt and has been performing favorite jazz standards and originals for the past 20 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology/American Indian Studies from San Diego State University and an Associates degree in Music/Voice Concentration from Monroe Community College. She also studied voice at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
Sharon was the Co-Executive Director and Teaching Artist of SoCal Jazz Society from 2011-2117 and has been teaching the jazz program to children of San Diego County from Kindergarten for the past 5 years. She is currently teaching at Silver Strand Elementary School in Coronado, CA under a DODEA grant as part of the Enrichment Program alongside third grade teachers Debra Hathaway and Robyn Fullmer. Sharon is GITC’s newest teaching artist and we are very excited to welcome her to our faculty.
Shiri Goldsmith Graziani
Teaching Artist - California
Shiri Goldsmith Graziani has been teaching in classrooms and after school programs since 2011 and has been performing and touring domestically and even internationally as a multi-instrumentalist and front woman since 2003. After seven years as a Substitute Teacher in the Bay Area who worked extensively in the Special Education Department and teaching every other imaginable subject, she was delighted to study Kodaly Music teachers Pre- Certification Levels 1 and 2, which inspired her to delve further into Early Education Music Instruction. In addition to her work teaching Literacy through Music with GITC, she has taught music and yoga privately and in after school programs and has worked within a non- profit to teach Yoga in underserved communities within LAUSD schools.
Teaching Artist - California
Shiri Goldsmith Graziani has been teaching in classrooms and after school programs since 2011 and has been performing and touring domestically and even internationally as a multi-instrumentalist and front woman since 2003. After seven years as a Substitute Teacher in the Bay Area who worked extensively in the Special Education Department and teaching every other imaginable subject, she was delighted to study Kodaly Music teachers Pre- Certification Levels 1 and 2, which inspired her to delve further into Early Education Music Instruction. In addition to her work teaching Literacy through Music with GITC, she has taught music and yoga privately and in after school programs and has worked within a non- profit to teach Yoga in underserved communities within LAUSD schools.
Teresa Catlow
Faculty Trainer - Missouri
Teresa is a K-5 special education teacher for Sunrise Elementary, a Title 1 school, where having a program like GITC has made a huge difference for her students. She started teaching 25 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina (home of her husband and birthplace of their first two of four children). The Catlows then moved to Santa Ana, California where Teresa worked as a bilingual SpEd teacher. Their third child was born in CA and their fourth in Iowa City. Teresa and her partner are experiencing their first year as 'Empty Nesters'; luckily GITC attracts birds of a feather. Teresa, like the GITC family, believes music can be a magical ingredient for student growth. She began teaching her first GITC ukulele songwriting class in January 2019.
Faculty Trainer - Missouri
Teresa is a K-5 special education teacher for Sunrise Elementary, a Title 1 school, where having a program like GITC has made a huge difference for her students. She started teaching 25 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina (home of her husband and birthplace of their first two of four children). The Catlows then moved to Santa Ana, California where Teresa worked as a bilingual SpEd teacher. Their third child was born in CA and their fourth in Iowa City. Teresa and her partner are experiencing their first year as 'Empty Nesters'; luckily GITC attracts birds of a feather. Teresa, like the GITC family, believes music can be a magical ingredient for student growth. She began teaching her first GITC ukulele songwriting class in January 2019.
Tracy Wayne
Faculty Trainer - West Virginia
Teaching is her passion and Tracy says she has been delighted to be able to teach music for over 30 years. In her GITC classes teachers and students sing, dance, play ukuleles, guitars and percussion instruments. They also have some important fun learning traditional Bluegrass music in addition to a wide range of other musical traditions, helping to preserve and pass down American music culture. Tracy holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling.
Faculty Trainer - West Virginia
Teaching is her passion and Tracy says she has been delighted to be able to teach music for over 30 years. In her GITC classes teachers and students sing, dance, play ukuleles, guitars and percussion instruments. They also have some important fun learning traditional Bluegrass music in addition to a wide range of other musical traditions, helping to preserve and pass down American music culture. Tracy holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling.