Soundscapes Staff are the passionate educators, mentors, and nonprofit professionals who make our mission possible every day. United by a belief in the power of music to transform lives, our team works together to create welcoming, high-quality programs that help young people build confidence, develop life skills, and discover their potential both on and off the stage.
Program Staff
Instructional Staff
Our instructional staff are accomplished teaching artists and professional musicians who bring real-world experience into every rehearsal and classroom. They inspire students not only through exceptional music instruction, but by modeling creativity, discipline, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.
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Bryan Austin
Brass Teaching Artist (Carver)
Bryan Austin is a dedicated music educator at Soundscapes, bringing 10 years of experience and… -
Isaiah Thomas
Instructional Swing (Carver)
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Joshua Sierra Delgado
Level 3 Strings Director (Carver)
Joshua Sierra-Delgado began studying Cello when he and his family moved to the United States…
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Julieta Fahie
Level 1 Director (Carver & Hampton)
Julieta has lived most of her life in San Diego, California, but was born in…
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Julissa Martinez
Level 2 Woodwinds Teaching Artist (Beulah)
Julissa Martínez is an educator who believes in the power of music to build confidence,…
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Marlana Chamblee
Level 2 Woodwinds Teaching Artist (Carver)
Marlana Chamblee is currently an elementary music teacher with Newport News Public Schools at Carver…
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Paul Sanho Kim
Music Director, Peninsula Youth Orchestra
Paul Sanho Kim teaches violin and conducting at Old Dominion University and directs the ODU…
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Steven Cunningham
Peninsula Youth Jazz Band Director
Dr. Steven Cunningham is the Assistant Professor of Music Education at Hampton University. He earned…
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Taylor Williamson
Level 2 Strings Director (Carver)
Taylor Williamson has been playing the violin since she was 5 years old, and has…
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Westley Benson
Ensemble Director (Carver)
Westley Benson graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Institute. He began…
Bryan Austin
Brass Teaching Artist (Carver)
Bryan Austin is a dedicated music educator at Soundscapes, bringing 10 years of experience and expertise to the classroom with a nurturing approach and a deep understanding of various genres and instruments.
Isaiah Thomas
Instructional Swing (Carver)
Joshua Sierra Delgado
Level 3 Strings Director (Carver)
Joshua Sierra-Delgado began studying Cello when he and his family moved to the United States more than a decade ago from Humacao, Puerto Rico. He attended Loyola University New Orleans, under the tutelage of Professor Philip von Maltzahn. Mr. Sierra-Delgado has performed with the VSO, LPO, and Nola Chamber Orchestra, and is also a Studio Cellist. He is excited to join us at Soundscapes!
Julieta Fahie
Level 1 Director (Carver & Hampton)
Julieta has lived most of her life in San Diego, California, but was born in Acapulco, Mexico. She discovered her love of music while attending music class in elementary school. She continued her music career by participating in a mariachi band, choir, and many ensembles. While attending Grossmont College in San Diego, she studied classical voice, majoring in music with a minor in musical theater.
Julissa Martinez
Level 2 Woodwinds Teaching Artist (Beulah)
Julissa Martínez is an educator who believes in the power of music to build confidence, community, and creative expression. Her work across diverse learning environments centers high-energy instruction and meaningful relationships that support students’ musical and social-emotional growth. Julissa is excited to serve as the Level 1 Director at Soundscapes’ Beulah Recreation Center site.
Marlana Chamblee
Level 2 Woodwinds Teaching Artist (Carver)
Marlana Chamblee is currently an elementary music teacher with Newport News Public Schools at Carver Elementary. She joined the Soundscapes teaching artist staff Sept. 2018 as Level 2 Woodwinds instructor. Her primary instrument is alto saxophone. Marlana holds a bachelor’s (ECSU) and master’s degree in music education (ODU). She began her teaching career in September 2015 teaching in Camden County.
Paul Sanho Kim
Music Director, Peninsula Youth Orchestra
Paul Sanho Kim teaches violin and conducting at Old Dominion University and directs the ODU Symphony Orchestra. Named the Virginia Music Teachers Association’s 2022 Commissioned Composer, Kim’s music has been featured on NPR and by the Virginia Symphony and Symphonicity. He was formerly a violinist with the Roanoke Symphony and also a U.S. Marine.
Steven Cunningham
Peninsula Youth Jazz Band Director
Dr. Steven Cunningham is the Assistant Professor of Music Education at Hampton University. He earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts and his Master of Music from the University of Maryland and his Bachelor of Music from VCU. Steven has performed with the Brass Band of Battle Creek, 8-Bit Big Band, Camille Thurman, Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, No BS! Brass Band and many more.
Taylor Williamson
Level 2 Strings Director (Carver)
Taylor Williamson has been playing the violin since she was 5 years old, and has studied under Dianne Chapman, Brendan Elliot, Jeanne DeDominick, and June Huang. While a student of Old Dominion University, she participated in the symphony orchestra and the Russell Stanger String Quartet before earning her bachelor’s degree in music education with a concentration in orchestral strings.
Westley Benson
Ensemble Director (Carver)
Westley Benson graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Institute. He began studying piano and percussion at age five. He has taught piano and percussion to several students in the Hampton Roads area and continues to maintain a roster of active student musicians. He is the Music Director of the Doorway Singers.
Program Support Staff
Behind every successful program is a team making it all possible. Our program support staff develop engaging curriculum, coordinate the countless details that keep our programs running smoothly, and ensure our instructors have the tools they need to help every student succeed.
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Catina Billups
Connections Specialist (Carver)
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Ciara Alexander-Baker
Level 1 Supervisor
Ciara Alexander-Baker is a singer-songwriter from Richmond, Va. After graduating from Norfolk State University, Ciara…
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Heather Kelly
Carver & Hampton Program Manager
Heather Kelly began her musical journey in chorus at Greenwood Elementary and later performed clarinet…
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Jeremiah Roselle
Director of Programs & Community Engagement (Greater Richmond)
Jeremiah Roselle is a dedicated music educator with over eight years of experience. A graduate…
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Mateo Ayala Roman
Performance Ensemble Coach
Mateo Ayala Roman is a clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, and educator from Puerto Rico. He holds…
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Peter Amos
Community Ensembles Program Manager
Peter is a guitarist, composer, and educator in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Following…
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Roy Johnson, III
Connections Specialist (Discovery STEM Academy)
Roy Johnson, III, also serves as a Security Officer at Discovery STEM Academy and a…
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Triston Stevens
Performance Ensemble Coordinator
Triston Stevens, a self-taught musician and Hampton Roads native, has been making, mixing, and producing…
Catina Billups
Connections Specialist (Carver)
Ciara Alexander-Baker
Level 1 Supervisor
Ciara Alexander-Baker is a singer-songwriter from Richmond, Va. After graduating from Norfolk State University, Ciara began to pursue her Career in Music. In 2016, Ciara began working at Soundscapes; a non-profit organization based in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is currently Co-Level 1 director at Soundscapes. Ciara enjoys everything music and technology and loves to incorporate unique styles of playing. She finds great pleasure playing with her all-female band and promotes the empowerment of women in music.
Heather Kelly
Carver & Hampton Program Manager
Heather Kelly began her musical journey in chorus at Greenwood Elementary and later performed clarinet with Virginia State University’s Trojan Explosion Marching Band and Wind Ensembles. With over a decade in education and workforce development, she brings her passion for youth success and her love of music to Soundscapes’ mission of transforming lives through music.
Jeremiah Roselle
Director of Programs & Community Engagement (Greater Richmond)
Jeremiah Roselle is a dedicated music educator with over eight years of experience. A graduate of Norfolk State University and current Master of Music Education candidate at Bob Jones University, he specializes in percussion and piano. Passionate about inspiring young musicians, Jeremiah is excited to help bring Soundscape’s innovative music education model to the Richmond area.
Mateo Ayala Roman
Performance Ensemble Coach
Mateo Ayala Roman is a clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, and educator from Puerto Rico. He holds a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Puerto Rico. A former musician in the U.S. Air Force, he has performed worldwide and collaborated with Grammy-winning artists. He is passionate about mentoring aspiring musicians!
Peter Amos
Community Ensembles Program Manager
Peter is a guitarist, composer, and educator in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Following his graduation from college, Peter moved to New York City, where he performed in jazz clubs, art spaces, avant garde theater productions, converted auto-body shops, and subway stations. He now lives in Newport News, where he performs, writes, and maintains a large private studio.
Roy Johnson, III
Connections Specialist (Discovery STEM Academy)
Roy Johnson, III, also serves as a Security Officer at Discovery STEM Academy and a football coach at Huntington Middle School. As a Connections Specialist with the Soundscapes after-school music education program at DSA, he continues to pursue his passion for supporting youth by promoting safety, discipline, mentorship, and positive growth in the community.
Triston Stevens
Performance Ensemble Coordinator
Triston Stevens, a self-taught musician and Hampton Roads native, has been making, mixing, and producing music for over 10 years. His work has garnered a growing monthly listening audience on Spotify. In addition to his musical creations, Triston has cultivated a thriving community centered around synthesizers, encouraging creativity and collaboration among fellow artists and enthusiasts.
Administrative Staff
Our administrative staff provide the foundation that allows our programs to thrive. From finance to communications and fundraising, they work behind the scenes to support our program staff and advance Soundscapes’ mission every day.
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Bobbie Strand
Finance Manager
Bobbie grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and moved to Hampton Roads after…
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Carol Minter
Executive Director
Carol Minter has more than 15 years of management experience for nonprofits in Hampton Roads…
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Jeremiah Roselle
Director of Programs & Community Engagement (Greater Richmond)
Jeremiah Roselle is a dedicated music educator with over eight years of experience. A graduate…
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Katie Sackett
Communications Manager
Katie Sackett is a nonprofit development pro with killer IT and artistic skills. She has…
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Paola Bowen
Grant Writer
Paola Zamora, a Kansas native, studied Music Education with a vocal emphasis at Kansas State…
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Princess Fenner
Office & HR Manager
Princess holds a BSBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus and has over six…
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Rebecca Kim
Development Manager
Rebecca Kim holds a degree in music education from James Madison University and graduate degrees…
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Reynaldo Ramirez
Co-founder & Program Director
Reynaldo Ramirez has served within the field of music education for over 25 years. He…
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Sara Balgoyen
Director of Community Engagement
Sara has 15 years of experience in non-profit work. She has a BS from New…
Bobbie Strand
Finance Manager
Bobbie grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and moved to Hampton Roads after college. With a degree in accounting, she has 15+ years of experience working with debits and credits. She loves spending time with family & friends, traveling & relaxing on the beach. With 4 kids & 6 grandchildren, you are most likely to find Bobbie at one of their sporting events or theatre performances.
Carol Minter
Executive Director
Carol Minter has more than 15 years of management experience for nonprofits in Hampton Roads and beyond. Her areas of expertise include fundraising strategy, grant writing, and event planning. Carol has a BA in Communication from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Academy for Nonprofit Excellence at Tidewater Community College.
Jeremiah Roselle
Director of Programs & Community Engagement (Greater Richmond)
Jeremiah Roselle is a dedicated music educator with over eight years of experience. A graduate of Norfolk State University and current Master of Music Education candidate at Bob Jones University, he specializes in percussion and piano. Passionate about inspiring young musicians, Jeremiah is excited to help bring Soundscape’s innovative music education model to the Richmond area.
Katie Sackett
Communications Manager
Katie Sackett is a nonprofit development pro with killer IT and artistic skills. She has more than 10 years’ experience working with nonprofits in Hampton Roads. Katie joined Soundscapes in mid-2019 because of her love of music and passion for social justice. She has a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. Katie lives in Hampton with her partner, Chris, and their three cats, Evie, Pancake, and Aether.
Paola Bowen
Grant Writer
Paola Zamora, a Kansas native, studied Music Education with a vocal emphasis at Kansas State University. She taught elementary music, served as a high school marching band assistant, and taught private voice and piano lessons at Flint Hills Academy of Music. Now based in Virginia, Paola is eager to continue teaching music as one of the Level One Directors at Soundscapes.
Princess Fenner
Office & HR Manager
Princess holds a BSBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus and has over six years of administrative experience. She specializes in streamlining workflows, building connections, and anticipating organizational needs. Passionate about music’s power to inspire, she finds joy in supporting Soundscapes’ mission to enrich youth through music.
Rebecca Kim
Development Manager
Rebecca Kim holds a degree in music education from James Madison University and graduate degrees in music performance from The Boston Conservatory and East Carolina University. She has performed with faculty of Old Dominion University and ECU, and has played abroad in Japan and the Czech Republic. For Rebecca, the best thing about music is collaborating with other creative minds to bring great ideas to life!
Reynaldo Ramirez
Co-founder & Program Director
Reynaldo Ramirez has served within the field of music education for over 25 years. He was instrumental in establishing El Sistema USA and served as a founding board member and treasurer. He is a noted leader within the El Sistema movement where he has presented at universities and conferences throughout the country. He plays Horn with the Virginia Wind Symphony and freelances.
Sara Balgoyen
Director of Community Engagement
Sara has 15 years of experience in non-profit work. She has a BS from New Mexico State University and a MBA from Concordia University. Sara is originally from Virginia and after living in many other places across the US, she has returned to her home state. Sara is passionate about our shared responsibility to provide positive youth development opportunities for all children.
