Board & Staff
Elected Officials
Amy T. Hairston - Montgomery County
President, Maryland Music Educators Association
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Amy T. Hairston, MMEA President, is in her 20th year as a choral/general music teacher in Maryland (Springbrook HS). She is a proud alumnus of Oakland Mills High School and the University of Maryland. In addition to over a decade of work in Montgomery County, Amy has been a professional development clinician, virtual conductor and adjudicator for multiple school districts in Maryland, and has presented for CMEA, MMEA, NJMEA and the Maryland Arts Summit. She enjoys educational advocacy, vocal coaching for musicals and coaching youth soccer.
Chan'nel Howard - Baltimore City
President-Elect, Maryland Music Educators Association
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Chan’nel Williams Howard was born in Baltimore City and is a proud product of the Baltimore City Public Schools. She is a proud graduate of Western High School. Chan’nel received her bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University, her Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and is in pursuit of her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Walden University. Chan’nel heralds her greatest accomplishment as being a mom. She has three beautiful children, Jonathan, Benjamin, and Aubree, and a host of “band children” from her over 12 years as a band director at Northeast Middle School. Chan’nel has proudly served Baltimore City Public Schools for 22 years, where the bulk of her work was as a middle school band director and as Coordinator of Fine Arts since 2017.
Jennifer Kauffman - Baltimore County
Immediate Past President, Maryland Music Educators Association​
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Jennifer Kauffman is currently a K-5 General Music teacher in Baltimore County, Immediate Past President of MMEA, Past President of MGMTA, and the past NAfME Council for General Music Education Eastern Division Representative. In 2015, Jennifer was awarded an MMEA Award for Excellence in teaching, while teaching in Allegany County. Serving as a presenter, guest conductor, chaperone, adjudicator at local, district, state and eastern levels has helped her awareness of the potential for all students and the drive to change instructional strategies to meet each student’s needs.
Carrie Barrett Traube - Baltimore County
Recording Secretary, Maryland Music Educators Association
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Carrie Barrett Traube, NBCT, holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music Education Degree from Towson University. She has taught in Baltimore County Public Schools for 7 years. She is the current director of band and steel pan at Stemmers Run Middle School. During the summer, she enjoys working at music camps and marching band camps.
Otis L. Eldridge Jr., EdD - Baltimore City
Member-At-Large, Maryland Music Educators Association
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Otis Eldridge is a Baltimore native whose passion for music began in sixth grade at Booker T. Washington Middle School, where he first picked up the saxophone. A proud product of Baltimore City Public Schools, he went on to attend Baltimore City College High School before earning his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from Morgan State University. Otis currently serves as the band director and music teacher at Hamilton Elementary/Middle School in Northeast Baltimore, where he is committed to inspiring the next generation of young musicians.
Outside the classroom, he enjoys watching historical documentaries, producing Hip-Hop music, cooking, and catching up on basketball highlights.
Scott C. Engel - Washington County
President, Maryland Band Directors Association
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Scott Engel knows that the key to a well-rounded education is access to arts programs. As the band director and general music teacher at Boonsboro High School in Washington County (‘20-present), and formerly of Perry Hall High School in Baltimore County (‘06-‘20), he works to help his students grow as people and as musicians. Scott earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Music Education from Towson University, and while at TU, he was a member and drum major of the marching band. Scott continues to work with the TUMB as an arranger and a clinician for their summer marching arts drum major camp. Selected as one of the “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” in the December 2015 issue of School Band & Orchestra Magazine, Scott hopes to spend the rest of his career making a difference in the lives of his students and colleagues.
Dr. Susan Eckerle - Montgomery County
President-Elect, Maryland Band Directors Association
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Dr. Susan Eckerle (she/her), Director of Bands at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland, and directs three concert bands, jazz band, and co-directs the marching band. She earned a DA in Music Education from William Carey University, an MA in Conducting from California State University, Fresno, and a BME from Louisiana State University. For MMEA, she has served on the MBDA board and as assistant manager of the Senior All State Band. She is the MCPS Senior Honor Band Prep Conductor and an At-Large MMBA board member. She received the MMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award in 2023 and the Scroll of Excellence from WBDI in 2022.
Charnice Frazier - Anne Arundel County
President, Maryland Choral Educators Association
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Charnice Frazier holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from James Madison University and a Master of Music Education from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah University. Ms. Frazier currently serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Severn Run High School in Severn, MD, teaching choir, piano, and guitar. She is an active guest clinician, adjudicator, and voice teacher in the state of Maryland and Virginia. Ms. Frazier is an active member of MCEA, previously serving as the Tenor-Bass Demonstration Chorus manager, All State Chorus Audition site chair, and Assistant Senior Chorus All State Manager. She is also a sought a cappella arranger and clinician and is a frequent adjudicator for The Varsity Vocals ICCAs and ICHSAs.
Kevin A. Lewis, Sr. - Prince George's County
President-Elect, Maryland Choral Educators Association
Kevin A. Lewis, Sr. attended Prince George’s County Public Schools and graduated from Morgan State University with his B.A. in Vocal Performance and M.A. in Teaching. He previously taught in Dorchester County and currently teaches Vocal, A.P. Music and Piano at Laurel High School. He served as President of the E.S.C.D.A. (2016-17), TB Demo Chorus Manager (2024) and Senior All State Chorus Assistant Manager. He is Minister of Music at Emanuel UMC in Catonsville.
Stephanie Mayer-Sattin - Montgomery County (Private School)
President, Maryland Orchestra Directors Association
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Ms. Stephanie Mayer-Sattin has served as a public and private school educator of instrumental and choral music since 1990. She earned a B.A. degree in music education from Baylor University and a M.A. degree in choral conducting from the University of Houston. She studied with Hugh Sanders, Charles Hausmann, Christopher Seaman, and Michael Lankester. Ms. Mayer-Sattin is a festival adjudicator and presents at the AIMS, MMEA, NAfME Eastern Division, PAMA, and ISME conferences. Ms. Mayer-Sattin was the MMEA 2021 Music Educator of the Year. Her book chapter collaboration on musician health is published in Perspectives in Performing Arts Medicine Practice (Springer) and she is a doctoral candidate at Boston University.
Dr. Jeannine A. Sturm - Washington County
President-Elect, Maryland Orchestra Directors Association
Dr. Jeannine Sturm is in her seventeenth year teaching strings, five years in Maryland at North Hagerstown High School. She has also taught in Arizona, New York, Virginia and West Virginia. Dr. Sturm has led students to superior and excellent ratings at many festivals and competitions in Maryland and in West Virginia. She serves on the k-12 committee and is a material reviewer for the American String Teachers Association, has held positions in West Virginia for ASTA and WVMEA. At North High, Dr. Sturm also teaches guitar, piano, and IB music. She is the advisor of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, which was awarded State Chapter of the year for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years by the National Association for Music Education.
Gabriel Gray - Charles County
President, Maryland General Music Teachers Association
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Gabriel Gray is a General Music Teacher and Choral Director at William A. Diggs Elementary School, Charles County, MD. In addition to his work in the classroom, Mr. Gray is a member of his school’s Professional Learning Team and serves as Equity and Diversity Committee Chair. Within his district, Mr. Gray serves as a new teacher mentor and has contributed to general music curriculum writing. In addition to board responsibilities, Mr. Gray further serves MMEA as assistant manager of All State Junior Chorus. He holds a BA in Music Education from Marshall University, Huntington, WV. He is currently pursuing a Master of Music Education degree at the Longy School of Music at Bard College, Cambridge, MA.
Jess Windsor - Wicomico County
President-Elect, Maryland General Music Teachers Association
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Jess Windsor is an eighth year music educator on the Eastern Shore. She received her B.A. in Music Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and received her Master of Education from Salisbury University. She taught for seven years at Hurlock Elementary School in Dorchester County and now teaches at Pemberton Elementary School in Wicomico County. Over her career, Jess has held several leadership roles, focused on staff and student advocacy at the school and county levels. Outside of teaching, she is a Deacon of Kids Ministry at Canvas Church in Salisbury. ​​
Dr. Kate Evans - Towson University
President, Maryland Society for Music Teacher Education
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Dr. Kate Evans (she/her), Professor of Music Education at Towson University, is a specialist in choral and general music education. Dr. Evans earned a Ph.D. in music education at the University of Miami and degrees in choral conducting and music education from Central Michigan University. Before moving to higher education, she taught K-12 choir and general music in Michigan. An active clinician, conductor, and researcher, Dr. Evans presents at conferences and teacher in-services internationally and across the United States.
Dr. Robin Giebelhausen - University of Maryland, College Park
President-Elect, Maryland Society for Music Teacher Education
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Robin Giebelhausen is an assistant professor of music education at the University of Maryland specializing in general music where she is founder and coordinator of the Hatchling Community Music Program. Dr. Giebelhausen has taught students from birth (early childhood) to earth (retirement communities) and everything in between (preschool, elementary, secondary, college, professional development). She has presented across the nation and has publications in various journals. More information can be found at https://soundeducators.org/
Committee Chairs & Representatives
Erika Safford - Carroll County
Accessibility & Accommodations Chair
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Erika Safford has been teaching music for 12 years. She has taught high and middle school choir, k-5 general music, and adapted music. Currently, she has found her passion teaching at a separate day school in Carroll County, serving students aged 3-21 with diverse support needs, including an Autism program and students who are medically fragile. As a physically disabled, Autistic Erika is passionate about helping all students find success, joy, and community through music.
Doug Conrad - Frederick County
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Doug Conrad is the Band Director at Urbana Middle School in Frederick County, MD. Under his leadership, the program has grown into the largest in the county, consistently earning superior ratings at district-level events. An active guest conductor, adjudicator, and performer, Doug is also an in-demand professional development speaker. He has presented at the NAfME Eastern Division Conference and is scheduled to speak at the 2025 Midwest Clinic.
Amber Abbott, NBCT - Anne Arundel County
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Amber Abbott, NBCT, is in her 15th year of teaching and is currently the band director at Crofton High School in Anne Arundel County, having previously taught at Laurel High School in Prince George’s County (2011-2024). She is a graduate of the University of Maryland and the University of the Arts. Amber is passionate about providing high-quality and equitable opportunities in music to all students and hopes her work on the board will help better serve students across the state.
Madison McGee - Towson University
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Maddy McGee is a senior Music Education major at Towson University. She currently serves as President of Towson’s NAfME (National Association for Music Education) chapter, where her and her E-board work to create events and meetings to better prepare music education majors for the classroom. She is both excited and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of music education.
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Kellie Harvey, NBCT - Wicomico County
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Kellie Harvey, M.M.Ed., NBCT, a 2025 Grammy Music Educator Quarterfinalist, has been shaping young minds since 2014. Named 2025 Wicomico County Teacher of the Year Finalist, she designed a music and cultural dance curriculum that fosters creativity and critical thinking while promoting holistic student growth. As a Salisbury University adjunct professor and internship mentor, Mrs. Harvey empowers future teachers with confidence, classroom management techniques, and innovative arts integration strategies. 2022 MMEA Outstanding Music Educator, she champions professional development as a national clinician.
Dr. Melissa Goetschius - Baltimore County
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Dr. Melissa Goetschius is a Vocal Music (K-5) teacher in the Baltimore County Public School System. She has served as both an elementary instrumental music teacher and elementary vocal music teacher for BCPS for the past 23 years. Melissa’s research interests include elementary music education and Landscapes of Musical Practice. She has presented at conferences in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington DC. She has also presented her research as a poster session at the 2023 Research in Music Education Conference (RiME).
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Lulu Mwangi Mupfumbu - University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Initiatives Chair​
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Lulu Mwangi Mupfumbu is a professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she conducts the Camerata Chamber Choir and teaches music education and conducting. She holds a Master’s in Conducting from Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Atlantic Union College. An award-winning conductor, her ensembles have performed globally, achieving accolades at major events. Beyond academia, she actively guest conducts, and encourages students to use their talents to serve others.
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Karl Stewart - Carroll County
Finance & Development Chair​
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Karl Stewart is the Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts for Carroll County Public Schools in Maryland. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Faculty member at Morgan State University where he teaches music education courses. He is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Maryland Music Educators Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mr. Stewart remains active as a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician.
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Erin Chester - Anne Arundel County
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Erin Chester is the Orchestra Director at Crofton Middle School in Anne Arundel County. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with 23 years of experience. She earned her Bachelors of Music in Music Education from Ithaca College and her Masters of Arts in Music Education from the University of Maryland College Park. She performs as a violinist in the Washington Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra. She has been active on the MODA Board since 2019 and was the Maryland All State Junior Orchestra Manager from 2022-2024.
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Lizzie Devereux - State of Maryland (MSDE)
MSDE Representative
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Lizzie Devereux joined MSDE in 2023 as Director of Comprehensive Arts, bringing nearly two decades’ experience as a music teacher and administrator. Proud to call Maryland home since 2015, Lizzie served as United Way’s Education Director for 8 years before joining MSDE. She has a B.A. from Barnard College; an M.M. from East Carolina University; and an Ed.M. in Education Policy from Harvard University. She is a 2017 Maryland Leading Woman, Baltimore City resident, and still performs regularly in orchestras and chamber music groups.
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Mike Arena - Zeswitz Music
Music Industry Representative
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Mike Arena is currently the Director of School Service & Education for Zeswitz Music which serves school music programs across MD, PA, NJ and DE through instrument rentals, repairs and product sales. After graduating from West Chester University in 2007, Mike began his career in the Music Industry. He has served music education in many capacities including Education Rep, Inside Sales, Assistant Director of USBands and Director of the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps and now looks forward to serving music educators of Maryland in this new role!
Jessica Valadie - Anne Arundel County
Music Supervisors Representative
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Jessica Valadie is currently the Coordinator of Music for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Her previous experience includes teaching instrumental and general music and serving as Arts Supervisor for Calvert County Public Schools. Jessica received her Bachelor of Music degree from James Madison University in 1996 and received a MS in Curriculum & Instruction from McDaniel College in 2002. She is a past president of the Maryland Orchestra Directors Association and an active member of MMEA.
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Robby Burns, NBCT - Howard County
Music Technology Chair
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Robby teaches band and general music at Ellicott Mills Middle School in the Howard County Public School System, where he also co-directs the HCPSS Middle School GT Honor Band. Outside of HCPSS, he maintains a large private percussion studio, a freelance performing schedule, as well as adjudicating, coaching, and consulting work. Robby has presented at music educator conferences all over the country on a range of topics relating to band, orchestra, and technology. He is the author of “Digital Organization Tips for Music Teachers" from Oxford University Press. He produces a blog and podcast called Music Ed Tech Talk. Robby is a National Board Certified Teacher and 2025 TI:ME Teacher of the Year.
G. Scott Barton - Baltimore County (Private School)
Private Schools Representative
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Graham "Scott" Barton is a veteran music educator and conductor committed to building strong connections between public and private institutions. Currently Director of Vocal Music at The McDonogh School in Owings Mills, he brings over 20 years of experience leading award winning diverse choral and musical theater programs. A proud Penn State graduate with a Master’s in Conducting and Bachelor of Science in Music Education, Barton actively participates in ACDA and MMEA and looks forward to developing meaningful relationships in the greater DMV region.
Marina C. McLerran, Ph.D. - Towson University
Research Chair
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Marina McLerran is from Austin, Texas, and serves on the faculty at Towson University. She has a Ph.D. (2024) and an M.M. (2021) in music education from the University of Miami, and a B.M. in music education (2014) from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. She has been published in the Music Educators Journal and the state journals for Kansas, Florida, and Texas.
Phil Barnes - Montgomery County
State Large Ensemble Festivals Chair
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Phil Barnes has served as the Coordinator of Instrumental Music & Theatre for Montgomery County Public Schools since 2020. In this role, he supports over 200 teachers across the nation's 15th largest school district. MCPS is consistently named one of America’s Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. Before moving into administration, Phil spent 17 years teaching instrumental music, choral music, piano, guitar, music theory, music history, music technology, and music for special learners at the middle and high school levels. He is a proud product of the Maryland music education system, having attended Wicomico County Public Schools and the University of Maryland.
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Jenny Wegman-Ey - Howard County
State Solo & Ensemble Festivals Chair​
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Jenny Wegman-Ey is the band and orchestra director and Jeffers Hill Elementary School in Columbia, Maryland. She has worked with elementary and middle school students in Howard County and Prince George's County Public Schools in the areas of concert band, jazz band, gogo band, general music, and orchestra. Jenny graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, with a focus in clarinet performance. She is currently a master's candidate with the American Band College, in conjunction with Central Washington University, and is a scholarship candidate with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
John Pusateri - Baltimore County
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John is in his 25th year of teaching choral & orchestral music at Perry Hall High. Since becoming chair of the department in 2014, John has maintained a vibrant choral program. His ensembles regularly perform at the highest level at festivals, present sessions at the state conference, and many students are accepted to all state choir yearly. He is currently the Tri-M Chair of MMEA and the Tri-M Chapter Advisor at Perry Hall. John and his wife Mandi have three children, El, Lewey and Maryana, all of whom participate in the arts through dance and vocal performance.
Staff
Anthony J. Conto
Executive Director
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Anthony has been Executive Director for MMEA since July 1, 2022. Prior to his appointment, he came to MMEA with over a decade of service to the Board, as well as over two decades of experience as a music educator and arts administrator. His primary background is in instrumental music, as well as experience in choral music. He was the Director of Fine Arts and Director of Bands & Orchestra at Bishop McNamara H.S. in Forestville, Maryland. He earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Music in Music Education and Conducting, from the University of Maryland, as well as a graduate certificate in Executive Leadership in Arts and Culture Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania and National Arts Strategies. He is currently also the Artistic Director and Conductor for the D.C.’s Different Drummer’s Symphonic Band, in Washington D.C. He has an extensive background with non-profit organizations and a wealth of experience working with teams, event coordination, fundraising, and budget management. Anthony was born, raised and currently lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Kayde Deardorff
Communications Manager
Kayde is a nature lover and lifelong musician, and has been both a Teaching Artist and on the admin team in a number of Virginia nonprofits, specializing in healing arts and music education. She has been working in admin and communications/marketing for 15 years, and really enjoys working remotely with MMEA.
Andie Sante
Operations Manager
Andie is a life-long resident of Maryland and has spent the past 28 years working in administrative positions for non-profits in the arts and humanities. She is an Maryland All State Senior Chorus alumni and loves working for MMEA to promote music education in Maryland.