Elections

Rachel Horning is an Orchestra Director in Goshen Community Schools. She directs the 5th and 6th grade orchestras at Goshen Intermediate School, and assists the 7th to 12th grade orchestras at Goshen Junior High and Goshen High School. She is also the assistant director of the GHS Musical Pit Orchestra. From Goshen herself, Rachel enjoys helping grow and sustain the program she grew up in. She has taken groups to ISSMA for several years and her students consistently receive Gold with Distinction. She received her B.M. in Music Education from Anderson University in 2020 and studied viola with Amy Kniffen. 

In 2022, her second year of teaching, Rachel was the INASTA New Teacher of the Year. Outside her teaching, Rachel serves as a staff member for Indiana Musicians Abroad, as a viola sectional coach for the South Bend Youth Symphony, and has been a member of the INASTA Awards committee. She also is an avid performer, playing regularly as assistant principal viola with the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra, and subs for the ECSO String Quartet. Rachel also enjoys reading, playing with her cat, and hiking with her fiancé. 

Rachel Horning, Candidate for Secretary

What interests you about being on the Indiana ASTA board?

I enjoy helping things run smoothly behind the scenes, and greatly appreciate the camaraderie that we have amongst the string teachers in Indiana.  What a great thing to be a part of!  In my own program, I pride myself on clear communication with parents and students and feel I could bring that strength to the ASTA board as Secretary. 

What do you know about Indiana ASTA?

What do you know about Indiana ASTA?

Indiana ASTA is a collection of string teachers who help put on events to connect and educate the string teacher community and advance string education. This includes events like HSOI, All-State Orchestra, and All-Region. 

How do you see yourself balancing INASTA responsibilities and your teaching responsibilities?

As secretary, I see responsibilities as primarily attending meetings and communicating with members. These are things that will take dedicated time, but are manageable. I can plan a wedding and still get all the parts of my job done, I think this will not be too bad! 

What experience do you have that is related to the board position for which you have been nominated?

The details of the secretary position involve note-taking and communication, which I believe are my natural strengths. I have experience in my own teaching and have a strong connection and understanding with my students' families because of it. 

What connections or contacts do you have that would benefit our organization?

I am fairly well-connected within the string teacher community as a whole, but I think I have particularly strong connections with the northern half of the state, which is an area I feel is currently weaker than central and south in the ASTA chapter. 

Are you willing to travel to various parts of the state to support our INASTA events?

I would be able to travel as needed, as long as my own job does not conflict with ASTA events. 

What qualities do you believe make a great Secretary?

I believe a secretary is someone who gathers information and distributes it to those who need it, for both the future and posterity. They are detail-oriented, organized, and communicative. 

What personal qualities would you bring to the Board?

I am organized, consistent, and am able to communicate clearly and concisely. Through both my years of experience, demographic and age of students I teach, and physical location, I think I can bring a different perspective to the ASTA board. 

Meagan Barnett-Hickey is currently the Assistant Orchestra Director at Avon High School and is an avid freelance violist and violinist across the state of Indiana.

Previously, Meagan taught 6th grade beginning orchestra at Avon Intermediate West, 6th-8th grade orchestra at Lincoln Middle School in Pike Township and K-5 General Music at Fishback Creek Public Academy also in Pike Township. Meagan earned her bachelor’s in music education and Viola Performance from Butler University and studied viola with Richard Auldon Clark and violin with Lisa Brooks. She has travelled to Bangkok, Thailand to perform at the International Viola Society conference with a viola quartet made up of former students of Richard Clark. Meagan has performed in New York City and has also done a few studio recordings of new compositions. She consistently performs with several local orchestras and quartets around Indianapolis. Being an active member of the Indiana chapter of the American String Teachers Association, Meagan has been the Junior All-State Orchestra Coordinator for 3 years. She hopes to continue to serve Indiana Educators and advocate for music education.

Meagan Barnett-Hickey, Candidate for Secretary

What interests you about being on the Indiana ASTA board?

I would like to serve on the board as Secretary because I want to connect us more as a chapter and highlight awesome things that are going on in our programs all around the state.  I want to help our chapter continue to be resources for one another and serve our orchestra community!

What do you know about Indiana ASTA?

What do you know about Indiana ASTA?

Our chapter of Indiana ASTA serves orchestra teachers, studio teachers and string students to provide them excellent experiences in string education at all times of the year including professional development sessions, social events, All-State orchestras, All-Region orchestras, and so much more. With these experiences, I have served as the coordinator for the Junior All-State orchestra for the last 3 years and will continue to help provide musical experiences for students in the state of Indiana.

How do you see yourself balancing INASTA responsibilities and your teaching responsibilities?

I would dedicate time in the evenings and/or weekends to attend to ASTA responsibilities and respond to communication. 

What experience do you have that is related to the board position for which you have been nominated?

I was Secretary and Co-President of Butler University's chapter of NAfME and I was PLC leader at Avon Intermediate West for 3 years. 

What connections or contacts do you have that would benefit our organization?

I have connections to numerous studio teachers from all over the state, my fellow Avon orchestra directors, faculty and students from Butler University, and studio teachers and orchestra directors from the Chicago area. 

Are you willing to travel to various parts of the state to support our INASTA events?

Yes! I have already travelled to different parts of the state for different opportunities and am familiar with our events that happen all around our state.

What qualities do you believe make a great Secretary?

I think the best qualities to have for a great Secretary are good organization skills and being an avid communicator.  I believe that I hold these qualities as I am super organized and am responsive to all communication.  Beyond those, I also always stick to deadlines and I am a timely person. 

What personal qualities would you bring to the Board?

The qualities I bring to the board are organizational skills, connections to all teachers (including studio teachers), commitment to our chapter of ASTA and teamwork skills.

Colleen Tan is the Director of Orchestras and is the High School/Middle School Curriculum Director at Canterbury School and a member of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic violin section. An active violinist and violist, she has performed in the Vatican, Italy, Bermuda, Ireland, Portugal, and with the Washington Concert Opera, Montclaire String Quartet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Toledo Symphony along with performances for Pope John Paul II, Governor Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Legislature and many embassies in Washington, DC. She is a member of the Lake String Quartet, the ensemble in residence at Yellowstone National Park. She was the Conductor of the WV Youth Symphony Youth Strings Ensemble for a decade. She has held the post of interim Conductor for the Fort Wayne Youth Symphony. She served as chair for the American String Teachers Association's National ASTACAP Committee and as chair for ASTA State Leadership Council, WV ASTA Chapter state president, WV Orchestra Directors’ Association vice president, and currently chairs ASTACAP for Indiana and co-chairs the Indiana ASTACAP Northern Site exams. In 2025, she was named a Music Educator of the Year by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

 A National Board Certified Teacher in Orchestra for Early Adolescents and Young Adults, she has enjoyed conducting honors orchestras, all-county orchestras, school orchestras and bands, and presenting at national ASTA and state MEA conferences. Colleen earned her MM in Violin Performance at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and BM in Violin Performance and Instrumental Music Education at The Catholic University of America. She maintains a private violin studio in Fort Wayne. Colleen and her husband Timothy Tan are blessed with two daughters. 

Colleen Tan, Candidate for President-Elect

What interests you about being on the Indiana ASTA board?

I hope to serve all of our Hoosier colleagues and Indiana string students by sharing the warmth of ASTA throughout the state. All students can flourish and achieve more when we leverage the amazing pool of collegiate and k-12 educators to bring the best pedagogy to our students. INASTA is uniquely gifted with teaching excellence throughout our state. I would like to use my experience to continue the fantastic growth we’ve enjoyed statewide. 

What do you know about Indiana ASTA?

What do you know about Indiana ASTA?

Indiana ASTA is a welcoming community full of highly competent and engaged teachers who live the mantra of servant-leaders. After teaching in three states, I am still amazed at the energy, passion, and dedication of our colleagues. The state is rich in opportunities for teachers in a variety of platforms: contests, socials, professional development, and connection.

How do you see yourself balancing INASTA responsibilities and your teaching responsibilities?

I have experience balancing a lot of roles, and I have confidence that I will be able to manage these dual roles. 

What experience do you have that is related to the board position for which you have been nominated?

I have served as ASTA Chair of the State Council of Presidents, where I coordinated professional development for State Presidents in tandem with the national ASTA President. I also led meetings for state presidents quarterly to help them with their state chapter goals and visions. I have also served as chair of the National ASTACAP committee, and continue to serve on the committee in a member capacity. I have served as  President Elect of West Virginia ASTA (prior to our move to Indiana) and VP of the West Virginia Orchestra Directors Association (IMEA). I am currently HS/MS Curriculum Director for Canterbury School and am chairing the accreditation process for our school.

What connections or contacts do you have that would benefit our organization?

Having served in ASTA at the National level for a long time, I know a variety of dynamic string educators and advocates. I am also an active professional violinist and am connected to many excellent players and conductors for workshops.

Are you willing to travel to various parts of the state to support our INASTA events?

Yes, I will travel as much as possible. I do have a performance calendar with the FW Philharmonic, but will make use of my available times for ASTA. I think that going to events is very important and should happen whenever possible.

What qualities do you believe make a great President-Elect?

I believe a willingness to listen to all voices is essential for a great President-Elect. Taking multiple perspectives before making decision making builds more trust in the membership. Having a vision for growth and understanding the needs and limits of a volunteer force make a great President-Elect.  

What personal qualities would you bring to the Board?

I have a level demeanor, a strong sense of integrity, and act with propriety and discretion. I am organized, tactful, and strategic in my thinking. I have years of leadership experience with ASTA and have a sense of humor. As an active performer, studio teacher, classroom teacher, and with experience as a youth orchestra conductor, I have served and lived a lot of the roles of our constituents

Shaina Liv Lescano is a bilingual music educator with a career defined by leadership, logistical excellence, and a deep commitment to public education and music education advocacy. She currently serves as the Orchestra Director at Belzer Middle School, where her program serves students in 6th–8th grade. Throughout her career, Lescano has been a champion for diverse musical traditions, establishing successful mariachi programs at both Belzer and her previous placement at West Noble Middle School. In addition to her classroom work, she remains an active performer and mentor as a private cello instructor in the northeast Indianapolis area. Lescano’s leadership experience is rooted in statewide advocacy and professional service. She currently serves as the Advocacy Chair for the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) and previously served on the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) Board of Directors. Her influence on educational policy reached a national level in 2025, when she was elected to the National Resolutions Committee for the National Education Association (NEA). Through her multifaceted involvement with ASTA, IMEA, ISTA, and the NEA, Shaina has cultivated a unique leadership perspective that bridges the gap between the string classroom and legislative advocacy. These experiences have transformed her into a leading voice for the profession, allowing her to advocate effectively for the resources and recognition that public education and music programs deserve. By combining her “on-the-ground” experience as a string educator with her high-level committee work, she has developed the strategic vision necessary to lead INASTA toward a more inclusive and advocacy-driven future. 

Shaina Liv Lescano, Candidate for President-Elect

What interests you about being on the Indiana ASTA board?

I am seeking a seat on the Indiana ASTA board because I value the profound sense of community and professional support this organization has provided throughout my career. I want to give back to an association that has facilitated enduring professional partnerships and meaningful friendships. Serving on the board will allow me to continue being a vocal advocate for public schools and music education in our state. What do you know about Indiana ASTA?

What do you know about Indiana ASTA?

Indiana ASTA offers various opportunities for both student development and teacher enrichment. From the All-Region events to the High School Orchestra Invitational (HSOI) at Ball State, and our flagship All-State Orchestra, the organization creates high-level musical benchmarks. Beyond the students, I deeply value the 'educator-first' initiatives, such as the IMEA annual breakfast and the hospitality rooms at ISSMA State Solo & Ensemble, which provide the rare but necessary space for us to recharge and reconnect.

How do you see yourself balancing INASTA responsibilities and your teaching responsibilities?

To manage my commitments effectively, I maintain a rigorous, multi-level organizational system. My planning allows me to view my schedule by the week, month, and quarter, which is essential given my existing leadership roles within NAfME, ISTA, and NEA. I view these roles as complementary rather than competing; my work in one often informs the others, ensuring that I stay efficient and disciplined with my time.

What experience do you have that is related to the board position for which you have been nominated?

I bring significant governance experience to this nomination. As a former Board of Director for the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA), I was responsible for overseeing a multi-million dollar budget, representing Indiana’s interests at the national level, and attending various conferences at the state and national level. This role honed my skills in public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and large-scale organizational leadership, all of which are directly transferable to this role.

What connections or contacts do you have that would benefit our organization?

I currently hold two key positions that would directly benefit INASTA. First, my work on the NEA Resolutions Committee keeps me at the forefront of national education policy. Second, as the Advocacy Chair for IMEA, I am already working to mobilize music educators across the state. Because I am Advocacy Chair, I am also Indiana's ALF. Each state has 1-2 ALF for NAfME, and I attend various trainings and collaborative meetings that discuss music education policy and advocacy at the state and national level. I have tapped into the Indiana Arts Education Network, a coalition of arts organizations. These connections would allow me to better align INASTA’s goals with broader legislative efforts to support and defend the arts in Indiana schools.

Are you willing to travel to various parts of the state to support our INASTA events?

Absolutely. I believe that for INASTA to be a truly 'state-wide' organization, leadership must be present and accessible. It is vital to visit programs in every corner of Indiana to ensure that every member, regardless of their district's size or location, feels seen, heard, and valued by the board.

What qualities do you believe make a great President-Elect?

A great President-Elect must be an active listener and apprentice. The role requires the humility to ask questions and the initiative to support the current President’s vision. It’s important that the three roles ensure that the transition of leadership is seamless and that organizational momentum isn't lost.

What personal qualities would you bring to the Board?

I bring a unique blend of 'soft' and 'hard' skills to the board. I am an outgoing communicator who is comfortable with public speaking and networking—and I believe a well-timed sense of humor is essential for board morale. However, I also bring rigorous administrative experience from my union work. I am proficient in overseeing budgets, navigating Robert’s Rules of Order, and managing large assemblies. My background in organizing, mobilizing, and lobbying legislators means I am prepared to represent INASTA in various spaces.