Kate’s career in arts administration and human services includes managing a community music school, sound engineering and production, and serving as the Woodwind Teaching Artist for Soundscapes – an El Sistema based after school music program for students on the Virginia Peninsula. She went on to serve as Development Manager for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and then Director of Fundraising and Grants at PORTCO, Inc. (employing adults with differing abilities). Kate joined Tidewater Arts Outreach in 2019 as Director of Development and took on the Executive Director role in 2020.

Kate received her Bachelor of Music in Music Industry from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) and her Master of Public Administration from South University. She earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in June of 2019 and was an Inside Business Top 40 Under 40 Honoree in 2022. Kate is also a 2022 alum of the Creative Center Training Institute.

Kate believes strongly in community involvement. She is Chair of Old Dominion University’s Master of Public Administration Advisory Board, an active member of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (including chairing both their Programs and National Philanthropy Day Committees), Board member of Tidewater Friends of Foster Care, and commissioner on the Norfolk Mayor’s Commission on Aging and Long-Term Care.

She also enjoys facilitating professional education and serving as a mentor to other non-profit professionals. Kate has taught as a subject matter expert at the Virginia Fund Raising Institute, SourceAmerica, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Black BRAND.

Kate can occasionally be spotted playing music with her husband, Marc. When not playing music together, they enjoy adopting senior pugs, serving as foster parents, hiking trails, and exploring Hampton Roads’ amazing food scene.

Ashley was elected President of the Virginia Music Therapy Association in January 2022 and is an active member of the Virginia Beach Chorale.

She completed her Bachelor of Music Therapy degree at Eastern Michigan University in 2010 and her Master of Arts degree in Music Therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in December of 2020. Ashley is a 2022 alum of the Creative Center Training Institute and earned her Activity Consultant Certified (ACC) credential in August 2024.

Ashley has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, elementary and middle school special education classrooms, early childhood community music groups, community mental health, elder care, memory care and hospice. As a hospice music therapist, she witnessed how pervasive isolation is especially among older adults, creating a passion for bringing people together through music. Transitioning from clinical work, she now focuses on building relationships with artists and community partners to eliminate the barriers of access to high quality programming to our communities.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys reading, playing piano, watching movies, and spending time with her husband, two children, and two dogs.

She earned her Master of Arts in Sports Marketing and Public Relations at Northwestern University, Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Grand Valley State University.

Melissa’s expertise lies in designing and managing programs that promote inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility in the arts, most recently as Event Coordinator with Heart of Virginia Artisans and the Forward Foundation. She firmly believes that everyone should have the opportunity to engage with and benefit from artistic experiences, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Melissa’s passion for the arts extends beyond her professional life. She is an active member of the local arts community, regularly attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops. This deep engagement allows her to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in the field.

In her free time, Melissa can be found frequenting local artisan events – usually with her pup in tow; spending time with her husband and two boys; or loving up on her Maine Coons.

…as a Professional Educator, an HR Specialist and a Talent Acquisition Consultant. In addition, she has worked as a TAO volunteer assisting program artists for the past 2 years,

She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from Hampton University and her Masters in Human Resources Education and Leadership from Louisiana State University.  Her passion for working in the community spans over several decades as she has volunteered for various non -profit agencies in Hampton Roads that cater to underserved populations.

After retirement, Valerie wanted to find a way to combine her entrepreneurial desires with her passion for the arts and mentoring.  As a result, she opened a local craft store in Chesapeake that makes and sells custom craft items; mentors new entrepreneurs; and offers crafting training classes.

In what is left of her spare time, she rides motorcycles with her husband, serves as the outreach coordinator for her church and nurtures 2 dogs, 3 children, and 26 grandchildren.