staffbiographies

Suzanne Williams

Director/Kindermusik Educator

Suzanne was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina to American parents who were living and working abroad; grew up in São Paulo, Brazil; attended Oberlin Conservatory of Music; was graduated from SMU with a Bachelor of Music; taught piano and early childhood music in Caracas, Venezuela for 17 years and moved to the Dallas area in 1998. Suzanne is a licensed Kindermusik educator and has an elementary music teaching certificate.

MEET THE STAFF

The Maestro Program was created by Kindermusik International in 2000

to recognize educators reaching notable levels in the classroom.

Suzanne was named by Kindermusik as a Maestro in 2001

and has maintained that standing ever since.

Being a Maestro at the Conductor's Circle level signifies that she is among

the top 1% of over 5000 Kindermusik educators worldwide.

Vanessa Jones

Kindermusik Educator

Vanessa received a Bachelor's degree in Speech Communications from

Texas A&M University and a Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of North Texas. Vanessa is a licensed and certified

Speech-Language Pathologist as well as a Kindermusik educator and has worked with children of all ages in the public school system.

Jeanette Collins

Kindermusik Educator

Jeanette holds a B.S. degree in Education from the University of Houston with a minor in music. She taught public school for 18 years, the last two years as an elementary music teacher. She began her Kindermusik journey in 1999 in Corpus Christi, Texas. When Kindermusik International began recognizing programs of exceptional service in 2001, Jeanette was named a Maestro, placing her in the top 5% of Kindermusik educators worldwide. She has

moved recently to the Dallas area with her husband and 12 year old son

and is thrilled to join The Korner Kottage's award winning program.

"Kindermusik is, hands down, the

most powerful program for young

children and their families!"

Jeanette Collins

"Kindermusik joins with parents to bring music into their childrens' lives through an atmosphere filled with learning, creativity and joy!"

Vanessa Jones

Laura Llana

Kindermusik Educator

Laura, a recent transplant to the area, is a musician and mother of two Kindermusik-loving little girls. Laura has a masters degree in vocal performance from Rice University and has performed many opera, oratorio

and musical theatre roles. She has taught privately for many years, most recently at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Since discovering Kindermusik when her eldest was three months old, Laura has enjoyed teaching and participating in as many classes as possible!

"The beauty of Kindermusik to me is that something so beneficial to the development of a child's body and mind is also so totally and completely fun!"

Laura Llana

Kathleen Lee

Signing Smart Instructor

Kathleen became interested in teaching Signing Smart ASL classes for babies and toddlers after several Kindermusik classes with her daughter, including Sign & Sing. She graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in English and Early Childhood Education. Kathleen has completed the requirements for becoming a licensed Signing Smart Instructor

and has continued her ASL education with classes at UTA.

Lara Bledsoe

Music Therapist - Board Certified

and Kindermusik Educator

Lara earned a B.M. in Music Therapy from West Texas A&M University.

After graduation she spent time in Cleveland, Ohio, working with some of the best therapists in the country exploring the use of music in schools, hospitals, community centers and private practices. In Texas she worked in the school system teaching early childhood and special education classes to students with mild to moderate physical, language and/or mental disabilites. In addition to being a licensed Kindermusik educator, she teaches private flute, guitar and piano lessons. Lara also has used her musical talents to write curriculum and songs to use with the babies and preschool children at Gateway Church in Southlake where she taught Kindermusik for 2 years. Lara is very excited to extend her passion for music and teaching to your special children.

"I believe that music is a universal language. Kindermusik uses music in a wonderful

way that's both fun and educational."

Lara Bledsoe

"Kindermusik is music education and

joyful learning not just for your young child but for your whole family."

Suzanne Williams

"Music teaches us to be better humans;

more sensitive, more creative,

and more intelligent."

Bailey Bailey

Bailey S. Bailey

Kindermusik Educator

Bailey has been actively teaching music to young children for over 20 years.

As a mother of three, she understand first-hand the need for quality

educators for the many ages and stages of children. She holds a bachelor

of music in cello performance from the University of Texas at Arlington and

is trained to teach Suzuki and traditional methods of cello and piano.

Bailey has worked as a preschool music teacher in schools and is a licensed Kindermusik educator. Bailey is passionate about learning and is committed

to bringing a quality music program to your child.

"I believe strongly that the gift of

love for music is an enriching gift

that lasts an entire lifetime."

Stacy Bauer

Kindermusik Educator

Stacy has enjoyed a life-long love of music thanks to her mother, a professional singer. Stacy can be found unashamedly singing out loud in her car, fully animated. Introduced to Kindermusik through participating in her son's class, she knew that she had found the perfect forum for sharing her love of children, musical enrichment for life, and joyous movement and espression for everyone. Stacy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising and a life degree in fun!

Melissa van de Putte

Administrative Assistant

Melissa grew up in Campinas, Brazil and Decorah, Iowa where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in both Spanish and Communications. Melissa has worked as an administrative assistant and an acounting clerk for eight years.