Meet the Teachers

Here you can learn about each instructor and where they have classes.
To see a schedule of classes, please visit the homepage and click on the baby conductor.
Please visit the guest book if you'd like to comment on your wonderful experiences at a Music with Mar. class.

Broward County, FL
Stephanie Mittauer (2006) Stephanie's sister attended music classes in Pinellas County and told her all about the program and how well she thought it would fit her. Stephanie came to a class and agreed. She now teaches in South Florida. Stephanie@musicwithmar.com
Hillsborough County, FL
Kelly Chisholm (2006) has a Bachelors of Music Education from FSU and taught Elementary and Middle School Band for 5 years. In 2001, Kelly stopped teaching to stay at home with her first daughter. They began attending Music with Mar. classes and loved them. After her having her second daughter and attending with both girls, it was time Kelly started teaching. Music with Mar. combines Kelly’s two greatest passions: music and her family. You can attend Kelly’s classes in Brandon and Riverview. Kelly@musicwithmar.com	Wanda Fertig (2006) Wanda is a mother of two who enjoyed Music with Mar. classes with her child while visiting an indoor play facility. She began working there as a sub for the classes and helping with other parent and child classes. After working with the program for a couple of years, she decided to become a fully trained instructor and open her own classes. Wanda is a former tutor and teaching assistant. She teaches in the Tampa/Lutz area – and always has her children at her side! Her top priority is to bring smiles to those young faces while helping to enhance their development. She is pleased to encourage other parents to do the same for their children by participating in the Music with Mar. program. I am most impressed when instructors offer facts regarding music and movement -- It reminds us of the value of performing these activities w/our children and gives the program and instructors credibility. wanda@musicwithmar.com
	Lara Slatniske (2006) Lara, originally from the Cleveland, OH area, spent 10+ years in the corporate accounting field, and decided to stay at home when she had her son in 2004. After his 1^st birthday, she discovered what Music w/Mar. was all about and decided she had to be a part of it. Lara owns and operates an indoor play place in New Tampa where she runs the Music w/Mar program. lara@musicwithmar.com
Orange County, FL
Joan Nieuwenhaus (2007) Joan first met Mar. at a parenting class for All Children's Hospital. She relocated to Orlando area and decided she wanted to take this program with her. She teaches in the Clermont area. Joan@musicwithmar.com
Leon County, FL
Tiffany and Patrick McMonigle (2008) A great husband / wife team. Tiffany has a degree in early childhood and is working on her Masters Degree. Patrick is retiring from the Marine Corps. Together, with their two children, they share a passion for helping families learn how to play with their children while teaching them valuable lessons. McMonigles@musicwithmar.com

Pasco County, FL
Mary Fivecoat (2003) Mary has been a preschool teacher for many years and helped to open and direct a preschool in her church. With children of school age, she was enjoying her new occupation, when along came Kimberly, Music with Mar. classes and a decision to become an instructor herself! Mary feels very lucky and blessed to be able to combine her favorite hobbies, singing and dancing, with her favorite occupation, working with children. Music with Mar. is a great way to enjoy both and be able to share it with her daughter, Kimberly. Mary@musicwithmar.com
Pinellas County, FL
Renee Hale (2002) With a Masters Degree in Special Education, Renee used to teach mentally challenged elementary and middle school children. After becoming a mom, she started attending Music with Mar. classes. When her second child was born, she decided she loved and valued the classes and decided to become an instructor. She teaches in St. Petersburg. Renee@musicwithmar.com	Karen Gliddon (2002) Karen has her bachelor's degree in psychology and graduated from USF in 1999. She has been a nanny and has her background in early childhood (CDA). Karen has also worked with sign language. In 2002, she became a first time mother and ran classes with Mathew attached and bouncing along. She now has a second child and will be doing the same. She teaches in North Pinellas County, FL. Working with children is her passion. Karen@musicwithmar.com
Lori Benton (2005) Lori has a degree in education and a love of teaching families how to play together. She had been teaching playgroups for parents. After taking Mar.'s class at USF, she decided to add Music with Mar. to her playgroups. She teaches in the Seminole/Largo area. Lori@musicwithmar.com
Jeni Bond (2003) Jeni became a Music With Mar. instructor and has been enjoying every minute of it. She has been running her classes in Indian Rocks Beach, and really feels she has found "Heaven on Earth". Jeni owns and operates "Cafe Bebe" in Indian Rocks. She hosts Music with Mar. classes at this facility. She has two children, Georgia and Ronan and loves sharing the program with them. JeniB@musicwithmar.com	Tamara Mulholland (2003) Once upon a time, Tamara was enjoying staying at home with her two boys, taking them to playgroups and, of course, Music with Mar.! Her background is a BA in Geography and 5 years in pediatrics. One day Tamara visited the MwM website and noticed they were looking for new instructors and she thought "Wow! I think I can do this!". What a joy it is to provide an outlet for moms, a learning environment for preschoolers, and not have to work full time. Being a MwM instructor has opened doors in other areas, too. Tamara leads the "cherub choir" at her church and also works a few hours a week at a preschool as a music teacher. Life is great! tamara@musicwithmar.com
Robin DiNicola (2006) Robin is used to music being a big part of her family's life. When she began attending classes, she was excited to be able to share music with more families. She teaches in the Seminole area. Robin@musicwithmar.com	Nicole Wilson (2008) Nicole is a stay-at-home mom of two wonderful boys, Danford (2 1/2 years-old) and Nicholas (7 months old). Nicole began taking Danford to MwM classes over two years ago and enjoyed the program so much she wanted to bring classes to her neighborhood. NicoleW@musicwithmar.,com

Sarasota County, FL
Beth Rice (2002) Beth teaches classes in Lakewood Ranch, usually accompanied by her two children. Her background in theater shows as she bounces through class. She became interested in teaching after attending just one class with her own children. In high school, she was a member of Music Makers for four years. College background includes various psychology classes as well as a great concentration in theater. She has performed in local theatre, including Rumplestiltskin for Children's theatre. "I love to perform and never imagined I would be able to apply my techniques to stimulate learning with Mar's program. I love teaching Music with Mar and watching the children respond and develop." Beth@musicwithmar.com	Barbara Wolf (2005) Barbara attended classes with Beth for a couple of years when she kept getting requests to please open a class in 'her neighborhood'. And, that's what she did. Barb@musicwithmar.com
Alaska
Tania Silva-Johnson (2004) Tania was raised in Kodiak, Alaska. She worked at the State of AK Public Assistance Office for 5 yrs. as a caseworker & then shortly after having her first of two children, decided to become a stay at home Mom. She attended Music with Mar. classes for almost 2 yrs. & started teaching in March 2005 when she learned the instructor's husband was transferring. She wanted the classes to still be available. Tania now trains others to bring the program to more families and her daughter enjoys helping. One of her favorite MwM stories: A preschool teacher from St. Paul's told me she was out to dinner & from a nearby table she heard a preschooler that I teach take their chopsticks & tap them together & sing "I like Lentils". Its also wonderful when you see a child sing to Mr. Froggy for the first time & then look so proud when we cheer for them". Tania@musicwithmar.com	Marias Yap (2006) After serving six years as an active duty member of the U.S. Coast Guard, Marias separated from the military to stay at home with her son Hayden. She and Hayden began attending Tania's class and soon after, certified to be an instructor. Marias teaches class on the U.S. Coast Guard base in Kodiak , Alaska where her husband is currently stationed. Although her military days are over, Marias is proud to be providing the Music with Mar. program to the families of the men and women who serve our country. Marias looks forward to bringing the program to the next stop along her family’s journey! Marias@musicwithmar.com
Illinois
Gina Deubel (2005) Gina and her two children Kayla and James attended Beth's class in Bradenton, FL for almost two years. Her husband accepted an opportunity outside of the Chicago, IL area and they couldn’t imagine not having MwM in their lives, so Gina decided to become an instructor and brought the program with them. She has a degree in Marketing and Music has always been a very big part of her life. Her classes are held in Bolingbrook, IL. "Being able to spend time with my two children and share this educational music program with other families, is all a Mom could ask for." Gina@musicwithmar.com
Kansas
Beth Welland (2008) Beth has a Bachelors degree in English and a Masters degree in Education. She taught English as a Second Language and first grade prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom to her two girls. She was introduced to Mr. Froggy at her niece’s birthday party and thought, ‘This is fun! How can we get a class like this in my neighborhood?’. She loves how the MwM songs and activities have so many educational benefits, and how the class encourages positive interaction between the adult and the child. In addition, Beth directs the Rainbow Bell Choir at her church and is active in her community’s MOPS program. BethW@musicwithmar.com
Massachusetts
	Bethany Gay (2003) Bethany's degree is in psychology with a major in Special Education. "When I became a stay at home Mom for my daughter Laura, we began going to Music with Mar classes in Falmouth with Michelle Brandt. Laura and I absolutely loved it. Laura was learning so many great things and having fun while doing it. We wished there was something like this in Wareham. I decided to become an instructor so that other children in the area can have the same opportunity. Now we get to go to a lot of classes and enjoy meeting other children and families." Bethany@musicwithmar.com
Michigan
Monica Dyke (2007) MonicaD@musicwithmar.com
Missouri
Anna Bannister (2003) Anna Bannister is a certified instructor with the Music with Mar. program. She has a bachelors in Broadcasting & Film with a minor in Theatre. She has been singing in one form or another most of her life. She is a member of her Praise Team at church where she also leads the Drama team. Her energy and enthusiasm for music and children are contagious. And, obviously that is so because she has inspired others to become interested in the program as well. Anna now has a child of her own that she is introducing to the world of music. Anna@musicwithmar.com	Becky Podjenski (2003) Becky quit teaching 12 years ago to start a family. She attended one of Anna's classes, loved it and wanted to do that, too. Now 12 years and 5 children later, she can be both Mom and teacher at the same time. "A friend of mine once said that, if you ever find something that you just enjoy and believe in so much, that you just can't believe you're getting paid to do it, you treasure it. Here I am, and I do." Beckyp@musicwithmar.com
Carolyn Money (2008)	Karen Davis (2007) Karen is an elementary school teacher who now stays home with her two boys. After attending her first Music with Mar. class, she felt empowered as a parent with creative new ideas- not to mention how much her boys enjoyed the music and movement! When she heard that a new instructor was needed near her home, she decided to join the Music with Mar. team. She enjoys being able to share the wonderful program with other families, as well as enrich the lives of her own children! KarenD@musicwithmar.com
New Hampshire
Julie Wirth (2005) Julie was raised in Western New York and came to Buffalo to go to college where she studied teaching in special, elementary, reading, and blind and visual education. She taught for 12 years and decided that staying home was going to be better for her family. Her son Derek had been attending Music with Mar. classes for two years and loved them. Later her daughter Clarissa came along and the instructor who was teaching the class needed someone to take over the classes. Then, her family relocated and she took the program with her. Teaching Music with Mar. has been a great way to meet other moms, use her educational experience and have her children gain from the classes as well. JulieW@musicwithmar.com
Western NY
Julie Cicero (2000) Julie is a pediatric nurse. She has two children and teaches in the Buffalo area of NY. After coming to the program for 2 years, she decided to take it with her when she moved. She has 'retired' from nursing to teach MwM classes full-time. Her enthusiasm and energy has inspired many others to want to become instructors as well. Thank you, Julie! I have so enjoyed teaching Music with Mar classes over the years. I began attending Music with Mar classes with Mar in 1997. I have met so many of wonderful families. My favorite part of teaching Music with Mar is seeing how excited the kids get when they see me and I so enjoy all the hugs I receive. Wouldn't it be great to wake up every morning to that kind of warm reception and unconditional love! JulieC@musicwithmar.com
Katie Maccalini (2002) Katie enjoyed Julie's classes so much, she wanted to be just like her. Katie is a teacher with two children. She has taught music and computers. Her classes are in Clarence, NY. Katie@musicwithmar.com	Sarah Khuu (2008)
Becky Williams (2003) Becky attended Julie's classes for 1 1/2 years then decided to become an instructor. "I want to work with children and families and give them the opportunity to have the priceless moments I've had with my own children from classes. From my son singing back to Mr. Froggy the 1^st time and looking back at me so proud of himself to my daughter being able to play a kazoo and singing (in her own language) during Hey, Hey Everybody when she was 10 months old. We have such a good feeling every week after class or at home when we sing and dance to Music with Mar. I want to share that feeling with other families. Teaching Music with Mar. gives me the opportunity to utilize my education degree while staying home and spending more time with the most important people in my life, my family." Becky@musicwithmar.com	Kristin Jelson (2008) Kristin is an occupational Therapist in Rochester.
Anita Herr (2003) enjoyed Julie's classes so much and was so impressed by the obvious developmental benefits to the children, she started training with Julie to start her own classes. Anita has a BS in Special Education and a Masters Degree in Learning Disabilities. After teaching for 14 years, Anita stayed at home when her first child was born in 2001. Being a MwM instructor allows her the joy of staying home with her daughter and son while continuing her love of teaching, all at the same time! Anita's classes are in the Tonawanda area, north of Buffalo. Anita@musicwithmar.com	Bridget Pacholec (2008) BridgetP@musicwithmar.com
Cate Horucy (2007) Cate@musicwithmar.com	Karen McClintock (2005) Karen McClintock is the mother of two very active boys and, several years ago, was looking for an activity they could all do together. After two years of attending Music with Mar. classes, she decided to become an instructor. As a psychologist, Karen is impressed with the cognitive and social benefits of the program, as well as the opportunity Music with Mar. classes provide for parents to attach and bond with their children through the use of music. She is currently an instructor in Lancaster, NY. KarenM@musicwithmar.com
Pennsylvania
Nicole Cruz (2006)
Tennessee
Carlyle Dorroh (2006) Carlyle has a bachelors degree in psychology and a masters degree in Special Education. Prior to staying at home with her two children, she taught in both public and private schools and served as the director of a preschool and early elementary program. While Carlyle was a school director, she was fortunate to meet Mar. and have the school serve as a host site for a Music with Mar. Class. Carlyle's son, Will, has literally grown up with Music with Mar. - starting from when he was still in the womb! When she learned she was relocating to TN, she was eager to make the transition to stay-at-home mom and saw it as an opportunity to bring the program to a new state and have something to do that would keep her involved in what she loved while having her two children with her. Carlyle@musicwithmar.com
International Locations

Top of page