Meet our Staff

FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

Kathryn Henderson

I believe that an investment in children and families is an investment in our future world! Kindermusik has, for over 30 years, given me the chance to make such an investment. This journey has been clad with one touching revelation after another – children who took their first steps in Kindermusik, those who spoke their first words, those who are now some of our community’s most gifted young adults, and yes, even some who have lived, and died, while with us. Though the journey began while trying to provide the gift of the music through our time, lessons and home ideas, it has come to embody so much more...

Regardless of the struggles to run a business or to get out the door to class, once I am present, the magic on the floor — my “job” — can best be described as “Abounding love...everyday.” I wish for others the chance to experience such a gift in a vocation. I wish for parents the time to be present and play on the floor with their children, I wish for others who are struggling to see, in the eyes of children, nothing but an honest extension of, or calling for, love and Joy. I wish for all to take their loving example seriously, to emulate it, and, in doing so, to leave the world a little better off than they found it. .

About Katie Henderson

Katie Henderson, Founder and Director of Music Connections Foundation (MCF), has been a licensed, trained Kindermusik educator since 1993. She earned a degree in piano performance and completed coursework in Music Therapy from Illinois State University, and has worked with children in varying musical capacities for over 40 years.
Katie began Bloomington-Normal’s only Kindermusik program in the basement of her home in 1994 with 28 students. Thirty + years later, Music Connections is now a Not-For-Profit Foundation with a mission to reach all children and families with the benefits of music from an early age. Music Connections has has a team of 16 and, in addition to serving over 400 children & families each week at its primary studio, MCF regularly serves children, families & seniors through its Foundation at such locations as Western Avenue Community Center, Heartland Head Start, Luther Oaks, Evergreen Place, the Villages of Mercy Creek, the Baby Fold, etc.

Kindermusik International has programs in 73 countries, with over 5000 educators, worldwide. Music Connections has ranked among Kindermusik International’s top 20 programs worldwide, having been designated a Maestro Program — Conductor’s Circle status — since the program’s inception in 2000.

Katie lives in Bloomington with her wonderful husband Scott, is mom (and stepmom) to Katie Lynn, Josh, Michael, Benjamin and Grace, and Grandma to seven amazing grandkids.

ADMINISTRATOR

Tawni Martin

Tawni Martin has been with Music Connections since the Fall of 2008. Tawni has a degree in Elementary / Early Childhood Education and taught first grade for 10 years before staying home with her two daughters. Both her girls (now 31 and 27) were themselves “Kindermusik kids” and are working in musical related fields. Tawni is married and lives in Bloomington with husband Clay.

Tawni is dedicated to handling many “back-office” administrative aspects of Music Connections’ business, including scheduling, materials ordering and inventory, marketing and customer relations for Music Connections as well as assisting with costuming for SCMT. One of Tawni's favorite things about working at Music Connections is her opportunity to assist and work with all of our Kindermusik families.

MANAGER-STUDIO CONNECT, DIRECTOR-SCMT, KINDERMUSIK EDUCATOR / VOICE TEACHER

Grace van Donk

Miss Grace lives in Bloomington with her husband, Ronald. Born and raised in Bloomington, IL, she attended Metcalf and U-High before moving to Phoenix, AZ to pursue a degree in Vocal Performance at Grand Canyon University. While in Phoenix, Grace enjoyed performing Musical Theater, Opera, Church music and Choral music both collegiately and professionally.

Grace returned to her hometown in April of 2020 to work for Music Connections Foundation teaching Kindermusik, voice lessons and Studio Connect Musical Theater.

As a Kindermusik educator, Grace loves getting to know the parents and families, as well as bonding with the children. She values the importance of making spaces where parents and caregivers have dedicated time with their child, helping them learn and grow.

As a voice teacher, Grace is passionate about helping children find their voice and build their confidence in vocal technique as well as expression and acting. Grace's voice students work on many aspects of vocal technique including pitch matching, breath support & control, posture, expression, and more.

In Studio Connect Musical Theater, Grace seeks to provide opportunities for children to build meaningful relationships and develop confidence in the arts, all while having fun! She is passionate about helping kids develop skills in singing, dancing, acting, directing and so much more!

KINDERMUSIK EDUCATOR & PIANO TEACHER

Molly Ramírez

Molly is originally from central Illinois and moved to Bloomington to study International Business and foreign language at Illinois State University. After working six years at Caterpillar Inc., she chose to stay home when her son was born, and she began exploring a new career path in teaching. Since then, she has been a French teacher in the Bloomington-Normal community and began her teaching journey for Music Connections Foundation her first summer with a French-language family-style summer camp. She teaches Level 1, Level 2, Kindermusik Musicians 1 and 2, and piano. She also leads the outreach initiatives at Heartland Head Start and Western Avenue Community Center.

"I was born into a very musical family and developed a love of music at a young age. When my son was born, I knew that I wanted music to be a big part of his life and was very pleased to find Kindermusik. But Kindermusik was so much more than just an exposure to music. From keeping a steady beat to managing transitions throughout the day, Kindermusik has been beneficial in developing my children musically, emotionally, and socially. As a parent, I am grateful for the community, opportunity, and education that Music Connections has provided my children and me. As a teacher, I enjoy sharing these benefits with other parents and helping them bond with their children as they explore themselves and the world around them. As a member of the community, I hope to give back by reaching as many families as I can who would benefit from this wonderful program."

Molly lives in Bloomington with her husband, Arturo, and their two kids: Santiago (12) and Milena (9).

MANAGER-CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE/ TEACHER EXPERIENCE

Alyssa Anaya

Alyssa lives in Bloomington with her husband Omar and their four children- Judah (11), Selah (2), Moses and Mercy (6 months old). Alyssa holds a Bachelor's Degree from Grace College and a Graduate Degree from Nelson University. She has spent the past 16 years in the field of early childhood, both in the preschool classroom and as the director of a three to five-year-old program at a local private school. Alyssa originally joined Kindermusik as a parent when Selah joined the Foundations class as an infant. She now has all three of her little ones attending.

This is what she says about the program: "I fell in love with Kindermusik as I experienced first-hand the incredible benefits the program provides. It is so much more than just a music class! Not only do I see developmental, cognitive and social benefits for young children but the parent education that the teacher provides and the connection with other parents is invaluable. I'm excited to join the Music Connections Foundations staff and look forward to overseeing the customer and teacher experience."

KINDERMUSIK EDUCATOR

Gina Turton

Gina is a proud Kindermusik mom, residing in Normal with her husband John, son Nico (3) and daughter Lydia (2). She attended Illinois State University, earning a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Higher Education Administration, and worked at Illinois State for 9 years in advising roles before leaving to be at home with her children. Gina is very thankful to have the opportunity to teach Kindermusik classes part time. She was a late bloomer to music, starting choir in high school, but she quickly found music to be a passion. Gina taught herself to play piano and as an adult took lessons to learn the cello. She also enjoys cooking, reading, and hiking in her free time.

She wanted to find a music program for her children as Nico expressed specific interest in the trumpet from seeing it in one of his favorite books, and Kindermusik has been a great fit.

"Kindermusik has been such a gift for our family. It has encouraged Nico and Lydia's enjoyment of both music and the world of play, and has equipped me with developmental tools to be a better mom. It is an encouragement to attend class every week with other parents and caregivers who celebrate every child's growth together. We're looking forward to many more happy years in Kindermusik"

KINDERMUSIK EDUCATOR

Angela Wirsing

Angela Wirsing is a K-12 music educator who lives in Bloomington with her husband Thomas and teenage children Nathan and Elizabeth. She holds undergraduate music education and performance degrees from Concordia University, St. Paul, and is pursuing a graduate degree in worship studies. She has taught, directed, and performed music and dance privately and in schools and churches since 1996.

Angela began work with Music Connections Foundation as the Director of Community Choristers in the fall of 2014. She received her Kindermusik license in the Spring of 2015 and began teaching Kindermusik for MCF in the fall of 2015.

Angela says this: “The social and emotional benefits of music are crucial in today’s world. Children and caregivers alike need the emotional regulation and social bonding that come through active music-making. Kindermusik offers opportunities to do this in a group setting and resources for taking the learning home. Families will benefit, but so will communities as we foster positive social interactions one class at a time.”

KINDERMUSIK EDUCATOR

Samantha Wyland

Samantha lives in Normal with her husband, Ben, and their daughter Eloise. Samantha holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Messiah University and a Master’s Degree from Illinois State University, both in Flute Performance. She is currently the Professor of Flute at Illinois Wesleyan University, while also teaching lessons for IWU’s Klepak Foundation and Woodwind Preparatory Program.

Samantha joined the Kindermusik family first as a mom, bringing Eloise to Foundations class when she was 3 months old.

She says this about the program:
“I was initially attracted to Kindermusik because of the musical content. I fell in love with the program, though, because of the developmental and social benefits- both for me and for my daughter! The staff cares deeply about each student and wants to see them blossom and grow. As a teacher I love seeing the way Kindermusik classes provide a place for children and parents to connect, and being able to do that with my own daughter is one of the highlights of my week.”

KINDERMUSIK EDUCATOR

Lisa Landstrom

Lisa began her journey with Kindermusik when her first daughter was 4 months old. Julianne and her younger sister Kristin, are now Kindermusik graduates. Lisa holds a B.A. in Music Education with an emphasis in Music Therapy from Wartburg College. She has worked with children ages 3-21 on the autism spectrum as well as taught music education for preschoolers thru 2nd graders.

Why Kindermusik? Lisa says: “When I was pregnant with Julianne, I began talking with other moms in my circle of friends to find out what music options were available for newborns. I was enthusiastically directed to Kindermusik by Music Connections and have fallen in love with the program! Being a music therapist, I have always seen the value of music as a teaching tool for non-musical goals. Kindermusik research supports this by using age appropriate music and activities to expand children’s physical, language and social skills. I love that Kindermusik and Music Therapy are so similar in their focus! I hope that by teaching Kindermusik, I can share my passion for music and its tremendous possibilities!”

With her background in music therapy, Lisa spearheaded MCF's Kindermusik with Grandfriends' class for seniors. Lisa resides in Bloomington with her husband, daughters and 3 shih tzus

KINDERMUSIK EDUCATOR

Brooke Cook

As an Accredited Kindermusik Educator and early childhood specialist since 2005, Brooke brings a wealth of experience to her role. She has operated a successful daycare in Downs, Illinois, and currently runs a private, education-focused in-home daycare, where she continues to nurture and inspire young minds.

From 2015 to 2020, Brooke served as the President of the Tri-Valley Fine Arts Boosters, contributing her expertise to musical and theater productions for a decade. Her dedication to the arts has deeply influenced her approach to education.

A passionate advocate for early childhood development, Brooke also enjoys spending time with her husband, Travis and their five children: Keagan, Rylee, Drew, Beckett and Corinne. Corinne participated in Kindermusik classes as a toddler and now enjoys her time in the SCMT productions!

Brooke’s commitment to both education and the arts continues to shape her professional journey and enrich the lives of the children she serves.

PIANO & VOICE TEACHER

Sara Dillon

Sara is a teaching artist and musician originally from the Chicagoland area. She has been teaching private piano and vocal lessons professionally for over a decade and performing. She has experience teaching as a classroom teacher and private instructor.

Sara has directed children's choirs and accompanied vocalists. She is passionate about music, and wants to instill a life long love of music in her students. Her students often participate in musicals, festivals, ILMEA, and have performed in the Chicago Children's Choir.

Sara comes from a family of musicians. She began studying music and performing at a young age. She began her earliest vocal performance in the church and later branched out into pop, musical theatre, folk, and classical. Sara performs professionally at festivals, events, and her local farmers market.

Sara has been involved with theatre projects. She has been in a variety of musicals.

After finishing her degree in education from Olivet Nazarene University, Sara taught elementary school, taught at private music schools, and worked as a private instructor. She has had numerous experiences working with students of all ages. She specializes in teaching children and teens. Her lessons focus on healthy technique, musicianship, and reportoire. She continues to study music education and pedagogy.

Sara lives in Champaign with her husband and small dog.

STUDIO CONNECT SCMT choreographer; Director-SCMT jr

Kristie King

Kristie has been married to her sweetheart, Andy, for 21 years and they have six amazing kids together. She has been a member of SAG-AFTRA for over 35 years, performing professionally since she was 7 years old and appearing in dozens of national commercials, industrial films, and feature films such as “Rookie of the Year.” The stage is where Kristie has found much of her joy over the years appearing in many musicals and plays. Still, her greatest passion of all the performing arts has been dance, which is where she has been able to most express herself. This love of performing led her to Illinois State University where she studied theater and majored in Dance Performance. After graduation she performed with the dance company, Shelter. Kristie knew how much joy the performing arts brought into her life so she kept looking for ways to get her kids involved in musical theater. The minute she heard about MCF/SCMT in 2021, she signed them up and was asked to help choreograph pretty quickly thereafter. In 2022, she officially joined the MCF/SCMT team. She and her family absolutely fell in love with this program because of the format and focus on “process over perfection.” Kristie feels extremely blessed to share her passion for the performing arts with all of the kids enrolled in SCMT and SCMT Jr.

STUDIO CONNECT Piano

Grace Eom

Grace is from South Korea and moved to Bloomington-Normal in 2018. Grace has achieved her Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from the University of Santo Tomas(Manila, Philippines) and her Master's in Collaborative Piano and Viola Performance from Illinois State University. Grace has been actively performing throughout her music career. With her first primary instrument piano, Grace has decades of experience collaborating with all levels of musicians of all ages - professionals, pre-professionals, and young musicians. The piano was her main instrument until Grace explored and set her foot into the world of Strings and Orchestras. Grace was introduced to playing viola during her undergrad and started expanding her repertoires and experiences as a violist. She performed at the University of Santo Tomas Symphony Orchestra for six years where she was also titled Assistant Principal and Principal Violist, five years of experience at the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra as a tutti Violist, and also served years with the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra, MIOpera Festival Orchestra, and many other orchestras.

Grace joined the Music Connections Foundation as a private lesson instructor in 2020, where she teaches students ages 6 and up. She has two teaching philosophies: Firstly, communicating and connecting with students and families - nurturing each individual with love, happiness, and passion through music. The second and most important is through spending time together in lessons and events, Grace wishes her students to live their lives with confidence and strength.

Sharing some of Grace's favorite moments at MCF: When she sees her students' eyes sparkle to share about their day and show excitement to learn music, as well as her end-of-semester studio party happening twice each year!

STUDIO CONNECT Piano/Voice

Ivy Burke

Ivy is from the Philippines and moved to the US in 2018. She now lives in Normal with her husband Kevin. Ivy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of the Philippines and a Graduate Degree in Music Education from Illinois State University. She has spent the past years in the field of music education, mainly in conducting vocal and piano lessons in local private schools. Ivy first joined Studio Connect in 2022. Ivy adapts easily to diverse social and teaching environments and has a willingness to learn and develop new skills. She enjoys making music and making connections with my voice and piano students.

STUDIO CONNECT Music Director-SCMT/ Piano/ Voice

Ellie Landes

Ellie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Grand Canyon University in 2023. Based in Central Illinois, this will be her second year teaching with Music Connections Foundation! She was a part of various productions through GCU’s Ethington Theater and performed in their elite vocal ensemble Critical Mass during her time in undergraduate studies. She has performed professionally for MIOpera, Journey to the Cross, and the Adirondack Performing Arts Festival.

Here’s what she says about the program: “As someone who grew a passion for musical theater and the arts from a young age, I love the impact that I get to see this program have on students every day! Working with the Studio Connect Musical Theater program, I have noticed that students leave each rehearsal, performance, and production with a higher confidence in themselves and their abilities. I have seen this not only shape their artistic talents but their everyday social and organizational abilities as well. This is truly an invaluable program and one I would have loved at their age! I am excited to continue working with students teaching voice lessons, SCMT, and SCMT Jr. this year!”

MCF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Claudia Calvo

STUDIO CONNECT Acting/ Voice/SCMT

Nate Douglas

Nate has been in Bloomington Normal for 5 years since attending ISU and has been with Studio Connect and Studio Connect Musical Theater for 3 of those years. He graduated from the ISU acting program in 2023, and has stayed in town with his wife Rachel. He is a firm believer in theater and performance as a developmental tool for life, and thinks every parent should consider it for their child.

Member, Board of Directors

Traci Myers

Traci has been involved in Kindermusik since 1997 when her own children (Wes and Ellie) started in the program as toddlers. (There weren’t classes for babies yet!) Traci taught Level 3 for a few years because she couldn’t stand not knowing what was happening in the classroom. Wes and Ellie graduated from the program in 2002. And now, Traci is a grandma and is absolutely loving coming to Kindermusik each week with her grandson.

When MCF became a 501c3 in 2008, she became a board member. She volunteers in a few classes each week - she LOVES Kindermusik! Traci’s has always said if she only had time time or money for one activity for her children, it would be Kindermusik - even over preschool!!

FUN FACT: Traci knows tons of songs and tunes from being very involved in Girl Scouts (her mom was a leader) and YMCA camp songs (her dad worked for the Y). She has happy childhood memories of her family singing together in the car, and singing rounds is one of her favorite musical things to do.