Teaching through Love & the Power of Song
Meet Our Faculty!
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.
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, National Faculty Member
Jess Baron is a lifelong acoustic guitarist, singer and “incidental” songwriter. She began playing guitar at age seven, started 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 Chicago 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, National Faculty Member
Jess Baron is a lifelong acoustic guitarist, singer and “incidental” songwriter. She began playing guitar at age seven, started 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 Chicago 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.
Patty Bertram
Teaching Artist - San Diego, CA
Pattty Bertram very recently joined our teaching artist faculty, working with students experiencing challenges ranging from medical conditions to transitions into foster care. Through her long history teaching elementary school and bringing GITC into her own classroom at Sandburg Elementary in Mira Mesa, Patty became an expert facilitator in classroom songwriting, ukulele and guitar instruction. She and her husband Pat have also been foster parents to dozens of children in need, and many times were voted the best foster parents in their region. Because of her deep knowledge of how to support children in the foster care system, including those receiving services at Polinsky Children's Center, Patty is just the person to bring music into the lives of students whose circumstances require exceptional compassion, clarity, commitment, and the inspiration to overcome great difficulties.
Teaching Artist - San Diego, CA
Pattty Bertram very recently joined our teaching artist faculty, working with students experiencing challenges ranging from medical conditions to transitions into foster care. Through her long history teaching elementary school and bringing GITC into her own classroom at Sandburg Elementary in Mira Mesa, Patty became an expert facilitator in classroom songwriting, ukulele and guitar instruction. She and her husband Pat have also been foster parents to dozens of children in need, and many times were voted the best foster parents in their region. Because of her deep knowledge of how to support children in the foster care system, including those receiving services at Polinsky Children's Center, Patty is just the person to bring music into the lives of students whose circumstances require exceptional compassion, clarity, commitment, and the inspiration to overcome great difficulties.
Teresa Catlow
Faculty Trainer, Teaching Artist - 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 Special Education teacher. 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, Teaching Artist - 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 Special Education teacher. 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.
Christopher Clarke
Teaching Artist, Mentor - California
A native of California’s central coast (Monterey and Santa Cruz), Christopher moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA and earned a degree in history. He obtained his teaching credential from Cal State Los Angeles and his Master in Educational Leadership from CSUN. After graduating, he worked as a school teacher during the day and began performing at night, playing guitar in a rock band, and later drums in a blues band. For the first 20 years of his career he taught in the classroom and became a language acquisition specialist. During the next 15 years he was a school principal. Throughout his career Christopher used his musical talent to create engaging, meaningful lessons and, as a school principal, to create a culture where the arts were an area of focus. Thanks to a partnership with Guitars & Ukes in the Classroom (GITC), during his time as a principal teachers and students at his school were provided opportunities to learn to play ukulele and guitar, and integrate music throughout the academic curriculum. In 2022 he retired after 35 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District. We are very excited that Christopher is using his passion for music and experience as an educator to mentor other classroom teachers as they build their own capacity in musical leadership through GITC.
A multi-instrumentalist, Christopher plays guitar, ukulele, piano, and percussion, and is currently studying “Kiho’alu” (slack-key guitar) at the University of Hawaii.
Teaching Artist, Mentor - California
A native of California’s central coast (Monterey and Santa Cruz), Christopher moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA and earned a degree in history. He obtained his teaching credential from Cal State Los Angeles and his Master in Educational Leadership from CSUN. After graduating, he worked as a school teacher during the day and began performing at night, playing guitar in a rock band, and later drums in a blues band. For the first 20 years of his career he taught in the classroom and became a language acquisition specialist. During the next 15 years he was a school principal. Throughout his career Christopher used his musical talent to create engaging, meaningful lessons and, as a school principal, to create a culture where the arts were an area of focus. Thanks to a partnership with Guitars & Ukes in the Classroom (GITC), during his time as a principal teachers and students at his school were provided opportunities to learn to play ukulele and guitar, and integrate music throughout the academic curriculum. In 2022 he retired after 35 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District. We are very excited that Christopher is using his passion for music and experience as an educator to mentor other classroom teachers as they build their own capacity in musical leadership through GITC.
A multi-instrumentalist, Christopher plays guitar, ukulele, piano, and percussion, and is currently studying “Kiho’alu” (slack-key guitar) at the University of Hawaii.
James Clarkston
Teaching Artist - California
Born in the West Texas Town of El Paso, James lives in San Diego, California and is a composer, entertainer and teacher with over 20 years of experience. James has recorded 12 cds since 1998. His original song "Dos Guitarras" has been featured on the National Public Radio Show "Coast to Coast AM".His musical journey has led him to performing for celebrities such as the late Debbie Reynolds, "Magic" Johnson and newsman Sam Donaldson. In 2003 James performed for a private party in honor of Ex-President George H. W. Bush & Former First Lady Barbara Bush, and he has been the opening act for the legendary Grammy Nominated Jazz World Music Duo Strunz and Farah. The music of James Clarkston has been featured in TV and radio commercials, as well as the groundbreaking documentary "Straight Line Curve" by Ed Breeding. It can be downloaded on Spotify, YouTube, and Reverbnation. He teaches all ages and levels of Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, Harmonica, and Music Theory at La Jolla Music & The La Jolla Community Center and, since the COVID-19 Pandemic, has moved all teaching online. James is excited to be working with middle and high school students through GITC and we are happy he is part of the GITC faculty! Connect with James at www.jamesclarkston.net.
Teaching Artist - California
Born in the West Texas Town of El Paso, James lives in San Diego, California and is a composer, entertainer and teacher with over 20 years of experience. James has recorded 12 cds since 1998. His original song "Dos Guitarras" has been featured on the National Public Radio Show "Coast to Coast AM".His musical journey has led him to performing for celebrities such as the late Debbie Reynolds, "Magic" Johnson and newsman Sam Donaldson. In 2003 James performed for a private party in honor of Ex-President George H. W. Bush & Former First Lady Barbara Bush, and he has been the opening act for the legendary Grammy Nominated Jazz World Music Duo Strunz and Farah. The music of James Clarkston has been featured in TV and radio commercials, as well as the groundbreaking documentary "Straight Line Curve" by Ed Breeding. It can be downloaded on Spotify, YouTube, and Reverbnation. He teaches all ages and levels of Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, Harmonica, and Music Theory at La Jolla Music & The La Jolla Community Center and, since the COVID-19 Pandemic, has moved all teaching online. James is excited to be working with middle and high school students through GITC and we are happy he is part of the GITC faculty! Connect with James at www.jamesclarkston.net.
Julia Cole
Faculty Trainer - California
Julia has been teaching elementary school for over 23 years. She received her degree in Psychology from San Diego State University, her teaching credential from National University and her Masters in Education from SDSU. Bringing music into the classroom has always been important to Julia, and 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 a member of the GITC faculty to help other teachers do the same.
Faculty Trainer - California
Julia has been teaching elementary school for over 23 years. She received her degree in Psychology from San Diego State University, her teaching credential from National University and her Masters in Education from SDSU. Bringing music into the classroom has always been important to Julia, and 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 a member of the GITC faculty to help other teachers do the same.
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.
Dan Decker
Director of Strum & Sing Programs, Faculty Trainer, Teaching Artist - California
Dan Decker has been a teacher in pre-K to 6th grade for 35 years. He has taught at San Miguel Elementary School in the Lemon Grove School District in San Diego for 30 years, where he also had the privilege to be a TOSA (teacher on special assignment) for Art and Music for four years. Dan is a professional singer and guitarist, and got involved with GITC in 2013, when he took a summer Beginner Intensive course. Dan went on to become an instructor for GITC, and has taught classes at all levels in five different school districts since then. With his retirement from teaching elementary school in 2020, Dan stepped into the role of Director of Strum & Sing Programs!
Director of Strum & Sing Programs, Faculty Trainer, Teaching Artist - California
Dan Decker has been a teacher in pre-K to 6th grade for 35 years. He has taught at San Miguel Elementary School in the Lemon Grove School District in San Diego for 30 years, where he also had the privilege to be a TOSA (teacher on special assignment) for Art and Music for four years. Dan is a professional singer and guitarist, and got involved with GITC in 2013, when he took a summer Beginner Intensive course. Dan went on to become an instructor for GITC, and has taught classes at all levels in five different school districts since then. With his retirement from teaching elementary school in 2020, Dan stepped into the role of Director of Strum & Sing Programs!
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 over 20 years. She has an Associates degree in Music/Voice Concentration from Monroe Community College and a B.A. in Anthropology/American Indian Studies from San Diego State University. 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 for over nine years. GITC is excited to have Sharon as one of its teaching artists! Learn more about Sharon at https://sharondubois.com/.
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 over 20 years. She has an Associates degree in Music/Voice Concentration from Monroe Community College and a B.A. in Anthropology/American Indian Studies from San Diego State University. 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 for over nine years. GITC is excited to have Sharon as one of its teaching artists! Learn more about Sharon at https://sharondubois.com/.
Reagan Duncan
Faculty Trainer, Teaching Artist
Reagan Duncan is a kindergarten educator at Maryland Elementary in Vista, CAj. She has been
teaching kinder, 1st and ½ combo classes for 18 years. Reagan joined the GITC faculty as a
specialist in teaching Social Emotional Learning through Music as well as helping other
educators learn to use music in their classrooms. Her incredible success starting after school
ukulele clubs at her school in Vista, CA taught her a great deal that she shares each year in a
course or workshop on starting your own after school music club! Reagan is the 2021 National
University SEL Teacher of the Year West Region!
Faculty Trainer, Teaching Artist
Reagan Duncan is a kindergarten educator at Maryland Elementary in Vista, CAj. She has been
teaching kinder, 1st and ½ combo classes for 18 years. Reagan joined the GITC faculty as a
specialist in teaching Social Emotional Learning through Music as well as helping other
educators learn to use music in their classrooms. Her incredible success starting after school
ukulele clubs at her school in Vista, CA taught her a great deal that she shares each year in a
course or workshop on starting your own after school music club! Reagan is the 2021 National
University SEL Teacher of the Year West Region!
Quinn Fitzpatrick
Faculty Trainer, Teaching Artist - California and Washington
Quinn Fitzpatrick is a professional musician who has been teaching private and group guitar lessons at educational centers, high schools, colleges and universities for over 15 years. A transplanted New Englander, he moved to California after receiving a degree in music. Quinn currently teaches in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California, as well as online. He started teaching with Guitars in the Classroom in 2005 and now serves as the Regional Director for Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. 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. His goal is to inspire as many teachers as possible to play music and make learning fun. Quinn is an award winning top-tier wedding and event guitarist. He provides beautiful fingerstyle acoustic guitar music to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. For more information or to hear Quinn’s music please visit - www.quinnfitzpatrick.com.
Faculty Trainer, Teaching Artist - California and Washington
Quinn Fitzpatrick is a professional musician who has been teaching private and group guitar lessons at educational centers, high schools, colleges and universities for over 15 years. A transplanted New Englander, he moved to California after receiving a degree in music. Quinn currently teaches in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California, as well as online. He started teaching with Guitars in the Classroom in 2005 and now serves as the Regional Director for Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. 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. His goal is to inspire as many teachers as possible to play music and make learning fun. Quinn is an award winning top-tier wedding and event guitarist. He provides beautiful fingerstyle acoustic guitar music to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. For more information or to hear Quinn’s music please visit - www.quinnfitzpatrick.com.
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.
Kristen Lynn Herbert
Faculty Trainer, 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, 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.
Gingerlily Lowe
Teaching Artist - California
Gingerlily recently retired after 33 years teaching students from preschool to middle school. Music, art and performance have always been a part of her teaching. She earned a Masters in Education from UCSD, as well as certifications for California Science Implementation Network, UCSD Science Teacher Institute, and National Science Teachers Association. She helped launch an after-school program of acoustic and electric guitar at the Museum Charter School as well as establish Puspa Warsa, the first elementary school gamelan ensemble in the United States. Gingerlily has served on several community boards including San Diego Chinese Center and Teatro Mascara Magica. She currently produces theater projects with her husband and the Asian Story Theater. In 2017 Gingerlily discovered GITC and began a new level of integrating music with her students. She is thrilled to join the GITC faculty and bring a life changing music program to teachers and their students.
Teaching Artist - California
Gingerlily recently retired after 33 years teaching students from preschool to middle school. Music, art and performance have always been a part of her teaching. She earned a Masters in Education from UCSD, as well as certifications for California Science Implementation Network, UCSD Science Teacher Institute, and National Science Teachers Association. She helped launch an after-school program of acoustic and electric guitar at the Museum Charter School as well as establish Puspa Warsa, the first elementary school gamelan ensemble in the United States. Gingerlily has served on several community boards including San Diego Chinese Center and Teatro Mascara Magica. She currently produces theater projects with her husband and the Asian Story Theater. In 2017 Gingerlily discovered GITC and began a new level of integrating music with her students. She is thrilled to join the GITC faculty and bring a life changing music program to teachers and their students.
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. 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 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. In the summer Jeremy travels with his family to Spain and other destinations.
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. 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 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. In the summer Jeremy travels with his family to Spain and other destinations.
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
Teaching Artist - 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.
Teaching Artist - 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.
Maria Ochoa
Faculty Trainer, 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, 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!
Desirée Robles 2017-2021
Faculty Trainer Emeritus - California
Desirée Robles, 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. She joined GITC founder Jess Baron in developing our work in adaptive music integration in the classroom. Desirée holds a B.A. in Psychology from National University, and is completing her M.A. in K-12 Education. For over 16 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. We are grateful for her past service to our organization and thankful to be able to call upon her from time to time for advice!
Faculty Trainer Emeritus - California
Desirée Robles, 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. She joined GITC founder Jess Baron in developing our work in adaptive music integration in the classroom. Desirée holds a B.A. in Psychology from National University, and is completing her M.A. in K-12 Education. For over 16 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. We are grateful for her past service to our organization and thankful to be able to call upon her from time to time for advice!
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.
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!
Mimi Seney
Teaching Artist- California
Mimi Seney, Ed.M, is the Head Teacher and the After School Student Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) Coordinator at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Central Washington University and Master’s Degree in Deaf Education/Special Education from Washington State University, as well as the added endorsements to work with students who qualify for specially designed instruction under the qualifying category of Emotionally Disturbed (ED) and Deaf-Blind (DB). She is recognized as a Leading Edge Certificated (LEC) on-line and blended learning teacher. She has received certificates in Restorative Conferencing, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and QPR trained in Suicide Prevention with the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council. Mimi is a life-long, self-taught musician in piano, guitar, and ukulele and has strong beliefs of the healing and restorative powers music brings. She was awarded the Adjudicator’s Choice Award in 2020 for her work in the Project Confined Redefined bringing music (primarily ukuleles) to many of San Diego’s forgotten youth currently facing penalties for serious offences. She began working with GITC in 2016 when she won her first ukulele in a silent auction. She has been a presenter at a GITC AMAISE conference on teaching strategies for young students and continues to instruct students in ukulele, guitar, and keyboarding in the after-school program FLY Tunes at East Mesa.
Teaching Artist- California
Mimi Seney, Ed.M, is the Head Teacher and the After School Student Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) Coordinator at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Central Washington University and Master’s Degree in Deaf Education/Special Education from Washington State University, as well as the added endorsements to work with students who qualify for specially designed instruction under the qualifying category of Emotionally Disturbed (ED) and Deaf-Blind (DB). She is recognized as a Leading Edge Certificated (LEC) on-line and blended learning teacher. She has received certificates in Restorative Conferencing, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and QPR trained in Suicide Prevention with the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council. Mimi is a life-long, self-taught musician in piano, guitar, and ukulele and has strong beliefs of the healing and restorative powers music brings. She was awarded the Adjudicator’s Choice Award in 2020 for her work in the Project Confined Redefined bringing music (primarily ukuleles) to many of San Diego’s forgotten youth currently facing penalties for serious offences. She began working with GITC in 2016 when she won her first ukulele in a silent auction. She has been a presenter at a GITC AMAISE conference on teaching strategies for young students and continues to instruct students in ukulele, guitar, and keyboarding in the after-school program FLY Tunes at East Mesa.
Patti Steele
Teaching Artist - California
Patti Steele retired after teaching for thirty-eight years at Paradise Hills Elementary in South San Diego. Thirty-four of those years were teaching Kindergarten/TK students. She received a B.A. and teaching credential from San Diego State University and Masters degree from Azusa Pacific University. Patty started taking GITC classes and workshops in 2017 and continues to love every minute of it! She is thrilled to be part of GITC's faculty so she can mentor other teachers and bring the joy of music and the power of song to more students.
Teaching Artist - California
Patti Steele retired after teaching for thirty-eight years at Paradise Hills Elementary in South San Diego. Thirty-four of those years were teaching Kindergarten/TK students. She received a B.A. and teaching credential from San Diego State University and Masters degree from Azusa Pacific University. Patty started taking GITC classes and workshops in 2017 and continues to love every minute of it! She is thrilled to be part of GITC's faculty so she can mentor other teachers and bring the joy of music and the power of song to more students.
Lorraine Turner
Faculty Traine Emeritus - California, 2019-2021
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. We are grateful for Lorraine's past service and hope she'll continue to be part of the GITC Tribe!
Faculty Traine Emeritus - California, 2019-2021
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. We are grateful for Lorraine's past service and hope she'll continue to be part of the GITC Tribe!
Tracy Wayne
Faculty Trainer - West Virginia
Tracy Wayne, M.A. has been teaching music to students in grades K-8 in Clay County, W.V. public schools for over 30 years. She joined the faculty of Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom (GITC) over a decade ago to begin training classroom teachers and music educators in GITC’s developmental strategies incorporating ukulele, guitar and responsive teaching to general education and elementary music programs. She incorporates concepts and techniques from Orff Schulwerk and Kodály in music education trainings, and integrates collaborative student songwriting with literacy education for general classrooms. Tracy is GITC’s program ambassador in West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina, helping music educators to take the lead in facilitating GITC in their own school communities. Tracy holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling.
Faculty Trainer - West Virginia
Tracy Wayne, M.A. has been teaching music to students in grades K-8 in Clay County, W.V. public schools for over 30 years. She joined the faculty of Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom (GITC) over a decade ago to begin training classroom teachers and music educators in GITC’s developmental strategies incorporating ukulele, guitar and responsive teaching to general education and elementary music programs. She incorporates concepts and techniques from Orff Schulwerk and Kodály in music education trainings, and integrates collaborative student songwriting with literacy education for general classrooms. Tracy is GITC’s program ambassador in West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina, helping music educators to take the lead in facilitating GITC in their own school communities. Tracy holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling.
Eli Wise
Faculty Trainer - California
Eli Wise is a songwriter and music teacher. He has taught music to students aged 5 to adult for over 12 years. His students of all ages appreciate his kind, humorous manner. As a songwriter, he brings a creative insight into all of his work and loves awakening and developing the creative energy in his students. He is trained in Orff and Kodaly, he sings, plays guitar, ukulele, and piano. He has released three albums of original work, and has collaborated with Chapter 510, The I Need Space Festival, Music City Lockdown Sessions, and the Local Music Channel.
Faculty Trainer - California
Eli Wise is a songwriter and music teacher. He has taught music to students aged 5 to adult for over 12 years. His students of all ages appreciate his kind, humorous manner. As a songwriter, he brings a creative insight into all of his work and loves awakening and developing the creative energy in his students. He is trained in Orff and Kodaly, he sings, plays guitar, ukulele, and piano. He has released three albums of original work, and has collaborated with Chapter 510, The I Need Space Festival, Music City Lockdown Sessions, and the Local Music Channel.