President
Brittany McCleery is in her tenth 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 eighth year serving the Great Plains Orff Chapter Board, first as the Membership Coordinator then Vice President, and now as the 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 GPOC workshop clinicians." Brittany, her husband Austin, two kids and golden retriever live in Omaha, NE.
Brittany McCleery is in her tenth 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 eighth year serving the Great Plains Orff Chapter Board, first as the Membership Coordinator then Vice President, and now as the 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 GPOC workshop clinicians." Brittany, her husband Austin, two kids and golden retriever live in Omaha, NE.
Vice President (President-Elect)
Carolyn Stuwe is currently in her tenth year with Bennington Public Schools teaching K-5 general music at Pine Creek Elementary. 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 Historian. She is also on the board of directors of the International Music Camp, located on the border of North Dakota and Manitoba. Carolyn works at IMC in the summers as a camp counselor.
Carolyn Stuwe is currently in her tenth year with Bennington Public Schools teaching K-5 general music at Pine Creek Elementary. 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 Historian. She is also on the board of directors of the International Music Camp, located on the border of North Dakota and Manitoba. Carolyn works at IMC in the summers as a camp counselor.
Secretary
Jackie Havranek is the K-5 music specialist at Morton Elementary School in Millard Public Schools. She also assists with the Sing Omaha Children and Youth choirs in Millard. Jackie received her Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Vocal Music Education from Wayne State College and is currently pursuing her Master of Music Education degree from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Jackie has completed levels I-III of Orff Schulwerk certification, all at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and loves attending local workshops and the AOSA National Conference. She also holds level I certification of Kodaly. Jackie and her husband Stewart live in Omaha with their daughter, Nola, and English Bulldog, Beanz.
Jackie Havranek is the K-5 music specialist at Morton Elementary School in Millard Public Schools. She also assists with the Sing Omaha Children and Youth choirs in Millard. Jackie received her Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Vocal Music Education from Wayne State College and is currently pursuing her Master of Music Education degree from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Jackie has completed levels I-III of Orff Schulwerk certification, all at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and loves attending local workshops and the AOSA National Conference. She also holds level I certification of Kodaly. Jackie and her husband Stewart live in Omaha with their daughter, Nola, and English Bulldog, Beanz.
Treasurer
Chelsea Kuddes is in her tenth year of teaching, and seventh 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 and Choir clubs. Chelsea also teaches private piano lessons and sings in the choir at St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Omaha. She completed her BME at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she is also currently pursuing her Master's of Music Education. Chelsea earned her Orff-Schulwerk Level I, II, and III certification at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well. This is her first year serving as treasurer of the GPOC. Chelsea and her husband, Caleb, live in Hooper and spend their free time enjoying their two little girls.
Chelsea Kuddes is in her tenth year of teaching, and seventh 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 and Choir clubs. Chelsea also teaches private piano lessons and sings in the choir at St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Omaha. She completed her BME at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she is also currently pursuing her Master's of Music Education. Chelsea earned her Orff-Schulwerk Level I, II, and III certification at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as well. This is her first year serving as treasurer of the GPOC. Chelsea and her husband, Caleb, live in Hooper and spend their free time enjoying their two little girls.
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 a ninth year teacher and seventh year board member of the Great Plains Orff Chapter. After receiving a BME from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, her Omaha-Metro teaching career began at Bellevue Dance Academy with group voice lessons, musical theater, and show choir. While teaching with Millard Public Schools, Sara has utilized the Schulwerk approach during sixth grade chorus, seventh grade chorus, PreK-5th grade elementary general music, and kindergarten PE. 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 completed Schulwerk Levels I & II with Karen Benson and Julie Scott (respectively) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Level III with Rick Layton at Southern Methodist University, and an SMU Master Class with Werner Beidinger. 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-Broeker and Dr. G. Phillip Shoultz. In her spare time, Sara is an active honor choir clinician, most recently conducting the Sing Around Nebraska Honor Choir in Kearney, NE, sings with a 10-person vocal jazz ensemble named NExus, and loves visiting local art, music, coffee, and food venues.
Sara Alswager is a ninth year teacher and seventh year board member of the Great Plains Orff Chapter. After receiving a BME from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, her Omaha-Metro teaching career began at Bellevue Dance Academy with group voice lessons, musical theater, and show choir. While teaching with Millard Public Schools, Sara has utilized the Schulwerk approach during sixth grade chorus, seventh grade chorus, PreK-5th grade elementary general music, and kindergarten PE. 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 completed Schulwerk Levels I & II with Karen Benson and Julie Scott (respectively) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Level III with Rick Layton at Southern Methodist University, and an SMU Master Class with Werner Beidinger. 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-Broeker and Dr. G. Phillip Shoultz. In her spare time, Sara is an active honor choir clinician, most recently conducting the Sing Around Nebraska Honor Choir in Kearney, NE, sings with a 10-person vocal jazz ensemble named NExus, and loves visiting local art, music, coffee, and food venues.
- Publications Editor
Historian
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 second year as the K-3 elementary general music teacher 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 3rd and 4th grade 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 and was 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 levels I, II, and III of her Orff-Schulwerk certification at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, VanderCook College of Music, and Southern Methodist University, respectively. In addition, she has completed levels I and II of her World Music Drumming certification and is excited to implement different styles of music into her classroom. Professionally, Kaitlin is active in GPOC, holds membership with NAfME and AOSA, and has completed graduate coursework towards her Master of Music Education. Kaitlin lives in Omaha and enjoys snuggling with her orange tabby named Otis, getting coffee with friends, and practicing yoga in her free time.
Kaitlin Beck is in her second year as the K-3 elementary general music teacher 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 3rd and 4th grade 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 and was 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 levels I, II, and III of her Orff-Schulwerk certification at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, VanderCook College of Music, and Southern Methodist University, respectively. In addition, she has completed levels I and II of her World Music Drumming certification and is excited to implement different styles of music into her classroom. Professionally, Kaitlin is active in GPOC, holds membership with NAfME and AOSA, and has completed graduate coursework towards her Master of Music Education. Kaitlin lives in Omaha and enjoys snuggling with her orange tabby named Otis, getting coffee with friends, and practicing yoga in her free time.
Member-At-Large
Hi my name is Will Green! I am the General Music teacher at Sunny Slope Elementary School in Omaha Public Schools. I am in my 6th year of teaching. I love it! I received my Bachelors in Music Education K-12 Endorsement (voice major) from Wayne State College in 2013. I am currently pursuing my Master in Music Education with an emphasis in Inclusivity from UNL. I have finished my level certification for Kodaly and am in the process of finishing my level certification for Orff. A little bit about me; I grew up pretty much all over the place because of my parent’s jobs. I was born in Omaha and have lived in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis. Having lived in a variety of places during my schooling I was involved with many musical experiences, whether it be with guitar, playing in band, choirs, or church music. These opportunities have fostered the love and passion of music and wanting to become an excited, caring teacher! Part of my degree responsibilities for my Masters in Music Education in Lincoln is my Graduate Teaching Assistantship conducting the i2 choir “Intergenerational Exponentially Better Together” choir for special needs directed by: Dr. Rhonda Fuelberth. I conduct and work with these students by implementing the teaching philosophies of Orff and Kodaly and give the students experiences of inclusiveness with singing in a choir and knowing that they are part of something big! On the side I am the choir conductor for the adult choir at St. Vincent de Paul Church here in Omaha! With all said and done, I try to stay busy and really enjoy teaching and caring for people! I am also in my 4th year of doing an after school OSHE program and my kids love it! We have done four programs so far for the parents! It has been a big hit!
Hi my name is Will Green! I am the General Music teacher at Sunny Slope Elementary School in Omaha Public Schools. I am in my 6th year of teaching. I love it! I received my Bachelors in Music Education K-12 Endorsement (voice major) from Wayne State College in 2013. I am currently pursuing my Master in Music Education with an emphasis in Inclusivity from UNL. I have finished my level certification for Kodaly and am in the process of finishing my level certification for Orff. A little bit about me; I grew up pretty much all over the place because of my parent’s jobs. I was born in Omaha and have lived in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis. Having lived in a variety of places during my schooling I was involved with many musical experiences, whether it be with guitar, playing in band, choirs, or church music. These opportunities have fostered the love and passion of music and wanting to become an excited, caring teacher! Part of my degree responsibilities for my Masters in Music Education in Lincoln is my Graduate Teaching Assistantship conducting the i2 choir “Intergenerational Exponentially Better Together” choir for special needs directed by: Dr. Rhonda Fuelberth. I conduct and work with these students by implementing the teaching philosophies of Orff and Kodaly and give the students experiences of inclusiveness with singing in a choir and knowing that they are part of something big! On the side I am the choir conductor for the adult choir at St. Vincent de Paul Church here in Omaha! With all said and done, I try to stay busy and really enjoy teaching and caring for people! I am also in my 4th year of doing an after school OSHE program and my kids love it! We have done four programs so far for the parents! It has been a big hit!
Member-At-Large
Luke Thallas is in his fourth 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 fourth 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 O'Brien is currently in her fifth 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. This past year, 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 completed her third level at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. In addition to her Orff training, she has completed Level I and II of World Music Drumming. Megan and her husband Frank, a music educator as well, live in Lincoln with their two cats, Harper and Bebe.
Megan O'Brien is currently in her fifth 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. This past year, 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 completed her third level at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. In addition to her Orff training, she has completed Level I and II of World Music Drumming. Megan and her husband Frank, a music educator as well, live in Lincoln with their two cats, Harper and Bebe.
Member-at-Large
Kelly Whisinnand is the 1st-5th grade music teacher at Reeder Elementary School in Millard Public Schools. She conducts a 4th-5th grade choir and directs the 5th grade drama club at Reeder. Kelly is also the Sing Omaha K-2 West Children's Choir director and directs the all-girl show choir at Beadle Middle School.
Kelly earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of NE-Lincoln and a Master's Degree from the University of NE-Omaha. She is trained in all three levels of Orff Schulwerk and is a certified Orff Movement levels teacher. She is an active presenter at the State and National level. She loves spending time with her husband, Tom, and their two kids, Duncan and Jersey.
Kelly Whisinnand is the 1st-5th grade music teacher at Reeder Elementary School in Millard Public Schools. She conducts a 4th-5th grade choir and directs the 5th grade drama club at Reeder. Kelly is also the Sing Omaha K-2 West Children's Choir director and directs the all-girl show choir at Beadle Middle School.
Kelly earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of NE-Lincoln and a Master's Degree from the University of NE-Omaha. She is trained in all three levels of Orff Schulwerk and is a certified Orff Movement levels teacher. She is an active presenter at the State and National level. She loves spending time with her husband, Tom, and their two kids, Duncan and Jersey.
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 fourth year at Treynor and eighth 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 fourth year at Treynor and eighth 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.