President
Carolyn Janke is currently in her twelth year teaching music. She is in her first year as the K-5 music teacher at Arlington Elementary School. She previously taught in Bennington Public Schools teaching K-5 general music, 5th grade band, and has assisted with the high school musical and marching band. Carolyn graduated from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln where she earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education in 2009. In 2010 she completed the CADRE program through the University of Nebraska-Omaha where she received a Master's Degree in Secondary Education. Carolyn received her Orff Schulwerk Level I, II, and III training at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and serves the Great Plains Orff Chapter as President. She is also on the board of directors of the International Music Camp, located on the border of North Dakota and Manitoba. Carolyn spent many summers at IMC in the summers as a camp counselor and music librarian. Carolyn lives in Elkhorn, NE with her husband Trevor, and two chocolate labs, Piper and Mocha.
Carolyn Janke is currently in her twelth year teaching music. She is in her first year as the K-5 music teacher at Arlington Elementary School. She previously taught in Bennington Public Schools teaching K-5 general music, 5th grade band, and has assisted with the high school musical and marching band. Carolyn graduated from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln where she earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education in 2009. In 2010 she completed the CADRE program through the University of Nebraska-Omaha where she received a Master's Degree in Secondary Education. Carolyn received her Orff Schulwerk Level I, II, and III training at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and serves the Great Plains Orff Chapter as President. She is also on the board of directors of the International Music Camp, located on the border of North Dakota and Manitoba. Carolyn spent many summers at IMC in the summers as a camp counselor and music librarian. Carolyn lives in Elkhorn, NE with her husband Trevor, and two chocolate labs, Piper and Mocha.
Vice President (President-Elect)
Kathleen McBee is in her fifth year with Elkhorn Public Schools teaching K-5 general music at West Bay Elementary. Kathleen graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor's in Music Education in 2016. She has completed Level 1 and II of Orff Schulwerk at UNL and all three levels of Kodaly at UNO. In her free time, Kathleen likes to practice yoga and spend time with her husband, Jesse, and their dogs, Stu and Winston.
Kathleen McBee is in her fifth year with Elkhorn Public Schools teaching K-5 general music at West Bay Elementary. Kathleen graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor's in Music Education in 2016. She has completed Level 1 and II of Orff Schulwerk at UNL and all three levels of Kodaly at UNO. In her free time, Kathleen likes to practice yoga and spend time with her husband, Jesse, and their dogs, Stu and Winston.
Past President
Brittany McCleery is in her eleventh year of teaching Kindergarten through 5th grade at Cather Elementary School in Millard Public Schools. She has completed Orff Schulwerk Teacher Certification Levels 1-3, completing Level I and II at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Level III at Southern Methodist University in Texas. This is Brittany's tenth year serving the Great Plains Orff Chapter Board, as Membership Coordinator, Vice President, President and now as Past-President. "I love being a member of the Great Plains Orff Chapter because it keeps me connected to other teachers. It is a great place to share successes and receive guidance when I struggle with something in the classroom. After attending workshops, I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated in my teaching. I love to continually learn from my peers and the world-class workshop clinicians." Brittany, her husband Austin, three kids and golden retriever live in Omaha, NE.
Brittany McCleery is in her eleventh year of teaching Kindergarten through 5th grade at Cather Elementary School in Millard Public Schools. She has completed Orff Schulwerk Teacher Certification Levels 1-3, completing Level I and II at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Level III at Southern Methodist University in Texas. This is Brittany's tenth year serving the Great Plains Orff Chapter Board, as Membership Coordinator, Vice President, President and now as Past-President. "I love being a member of the Great Plains Orff Chapter because it keeps me connected to other teachers. It is a great place to share successes and receive guidance when I struggle with something in the classroom. After attending workshops, I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated in my teaching. I love to continually learn from my peers and the world-class workshop clinicians." Brittany, her husband Austin, three kids and golden retriever live in Omaha, NE.
Secretary
Jackie Havranek is the K-5 music specialist at Morton Elementary School in Millard Public Schools. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Vocal Music Education from Wayne State College and her Master of Music Education degree from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. She is also the director for the Sing Omaha West Children's Choir. Jackie has completed levels I-III of Orff Schulwerk certification, all at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and also holds level I certification of Kodaly. Jackie loves attending local workshops and the AOSA National Conference. Jackie and her husband Stewart live in Omaha with their daughters, Nola and Eliza, and English Bulldog, Beanz.
Jackie Havranek is the K-5 music specialist at Morton Elementary School in Millard Public Schools. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Vocal Music Education from Wayne State College and her Master of Music Education degree from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. She is also the director for the Sing Omaha West Children's Choir. Jackie has completed levels I-III of Orff Schulwerk certification, all at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and also holds level I certification of Kodaly. Jackie loves attending local workshops and the AOSA National Conference. Jackie and her husband Stewart live in Omaha with their daughters, Nola and Eliza, and English Bulldog, Beanz.
Treasurer
Chelsea Kuddes is in her eleventh year of teaching, and eighth year at Logan View Elementary School in Hooper, Nebraska. At Logan View, she teaches K-6 General Music and co-teaches 6th Grade Band, along with Bucket Drumming, Choir, and Jazz clubs. Chelsea also teaches private piano lessons and sings in the choir at St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Omaha. She completed both her Bachelor's of Music Education and Master's of Music with a specialization in Music Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Chelsea earned her Orff-Schulwerk Level I, II, and III certification at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well. This is her second year serving as treasurer of the GPOC. Chelsea and her husband, Caleb, live in Hooper and spend their free time enjoying their kids.
Chelsea Kuddes is in her eleventh year of teaching, and eighth year at Logan View Elementary School in Hooper, Nebraska. At Logan View, she teaches K-6 General Music and co-teaches 6th Grade Band, along with Bucket Drumming, Choir, and Jazz clubs. Chelsea also teaches private piano lessons and sings in the choir at St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Omaha. She completed both her Bachelor's of Music Education and Master's of Music with a specialization in Music Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Chelsea earned her Orff-Schulwerk Level I, II, and III certification at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well. This is her second year serving as treasurer of the GPOC. Chelsea and her husband, Caleb, live in Hooper and spend their free time enjoying their kids.
Program Chair
Kristine Wolfe is a General Music Specialist in the Papillion - La Vista Community School District. She holds a BM from Iowa State University and a MM from the University of Nebraska - Omaha. Kristine has been actively involved in GPOC since 2004, having served as Membership Chair, Vice President and President. In addition to her Kodaly training, Kristine is an Orff-Schulwerk Level I Basic instructor and workshop presenter. Kristine and her husband Patrick live in La Vista with their 4 children: Paige, Abbie, Parker and Avery. In her free time, she enjoys watching her husband and kids perform on the stage and the ball field, as well as playing oboe & recorder.
Kristine Wolfe is a General Music Specialist in the Papillion - La Vista Community School District. She holds a BM from Iowa State University and a MM from the University of Nebraska - Omaha. Kristine has been actively involved in GPOC since 2004, having served as Membership Chair, Vice President and President. In addition to her Kodaly training, Kristine is an Orff-Schulwerk Level I Basic instructor and workshop presenter. Kristine and her husband Patrick live in La Vista with their 4 children: Paige, Abbie, Parker and Avery. In her free time, she enjoys watching her husband and kids perform on the stage and the ball field, as well as playing oboe & recorder.
Publications Editor
Sara Alswager is an eleventh year teacher and nineth year board member of the Great Plains Orff Chapter. After receiving a BME from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sara completed Schulwerk Levels I & II at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Level III at Southern Methodist University, and an SMU Master Class with Werner Beidinger. Sara’s elementary chorus students have been featured soloists at the Sing Around Nebraska Honor Choir, and her 4th & 5th grade ensemble Swingin' with 'Swager has won two Clinician's Choice trophies during annual appearances at the Nebraska Vocal Jazz Festival. Sara received her master's degree from the University of St. Thomas Graduate Programs in Music Education where she studied choral conducting with Dr. Angela Kasper and Dr. G. Phillip Shoultz III. In her spare time, Sara is an active honor choir clinician, a co-director of Justice Choir-Omaha, social media contributor for the national Justice Choir organization, and loves to visit art, music, coffee, and food venues.
Sara Alswager is an eleventh year teacher and nineth year board member of the Great Plains Orff Chapter. After receiving a BME from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sara completed Schulwerk Levels I & II at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Level III at Southern Methodist University, and an SMU Master Class with Werner Beidinger. Sara’s elementary chorus students have been featured soloists at the Sing Around Nebraska Honor Choir, and her 4th & 5th grade ensemble Swingin' with 'Swager has won two Clinician's Choice trophies during annual appearances at the Nebraska Vocal Jazz Festival. Sara received her master's degree from the University of St. Thomas Graduate Programs in Music Education where she studied choral conducting with Dr. Angela Kasper and Dr. G. Phillip Shoultz III. In her spare time, Sara is an active honor choir clinician, a co-director of Justice Choir-Omaha, social media contributor for the national Justice Choir organization, and loves to visit art, music, coffee, and food venues.
- Publications Editor
Publications Editor
Elizabeth Schaffart is in her thirteenth year of teaching with eleven of those years at Bennington Elementary School. She currently teaches K-5 General Music, Beginning Band, an extra-curricular choir, and an extra-curricular drumming ensemble. Elizabeth attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and her Master's Degree in Music with a specialization in Music Education. She has completed all three levels of of both Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály certification as well as levels I and II of World Music Drumming certification.
Elizabeth Schaffart is in her thirteenth year of teaching with eleven of those years at Bennington Elementary School. She currently teaches K-5 General Music, Beginning Band, an extra-curricular choir, and an extra-curricular drumming ensemble. Elizabeth attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and her Master's Degree in Music with a specialization in Music Education. She has completed all three levels of of both Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály certification as well as levels I and II of World Music Drumming certification.
Membership Chair
Kaitlin Beck is in her fourth year teaching K-5 general music at DC West Elementary School in Valley, Nebraska. Outside of the school day, she is the co-director and choreographer for the Disney Musicals in Schools program and sponsors the ukulele club. Before teaching at DC West, Kaitlin held a 2-year tenure with the Omaha Children’s Choir as their Associate Director of Choirs and Director of Marketing and Development, as well as serving as the Music Director for the Alleluia, Amen! Children’s Choir at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lincoln. Kaitlin graduated in 2016, earning her Bachelor of Music in Education with an emphasis in K-12 vocal music from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She has completed her Orff Schulwerk and World Music Drumming certification levels and is active in GPOC, NAfME, and AOSA. She presents at the local and national level and is often inspired by the connections between movement, literature, and the visual arts. Kaitlin lives in Omaha and can be found enjoying a cup of coffee with friends and family, reading a good book, and snuggling with her cats Opal and Otis.
Kaitlin Beck is in her fourth year teaching K-5 general music at DC West Elementary School in Valley, Nebraska. Outside of the school day, she is the co-director and choreographer for the Disney Musicals in Schools program and sponsors the ukulele club. Before teaching at DC West, Kaitlin held a 2-year tenure with the Omaha Children’s Choir as their Associate Director of Choirs and Director of Marketing and Development, as well as serving as the Music Director for the Alleluia, Amen! Children’s Choir at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lincoln. Kaitlin graduated in 2016, earning her Bachelor of Music in Education with an emphasis in K-12 vocal music from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She has completed her Orff Schulwerk and World Music Drumming certification levels and is active in GPOC, NAfME, and AOSA. She presents at the local and national level and is often inspired by the connections between movement, literature, and the visual arts. Kaitlin lives in Omaha and can be found enjoying a cup of coffee with friends and family, reading a good book, and snuggling with her cats Opal and Otis.
Member-At-Large
Luke Thallas is in his sixth year teaching K-5 general music at Belmont Elementary in Lincoln, NE. In addition, he leads a 4th/5th grade chorus and 5th grade Orff Ensemble at Belmont. Luke earned his Bachelor’s of Music Education degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015, and received his Level I (2016), II (2017), and III (2018) Orff certification there as well. In his spare time, Luke performs as a freelance trombonist, teaches private trombone lessons, and plays various instruments with his folk band, The Algorhythms.
Luke Thallas is in his sixth year teaching K-5 general music at Belmont Elementary in Lincoln, NE. In addition, he leads a 4th/5th grade chorus and 5th grade Orff Ensemble at Belmont. Luke earned his Bachelor’s of Music Education degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015, and received his Level I (2016), II (2017), and III (2018) Orff certification there as well. In his spare time, Luke performs as a freelance trombonist, teaches private trombone lessons, and plays various instruments with his folk band, The Algorhythms.
Member-At-Large
Mike Foley is currently in his third year with Lincoln Public Schools teaching K-5 General Music as well as K-4 Computer Science at McPhee Elementary, where has directed the Chorus, Orff Ensemble, Step Team, and Drumming Ensemble. Mike graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2016 earning a Bachelors in Music Education with a minor in Music Technology. He earned his Orff-Schulwerk Level I, II, and III certification at the University of Nebraska, along with World Music Drumming Level I at Nebraska Wesleyan. Outside of school, Mike enjoys playing Tenor Saxophone with the Husker Alumni Pep band, directing local music theatre productions, and DIY home renovations. Going forward, Mike hopes to get his Masters in Music Education with an emphasis in Orff-Schulwerk and continue his research into drumming and classroom music making’s effect on brain function and student mental health.
Mike Foley is currently in his third year with Lincoln Public Schools teaching K-5 General Music as well as K-4 Computer Science at McPhee Elementary, where has directed the Chorus, Orff Ensemble, Step Team, and Drumming Ensemble. Mike graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2016 earning a Bachelors in Music Education with a minor in Music Technology. He earned his Orff-Schulwerk Level I, II, and III certification at the University of Nebraska, along with World Music Drumming Level I at Nebraska Wesleyan. Outside of school, Mike enjoys playing Tenor Saxophone with the Husker Alumni Pep band, directing local music theatre productions, and DIY home renovations. Going forward, Mike hopes to get his Masters in Music Education with an emphasis in Orff-Schulwerk and continue his research into drumming and classroom music making’s effect on brain function and student mental health.
Member-At-Large
Megan Stroup is currently in her seventh year of teaching K-5 General Music at Zeman Elementary in Lincoln Public Schools. She also directs a 3rd-5th grade chorus that was featured at the Nebraska State Capitol for Music In Our Schools Month. In 2018, Megan was honored as Young Music Educator of the Year by the Nebraska Music Education Association. Megan attended Doane University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction with an English Language Learning Endorsement. She completed her first level of Orff at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, her second level at VanderCook College in Chicago, and her third level at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. In addition to her Orff training, she has completed Levels I, II, and III of World Music Drumming. Megan and her husband Frank, a music educator as well, live in Lincoln with their daughter, Scarlett, and two cats, Harper and Bebe.
Megan Stroup is currently in her seventh year of teaching K-5 General Music at Zeman Elementary in Lincoln Public Schools. She also directs a 3rd-5th grade chorus that was featured at the Nebraska State Capitol for Music In Our Schools Month. In 2018, Megan was honored as Young Music Educator of the Year by the Nebraska Music Education Association. Megan attended Doane University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction with an English Language Learning Endorsement. She completed her first level of Orff at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, her second level at VanderCook College in Chicago, and her third level at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. In addition to her Orff training, she has completed Levels I, II, and III of World Music Drumming. Megan and her husband Frank, a music educator as well, live in Lincoln with their daughter, Scarlett, and two cats, Harper and Bebe.
Member-At-Large
Michael Stinman currently serves as the General Music Specialist (K-5), 7th Grade Jazz Band director, and is the director of the Jazz Ensemble (one of the two high school Jazz Bands) at Treynor Community Schools in Treynor, Iowa. This is his fifth year at Treynor and ninth year teaching overall. Always seeking out new educational opportunities, Michael loves finding creative ways to make a connection with his students through music. Michael earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Hastings College, and is currently working toward a Master's degree in Music Education. In addition, he has completed both Level II of Kodaly and Orff-Schulwerk certifications. He is a proud member of AOSA (American Orff-Schulwerk Association), OAKE (Organization of American Kodaly Educators), and is a board member for their respective local chapters.
Michael Stinman currently serves as the General Music Specialist (K-5), 7th Grade Jazz Band director, and is the director of the Jazz Ensemble (one of the two high school Jazz Bands) at Treynor Community Schools in Treynor, Iowa. This is his fifth year at Treynor and ninth year teaching overall. Always seeking out new educational opportunities, Michael loves finding creative ways to make a connection with his students through music. Michael earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Hastings College, and is currently working toward a Master's degree in Music Education. In addition, he has completed both Level II of Kodaly and Orff-Schulwerk certifications. He is a proud member of AOSA (American Orff-Schulwerk Association), OAKE (Organization of American Kodaly Educators), and is a board member for their respective local chapters.
Member-At-Large
Emma Shaner is currently in her 4th year teaching as a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has taught PreK-8th grade general music at Meridian Public Schools, K-4 general music at Plattsmouth community schools where she also directed two shows with the Disney Musicals in Schools Program through Omaha Performing Arts. Emma will be the new music teacher at Cody Elementary in Millard Public Schools starting this fall. Emma has received Orff Levels I and II through the University of Nebraska and is pursuing a master’s degree in Music Education. When not singing, speaking, moving, or playing, Emma enjoys crafting, cooking, tending to her plants, and playing video games with her husband.
Emma Shaner is currently in her 4th year teaching as a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has taught PreK-8th grade general music at Meridian Public Schools, K-4 general music at Plattsmouth community schools where she also directed two shows with the Disney Musicals in Schools Program through Omaha Performing Arts. Emma will be the new music teacher at Cody Elementary in Millard Public Schools starting this fall. Emma has received Orff Levels I and II through the University of Nebraska and is pursuing a master’s degree in Music Education. When not singing, speaking, moving, or playing, Emma enjoys crafting, cooking, tending to her plants, and playing video games with her husband.
Member-At-Large
Claire Lux teaches K-6 Music at Bell Elementary in the Papillion-La Vista School District. She graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 2019 and is in her second year as a general music teacher. She completed Orff level i at UNL last summer and plans to take the next two levels as soon as she can. Claire also teaches private clarinet lessons and is a woodwind specialist for the Millard North High School Band. In her spare time she enjoys playing piano and being outside with friends and family. Claire hopes to start working towards a Master’s degree in Music Education next year.
Claire Lux teaches K-6 Music at Bell Elementary in the Papillion-La Vista School District. She graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 2019 and is in her second year as a general music teacher. She completed Orff level i at UNL last summer and plans to take the next two levels as soon as she can. Claire also teaches private clarinet lessons and is a woodwind specialist for the Millard North High School Band. In her spare time she enjoys playing piano and being outside with friends and family. Claire hopes to start working towards a Master’s degree in Music Education next year.
Member-At-Large
Lindsey Tierney-Jack is a music specialist for Millard Public Schools teaching grades K-5. This will be her eleventh year of teaching at Ezra Elementary. Lindsey has a Bachelors in Music Education K-12 (emphasis voice) and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She had the opportunity to be an adjunct professor for the Music Education Department at UNO from 2014-2016. Lindsey has completed all three levels of Orff Schulwerk through the University of Nebraska at LIncoln. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys doing musical theater around the Omaha metro, and she loves spending time with her daughter and husband.
Lindsey Tierney-Jack is a music specialist for Millard Public Schools teaching grades K-5. This will be her eleventh year of teaching at Ezra Elementary. Lindsey has a Bachelors in Music Education K-12 (emphasis voice) and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She had the opportunity to be an adjunct professor for the Music Education Department at UNO from 2014-2016. Lindsey has completed all three levels of Orff Schulwerk through the University of Nebraska at LIncoln. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys doing musical theater around the Omaha metro, and she loves spending time with her daughter and husband.
Member-At-Large
Madeline Noonan is currently going into her 4th year of teaching with Lincoln Public Schools and will be joining the wonderful staff at Sheridan Elementary teaching K-5 general music in Lincoln. She also taught K-5 general music at Riley Elementary where she directed “Aladdin” through the Disney Musicals in Schools Program through Omaha Performing Arts. It was at Riley Elementary where she received the 2019 annual Inspire Award. Madeline graduated from Doane University where she earned her Bachelor’s of Music Education. She has also received her Level i (2018) and Level ii (2019) Orff certification at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music Education. In Madeline’s free time, she likes to be a plant mom, to decorate her new home, sing duets with her fiance, and embroider.
Madeline Noonan is currently going into her 4th year of teaching with Lincoln Public Schools and will be joining the wonderful staff at Sheridan Elementary teaching K-5 general music in Lincoln. She also taught K-5 general music at Riley Elementary where she directed “Aladdin” through the Disney Musicals in Schools Program through Omaha Performing Arts. It was at Riley Elementary where she received the 2019 annual Inspire Award. Madeline graduated from Doane University where she earned her Bachelor’s of Music Education. She has also received her Level i (2018) and Level ii (2019) Orff certification at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music Education. In Madeline’s free time, she likes to be a plant mom, to decorate her new home, sing duets with her fiance, and embroider.