Board & Staff
Elected Officials
Dr. Brian Schneckenburger - Baltimore County
President, Maryland Music Educators Association
bks.mmea@gmail.com
Dr. Brian Schneckenburger is Supervisor of Music and Dance for Baltimore County Public Schools. He currently serves as President of the Maryland Music Educators Association and as a Steering Committee member for the Teaching with Primary Sources project for the National Association for Music Education. Brian also teaches adjunct in the music education department at Towson University. He received his Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction/Music Education from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Jennifer Kauffman - Anne Arundel County
President-Elect, Maryland Music Educators Association
jmk.mmea@gmail.com
Jennifer Kauffman is currently a K-5 General Music-4/5 Chorus teacher in Anne Arundel County, President-Elect of MMEA, Immediate Past President of MGMTA, and the 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, and as a MSDE MC3 Roster Artist has helped her awareness of the potential for all students and the drive to change instructional strategies to meet each student’s needs.
Angela Adams - Anne Arundel County
Immediate Past President, Maryland Music Educators Association
aja1.mmea@gmail.com
Angela Adams is the choral director and a piano instructor at Old Mill High School, where she has worked for four years. Previously, Angela was the Choral Director and PVA department chair at Brooklyn Park Middle School Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program. Prior to that she spent thirteen years teaching Elementary General/Vocal at North Glen Elementary, Hilltop Elementary, and Crofton Elementary. Angela has served on the Maryland Music Educators Association Executive Board since 2010 as President-elect and President of Maryland General Music Educators Association, MMEA Membership liaison, and then as President-Elect, President, Interim President, and now as Immediate Past President.
Thomas Pierre - Prince George's County
Member-At-Large, Maryland Music Educators Association
tompierre@hotmail.com
Thomas Pierre is a National Board Certified Music Teacher in Prince George's County Public Schools. He holds a certificate in Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy and is a 2020 CMA Music Teachers of Excellence National Award recipient. Other awards include: DC Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Teaching, The Kennedy Center Changing Education Through the Arts Certificate of Study, The Maryland Music Educators Association Outstanding Music Educator, and quarterfinalist for the 2019 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Mr. Pierre currently serves as MMEA Member-at-Large and has led workshops on a local, state, national, and international level, providing support to children and adults that aids in closing the achievement gap in urban education through arts education and arts integration.
Shefali Shah - Anne Arundel County
Recording Secretary, Maryland Music Educators Association
mmeasecretary@gmail.com
Shefali Shah is currently a Pre-K-5 General Music teacher in Anne Arundel County and works with local marching bands during the fall. Shefali graduated from Frostburg State University in 2019 with a B.S. in Music Education. She has served the MMEA board as Collegiate Representative, Exhibits Chair, and now Recording Secretary. Previously, she held a position with the National Association for Music Education to produce professional development certificates for music educators across the country. Shefali is active in music education advocacy at the federal and state level.
Matthew Heist - Anne Arundel County
President, Maryland Band Directors Association
mheist.mmea@gmail.com
Matthew Heist has taught music in Anne Arundel County for 17 years and is currently the Director of Bands at Broadneck High School in Annapolis, Maryland. His responsibilities at Broadneck include directing the concert bands, marching band, jazz band and percussion ensemble. Under his direction, Mr. Heist’s concert ensembles, jazz bands and marching ensembles have received consistent superior ratings at district and state festivals and gained a reputation for musical excellence. Matthew is also active in the Maryland Music Educators Association and is the current President of the Maryland Band Directors Association.
Dr. Christopher M. Cicconi - Towson University
President-Elect, Maryland Band Directors Association
cmc.mmea@gmail.com
Dr. Christopher M. Cicconi is currently the Director of Bands and Orchestras and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Towson University. Along with his role as music director of the Towson Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra, he teaches courses in conducting, repertoire, instrumental methods/pedagogy, and supervises student teacher interns. He is an active clinician, guest conductor, and presenter throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region and serves as the music director of the Hunt Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Young Victorian Theatre Company, the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra (Concert Orchestra), and the New England Music Camp Symphony Band (2nd session).
Dr. Edryn J. Coleman - Howard County
President, Maryland Choral Educators Association
ecoleman.mcea@gmail.com
Dr. Edryn J. Coleman is choral director at Oakland Mills High School in Howard County, Maryland where he directs choir and teaches piano. He has previously taught music at the elementary, middle, and collegiate level serving as Director of Choral Activities at two universities. To his credit, he has numerous guest conducting, judging, and professional presentation to date. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, he holds a BA in voice from Stillman College, an MME from Florida State University, and a DMA from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah University.
Antoinette (Toni) Daniel - Wicomico County
President-Elect, Maryland Choral Educators Association
adaniel.mcea@gmail.com
Toni Daniel is a longtime advocate and supporting of the Performing Arts. Completing her 18th year, she is the Director of Choral Activities at Parkside High School in Salisbury, Maryland. During her tenure, Toni has served in several roles for various choral events and organizations. Some of these positions include: All-Shore Junior and Senior Chair, District V Junior Choral Festival Chair, District V Senior Choral Festival Chair and the President of the Eastern Shore Choral Association. She understands the positive impact the performing arts can have on a student’s life – a place of acceptance and belonging.
AnneMarie Karnbach - St. Mary's County
President, Maryland Orchestra Directors Association
amk.mmea@gmail.com
AnneMarie Karnbach teaches orchestra, piano, and guitar at Chopticon High School, where she started the orchestra program 19 years ago. She enjoys guest conducting and adjudicating. She has a BFA in Music Performance from IUP, where she also spent four years performing with the Johnstown Symphony. AnneMarie currently lives in Hollywood, Maryland with her husband, Chris; their two kids, Christopher and Abby; three dogs, Murphy, Daisy, and Holly; and Nora the cat. She is very excited to be involved with MODA as the President-Elect!
Dana Shieh - Prince George's County
President-Elect, Maryland Orchestra Directors Association
dls.mmea@gmail.com
An active teacher and adjudicator, Mrs. Dana Shieh has been teaching for the past 28 years. She is currently the string orchestra director at Bishop McNamara High School. She was previously the string orchestra director at Thomas G. Pullen Arts Academy in Prince George’s County. Mrs. Shieh holds a bachelor’s degree in viola performance from Columbus State University, a master’s degree in music education from Florida State University, and Suzuki certification from Emory and Henry College. Mrs. Shieh has previously served as a director for the Summer Instrumental Music Experience at University of Maryland and has judged All-State, Solo and Ensemble, and Orchestra Festivals around the state. As a performer, Mrs. Shieh has performed professionally with the National Philharmonic Orchestra and other orchestras in the DC area.
Christie Cook - Calvert County
President, Maryland General Music Teachers Association
mgmtapresident@gmail.com
Christie Cook is the Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts for Calvert County Public Schools. She spent 14 years in the classroom teaching Music Appreciation and Orchestra at Northern and Windy Hill Middle Schools. Christie is excited to serve MMEA in her role as MGMTA President to further music education in Maryland through programming of outstanding professional development for teachers and continued advocacy for access to quality music education for students of all ages.
Ashleigh Cicconi - Harford County
President-Elect, Maryland General Music Teachers Association
Alc.mmea@gmail.com
Ashleigh Cicconi, M.Ed., MT-BC, holds a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy, Master’s degree in education, and is currently completing her Doctorate degree in educational leadership. She has served as a board certified music therapist and internship supervisor, as well as developed and implemented original educational music programs throughout multiple private educational institutions. A past early childhood music educator, Ashleigh currently works as an Adjunct Professor at Towson University and Longy School of Music, where she teaches and has developed several music education and music specialty courses. Ms. Cicconi further serves as a special educator in Harford County.
Dr. Louise Anderson - Salisbury University
President, Maryland Society for Music Teacher Education
dranderson.mmea@gmail.com
Dr. Anderson, an Assistant Professor and the Coordinator for Music Education at Salisbury University, MD, has 30 years of experience teaching music in PK-12 schools. Her focus areas are secondary general music, choral music education, curriculum writing, ukulele instruction, and music technology. Her commitment to service was rewarded with the Service Award for the Fulton School of the Humanities. She also performs a variety of instruments and sings with Diana Wagner, also an SU professor.
Dr. Laura Hicken - Towson Univeristy
President-Elect, Maryland Society for Music Teacher Education
lkh.mmea@gmail.com
Laura Hicken is an assistant professor of music education at Towson University. She teaches undergraduate and graduate music education courses and is the faculty sponsor for the Collegiate NAfME chapter. Hicken earned her Ph.D. in Music and Human Learning at the University of Texas at Austin, her Master of Music Education at UNC-Greensboro, and her Bachelor of Music Education at Furman University. Prior to teaching at Towson, Hicken taught band and general music in South Carolina and Florida.
Appointed Chairs and Representatives
Amy T. Hairston - Montgomery County
Advocacy Chair
ahairston.mcea@gmail.com
Amy T. Hairston is in her 16th year as a choral/general music and theatre teacher in MD (Springbrook HS). She is a proud alumnus of Oakland Mills HS & UMD. This summer, she joined the MCEA board as Professional Development Liaison. She has been a music clinician and adjudicator for Howard, Montgomery, Baltimore and Calvert County, and enjoys presenting at MMEA in-services.
Brian Kaufman - University of Maryland Baltimore County
Collegiate Chapters Representative
brian.kaufman@umbc.edu
Brian Kaufman is an Associate Professor of Music at University of Maryland Baltimore County, where he oversees the music education program, directs the wind ensemble, and teaches tuba and euphonium. His passion for social justice and civic engagement has shaped his contributions to the school, community, and international organizations in which he has been fortunate to serve. His work has led to performances and presentations across five continents at institutions including the United Nations, the Ford Foundation, Yale University, and Oxford University.
Devon Rafanelli - University of Maryland
Collegiate Representative
Devon Rafanelli is a third-year student at the University of Maryland pursuing a dual degree in Percussion Performance and Music Education. Devon has served on the board of her school’s NAfME chapter and is a very active member of the music education department. Devon is also the founder and President of UMD’s chapter of United Sound. Devon is an advocate for all students, especially students with disabilities, who she hopes to work with in the future.
Dr. Stephanie Prichard - University of Maryland
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Co-Chair
sfp@umd.edu
Dr. Stephanie Prichard is assistant professor of music education at the University of Maryland where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and supervises graduate research. Stephanie is past president of MSMTE and is currently serving as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Co-Chair on the MMEA board. Stephanie is an active researcher, specializing in music teacher identity development, music teacher evaluation, and issues of equity in music education. She regularly presents research and scholarly work at national and international symposia.
Maurice Watkins - Prince George's County
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Co-Chair
maurice.watkins@pgcps.org
Maurice Watkins is an elementary instrumental music teacher in Prince George's County. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and is currently pursuing his masters degree at Vandercook College of Music. Maurice is a classical percussionist and has performed with many community and professional organizations throughout the DC Metropolitan area.
Stephanie Thompson - Calvert County
Membership Development Chair
st.mmea@gmail.com
Stephanie Thompson was born in Annapolis, Maryland and currently resides in Prince Frederick, Maryland. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Frostburg State University with a BS in Music Education in 2004 and went on to receive a Master's Degree in Music Education from Boston University. From 2004-2008, Thompson worked in Queen Anne's County teaching General Music at Kent Island Elementary School and then Instrumental Band/Music Appreciation at Matapeake Middle School. From 2008 to the present, Thompson has taught General Music/Chorus in Calvert County at Beach Elementary School. She has served on the Executive Board of Delta Omicron as the 2nd Vice President since 2016 and the Calvert County Fine Arts Advisory Board since 2018. Thompson has enjoyed being active in MMEA for many years attending conferences, presiding at sessions, helping with registration, and serving on the MGMTA. Her main instrument is the alto saxophone and she also enjoys playing hand bells and singing alto in the choir.
Alysia Lee - Maryland State Department of Education
MSDE Representative
alysia.lee@maryland.gov
Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow, Alysia Lee, has received national recognition for advancing access, equity, visibility, representation, and power-sharing between artists, organizations, and communities. Key to her method is leadership development, building strong partnerships, and intersectional approaches to engagement while centering anti-racism, access, creativity, and justice.
Scott Schimpf - Maryland
Music Industry Representative
sschimpf@musicarts.com
Scott Schimpf is the Music Industry Representative. Scott has been working for Music & Arts, a Maryland-based music retail company, since 2012. During that time, he served as the store manager of the Severna Park location and is currently the Educational Representative for Anne Arundel County and Southern Maryland. He's been a member of the MMEA Executive Board since 2019. Scott holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College, and a Master of Arts in Instrumental Conducting from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. Scott and his wife Heather have two AKC/CGC certified therapy St. Bernards, Riley and Bella, who go on regular therapy dog visits in the Baltimore/Annapolis area.
Karl Stewart - Carroll County
Music Supervisors Representative
k_stewa@carrollk12.org
Karl Stewart is the Assistant Supervisor of Fine Arts for Carroll County Public Schools in Maryland. Additionally, he is also the Assistant Band Director and Adjunct Faculty member at Morgan State University. 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 and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Mr. Stewart remains active as a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician.
Krystal Williams - Baltimore City
Krystal Williams is currently the Band Director at Western High School for Girls in Baltimore, MD. Mrs. Williams attended Morgan State University as an undergraduate Music Major from 1999 to 2005. After receiving her B.A. in Instrumental Music, she continued her education in Conducting and was the Graduate Assistant for the Morgan State Band Program. Mrs. Williams also holds a M.A. in Teaching from the College of Notre Dame Maryland. She is a music teacher of 14 years with Baltimore City Public Schools. She currently resides in Windsor Mill, MD with her husband Dwight and son Matthew.
Stephanie Mayer-Sattin - Private School
Private School Representative
Ms. Stephanie Mayer-Sattin has been a member of the music faculty of the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland since 2000. 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 has studied with Hugh Sanders (Baylor University), Charles Hausmann (Houston Symphony Chorus), Christopher~Seaman (Naples Philharmonic and Rochester Symphony), and Michael Lankester (Hartford Symphony). Ms. Mayer-Sattin has presented at conferences for the Association for Independent Maryland Schools, the Maryland Music Educators’ Association Conference, National Association for Music Education Eastern Conference, the Performing Arts Medicine Association Conference, and has presented three times for the International Society for Music Education Conference. Ms Mayer-Sattin was recently honored with the MMEA 2021 Music Educator of the Year award. Her book chapter collaboration on musician health is published in Perspectives in Performing Arts Medicine Practice (Springer) and she is currently a doctoral student at Boston University.
Scott Engel - Washington County
State Large Ensemble Festivals Chair
Scott C. Engel is the band director at Boonsboro High School in Washington County. For the first 14 years of his career he was the band director at Perry Hall High School (Baltimore County) where he directed numerous ensembles including concert bands, marching band, pit orchestra, steel drum band, and jazz band. Scott gives back to his alma mater as a Drum Major Camp instructor for the Towson University Summer Marching Arts Camp.
Dr. Jeffrey Baer - Wicomico County
Solo & Ensembles Festivals Chair
Dr. Jeffrey Baer is the Supervisor of Fine Arts for Wicomico County Public Schools. During his 31-year career, Jeff has taught choral music and musical theatre in Wicomico and Somerset Counties. He is a church organist/choir director in Salisbury, an active accompanist, and musical director and actor for the Community Players of Salisbury. He holds music education and educational leadership degrees from Mansfield (PA), Florida State, and Walden Universities.
Walter Harley - Prince George's County
Walter A. Harley is in his 27th year as Chairman, Director of Bands and Orchestra at Oxon Hill High School. Oxon Hill bands/orchestra have received Superior and Excellent ratings at local, state, and national music festivals. Walter awards are Band Director of the Year 2008, LOVE Award 2009, 2012; Prince Georges’ County Teacher of the Year 2000, PGCPS Outstanding Educator of the Year 2010, 2011, 2012; The Washington Post Agnes Myer Outstanding Educator of the Year 2012, and NBA Citation of Excellence 2011, 2012 and 2016.
Richard McCready - Howard County
Richard A McCready teaches Music Technology, Piano, and Guitar, at River Hill High School in Clarksville, Maryland, and is also the Resource Teacher for Music Technology for Howard County, MD. He was awarded the 2013 TI:ME Mike Kovins Teacher of the Year Award, the 2013 Howard County Music Educator of the Year Award, and also the 2014 Maryland Outstanding Music Educator Award. He was also recognized by School Band and Orchestra as one of their “50 Directors Who Make A Difference” in 2017, and was a Grammy Music Educator Award semi-finalist in 2015.
Staff
JJ Norman
Executive Director
Noted as a progressive and creative thinker and leader, JJ Norman currently serves as Executive Director of the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA). Norman is responsible for representing educators across the state as he advocates for music education at both the state and national levels. In addition to his advocacy efforts, he oversees numerous professional development events for music educators, as well as various state music assessment festivals. In all he does, JJ seeks to improve equity of access to opportunities for all educators and students.
JJ previously served as professional development and collegiate programs manager for the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) where he managed online learning, national conferences, and the Association’s collegiate membership, including the annual Collegiate Advocacy Summit. Through his work, he has offered engaging and interactive sessions at state and national conferences. JJ is skilled in event planning, teaching, professional learning, leadership, and public speaking.
Norman holds degrees in music education and organizational leadership and currently sits on the University of Tennessee at Martin, Young Alumni Council. A proud Eagle Scout and Middle Tennessee native, JJ now lives in Prince George's County, Maryland, with his husband Samuel and puppies Titan and Aria.
Kayde Deardorff
Communications Manager
mmeamarylandinfo@gmail.com
Kayde is a nature lover and lifelong musician, and has been both a Teaching Artist and on the admin team at a number of Virginia nonprofits. She has been working in admin and customer service for 13 years, and really enjoys working remotely with MMEA.
Andie Sante
Operations Manager
mmeamarylandinfo@gmail.com
Andie is a life-long resident of Maryland and has spent the past 25 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.