Working Together to Make a Difference!
Staff Members, Faculty Members, Volunteers and Advocates Supported by Sponsors, Donors and Artists all make GITC into a Community Creating Change.
It is often said that "it takes a village to raise a child." Since GITC serves in many "villages," it takes everyone to bring music to learning. We are grateful for a very dedicated, capable and kind community.
If you would like to join us to open the door for music, literacy, learning and well-being, please drop us a line!
We look forward to hearing from you!
If you would like to join us to open the door for music, literacy, learning and well-being, please drop us a line!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Meet The GITC Staff!
Jess Baron
GITC Founder, Executive Director
j[email protected]
Jess Baron founded Guitars in the Classroom and has served as its Executive Director since its launch in 2000. With multiple degrees and specialized training in music education, child development, educational therapy, and clinical psychology, plus a three-decade career as an author and teaching artist, Jess brings a multifaceted understanding of the human learning process to her work. She believes in the importance of expanding as well as documenting and evaluating the many roles music can play to advance cognitive, social and emotional growth in young people. She has published eight books in the field of music, creativity, and parenting. The most recent book is SmartStart Ukulele for Beginners, co-authored by Tiffany Stalker and produced by Korg/Soundtree. Jess enjoys training teachers during the year, processing the teaching experience with GITC's faculty trainers and teaching artists, and she does her best to sneak away to make music with students every once in a while.
She is especially grateful to serve with a truly remarkable Board of Directors. Together, they are responsible for the day to day management of GITC. She also works collaboratively with classroom educators and thought leaders in the fields of Literacy, Education and Arts Integration. She finds working toward their common goal to improve life and the quality of education for American students and teachers deeply inspiring. Jess is a literacy nerd (careful if you get her started), a lifelong musician, a passionate singer, a sometimes songwriter, and is genuinely inspired by everyone in the GITC community.
GITC Founder, Executive Director
j[email protected]
Jess Baron founded Guitars in the Classroom and has served as its Executive Director since its launch in 2000. With multiple degrees and specialized training in music education, child development, educational therapy, and clinical psychology, plus a three-decade career as an author and teaching artist, Jess brings a multifaceted understanding of the human learning process to her work. She believes in the importance of expanding as well as documenting and evaluating the many roles music can play to advance cognitive, social and emotional growth in young people. She has published eight books in the field of music, creativity, and parenting. The most recent book is SmartStart Ukulele for Beginners, co-authored by Tiffany Stalker and produced by Korg/Soundtree. Jess enjoys training teachers during the year, processing the teaching experience with GITC's faculty trainers and teaching artists, and she does her best to sneak away to make music with students every once in a while.
She is especially grateful to serve with a truly remarkable Board of Directors. Together, they are responsible for the day to day management of GITC. She also works collaboratively with classroom educators and thought leaders in the fields of Literacy, Education and Arts Integration. She finds working toward their common goal to improve life and the quality of education for American students and teachers deeply inspiring. Jess is a literacy nerd (careful if you get her started), a lifelong musician, a passionate singer, a sometimes songwriter, and is genuinely inspired by everyone in the GITC community.
Gail Wingfield
GITC Director of Development and Director of Programs
[email protected]
Gail Wingfield is GITC’s Director of Development and Director of Programs. She is an outstanding leader in GITC’s DEI development and an active member of that board-run committee. She also assists the board with strategic planning.
Gail brings a well-rounded perspective and vast personal creative experience to her work in arts education administration. Her long career in the nonprofit sector includes arts administration, dance, and choreography. Gail has a B.A. in Performing Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego. She has consulted with nonprofits in San Diego, assisting with fundraising, grant writing and administration, marketing, financial assessment, and board governance.
Gail provided executive support, operations and program management, and development assistance to the California Ballet Association (CBA) from 2008 - 2018, stewarding donors, and writing and administering grants. She launched CBA’s Sharing the Art outreach program for the purpose of creating more equity and inclusion in the performing arts sector. She taught ballet in San Diego to students ages 7 - adult for over 20 years, brought programs of creative dance to elementary schools, coached Olympic figure skating medalists, and currently teaches classical Pilates.
GITC Director of Development and Director of Programs
[email protected]
Gail Wingfield is GITC’s Director of Development and Director of Programs. She is an outstanding leader in GITC’s DEI development and an active member of that board-run committee. She also assists the board with strategic planning.
Gail brings a well-rounded perspective and vast personal creative experience to her work in arts education administration. Her long career in the nonprofit sector includes arts administration, dance, and choreography. Gail has a B.A. in Performing Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego. She has consulted with nonprofits in San Diego, assisting with fundraising, grant writing and administration, marketing, financial assessment, and board governance.
Gail provided executive support, operations and program management, and development assistance to the California Ballet Association (CBA) from 2008 - 2018, stewarding donors, and writing and administering grants. She launched CBA’s Sharing the Art outreach program for the purpose of creating more equity and inclusion in the performing arts sector. She taught ballet in San Diego to students ages 7 - adult for over 20 years, brought programs of creative dance to elementary schools, coached Olympic figure skating medalists, and currently teaches classical Pilates.
|
Tanya Dunaway
GITC Executive Assistant Tanya is a San Diego native who was raised in the city of Chula Vista. She is a Navy spouse, the mother of three children, and has a long career in office management and administration. Her dedication and passion for volunteering with kids, combined with her love of music, brought her to Guitars in the Classroom. Tanya is committed to serving the community and children to make the world a better place. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and being with her friends and family, dog, sulcata tortoise, and six chickens. |
Debra Cavataio
GITC Bookkeeper
Debi Cavataio has been a part of Guitars in the Classroom for over a decade. She loves the mission and works very hard to keep our information clear, our numbers correct, and everyone on the same page, financially. there is so much more a person has to understand and track when working with a 501c3 organization. The task is daunting! We are grateful for Debi's deep dedication, tireless work ethic and willingness to help, no matter what.
GITC Bookkeeper
Debi Cavataio has been a part of Guitars in the Classroom for over a decade. She loves the mission and works very hard to keep our information clear, our numbers correct, and everyone on the same page, financially. there is so much more a person has to understand and track when working with a 501c3 organization. The task is daunting! We are grateful for Debi's deep dedication, tireless work ethic and willingness to help, no matter what.
|
|