Empowering communities through music, emotional intelligence, and human-centered leadership. Building programs that foster creativity, connection, and growth.
Accomplished arts educator and program director with over 10 years of experience leading culturally responsive music instruction, arts integration, and community engagement across public schools, nonprofits, and private studios.
Proven leadership in designing inclusive curricula, managing cross-functional teams, and directing summer programs, with a focus on equity, creativity, and student empowerment.
Skilled in developing and scaling programs that combine arts education with emotional literacy, mentorship, and professional development for youth and adults.
Deep expertise in program evaluation, instructional design, arts operations, and DEI-focused initiatives across diverse educational environments.
Strong communicator and collaborator with a track record of mentoring staff, building high-trust relationships, and leading professional development on trauma-informed and culturally relevant practices.
Technologically fluent, with advanced proficiency in Google Workspace, music production software, digital instruction tools, and CRM systems to streamline arts education delivery and administration.
Current PsyD student in Leadership Psychology at William James College, focused on organizational wellness, emotional intelligence, and human-centered leadership.
Hamilton Studios LLC, Gaithersburg, MD
Founder | Arts Program Director | Private Music Instructor
2021 – Present
Founded and scaled a successful private music education business delivering both virtual and in-person instruction across instrumental and vocal disciplines.
Designed and implemented comprehensive arts programming for students aged 13 and up, integrating voice, piano, music theory, and performance coaching.
Directed strategic growth initiatives, including client acquisition, financial oversight, billing systems, and CRM-based scheduling solutions.
Developed custom music education curricula tailored to diverse learning styles and student goals, including college audition prep, performance training, and adult learner re-engagement.
Leveraged edtech platforms to expand access, support hybrid learning, and enhance student outcomes, achieving a client retention rate above industry standard.
Established community partnerships and referrals, including connecting families with vetted local piano technicians and performance opportunities.
Maple Avenue Fine Arts Academy (MAFAA), Vienna, VA
Studio Coordinator & Instructor
2024 – Present
Organized and optimized the studio scheduling system for improved efficiency.
Managed the studio directory, coordinating staff logins, parent communications, and finance tracking.
Designed an inclusive curriculum tailored to diverse student populations for both private lessons and summer courses.
Provided private music instruction in piano and voice to students ranging from ages 9 to 45.
Established a connection between the studio and a highly skilled piano tuner, enhancing the quality of studio instruments.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Rockville, MD
General & Choral Music Teacher
2023 – 2025
Plan and deliver standards-based music instruction for over 200 students in grades K-5 using culturally responsive pedagogy.
Integrate general music curriculum with state and national arts standards to build musical literacy, creativity, and collaborative skills.
Utilize Boxlight and Google Suite platforms to facilitate blended learning and enhance student engagement.
Collaborate with grade-level teams and administrators to support school-wide initiatives, performances, and equity-focused programming.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), Falls Church, VA
Music Teacher | Specialist Team Leader | Arts Integration Lead
2014 – 2023
Delivered comprehensive general music instruction to K-6 students using a standards-aligned, culturally inclusive curriculum.
Spearheaded annual student performances, increasing school arts engagement from 2 to 10 events per year.
Led specialist team including PE, library, art, and STEAM, facilitating curriculum integration, scheduling, and professional learning.
Developed school-wide equity and behavior management initiatives focused on positive community engagement.
Managed arts program budget and community-facing spirit wear fundraisers.
Provided professional development and mentorship to new teachers and staff.
Produced multimedia instructional content and virtual concerts using Logic Pro, iMovie, and Google apps.
Presented trauma-informed music teaching practices at the 2019 VEA Instruction & PD Conference.
Summer Arts Programs – FCPS
Curriculum Designer & Instructor (IFTA/EIFTA)
Summers 2014 – 2022
Designed innovative beat-making and music production curriculum for FCPS’s premier arts camps.
Facilitated engaging virtual and in-person instruction that emphasized creativity, musical exploration, and peer collaboration.
Recognized for high student engagement and cross-departmental collaboration with teaching artists.
Thomas Circle Singers, Washington, DC
Assistant Conductor | Lead Tenor
2022 – 2025
Provide sectional leadership and vocal coaching in a high-level community chorus.
Lead full rehearsals and support artistic planning in collaboration with the conductor.
Levine Music, Washington, DC
Site Director | Summer Music Instructor
Summers 2019 - 2025
Oversaw summer arts education operations for 70-100 students grades 1–6.
Directed scheduling, class logistics, recital preparation, and staff supervision.
Facilitated positive psychology curriculum and parent communication strategies.
Supervised 15 teaching staff and 20 teen apprentices in a fast-paced camp environment.
Metropolitan School of the Arts, Alexandria, VA
Private Instructor | DEI Committee Member
2015 – 2021
Provided private voice and piano instruction for students ages 9–45, with a focus on musical theater, audition prep, and confidence-building.
Created inclusive, trauma-informed curriculum tailored to student learning styles and goals.
Trained staff in digital teaching tools including Musition, Auralia, and ForScore.
Recruited and onboarded new teaching faculty.
Served on the Metropolitan Anti-Bias Action Committee, developing inclusive programming and student wellness support.
Erie First Assembly / Christian Academy, Erie, PA
Worship & Fine Arts Director | K-12 Music Educator
2011 – 2014
Directed music ministry and production for a 1,000-member congregation.
Taught general music and ensemble courses for students K–12 in a private Christian school setting.
Produced community music nights and collaborated with other churches to build inclusive worship partnerships.
Young People’s Chorus of Erie, Erie, PA
Vocal Coach | Assistant Conductor
2010 – 2013
Provided private coaching and sectional leadership for youth choruses, focusing on vocal technique and musical development.
Fairfax County Public Schools: Teaching Mentor 3 years
Public Speaker & Performer 10+ years
Camp Levine Site Director 1 year
Westlawn ES: Specialist schedule creator 6 years
Westlawn ES: Specialist Team Lead 4 years
Westlawn ES: Expanded music program from 2 yearly concerts to 5-10 annual impactful arts events and partnerships
Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) Anti-Bias Action Committee board member 1 year
Multiple Organizations: Staff training facilitator 10+ years
Multiple Organizations: Extensive community event planning experience 10+ years
B.A. Music Performance, Allegheny College
2003-2007
M.Ed. Middle & Secondary Education, Penn West at Edinboro
2009-2011
Psy.D. Leadership Psychology, William James College (in progress)
2025-present
Certifications & Trainings
FlipGrid Certified Expert, 2022
Google for Education Product Training, 2021
Leadership & Facilitation Training, ManKind Project, 2020–2023
Conflict Resolution & Multicultural Awareness Training, ManKind Project, 2020–2023
Professional Affiliations
National, Maryland, and Virginia Educators Associations (NEA, MSEA, VEA)
ManKind Project USA – Facilitator, Trainer, Integration Group Coordinator, Council Representative
Fairfax County Public Schools – Mentor Teacher, Team Leader, Student Support Advocate
Conference Presentations & Volunteer Work
VEA Professional Development Conference – Presenter (Trauma-Informed Practices)
Pine Springs Camp – Weekly Volunteer Director (2015–2019)
Chi Alpha / Royal Family Kids Camps – Program Coordinator (2012–2014)
PostGraduate Professional Teaching License, Commonwealth of Maryland Music Instrumental & Choral/Vocal PreK-12,
Effective: 2023-2033
PostGraduate Professional Teaching License, Commonwealth of Virginia Music Instrumental & Choral/Vocal PreK-12,
Effective: 2019-2029
Orff-Schulwerk Level 1 Certificate, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, OH
July 2014
First Steps in Music Certificate, Feierabend Association of Music Education (FAME), Falls Church, VA
May 2015
Responsive Classroom Certificate, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), Falls Church, VA
February 2015