ERIN JESTER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BOARD CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST (MT-BC)
ADAPTED DANCE INSTRUCTOR
As a founder of Beyond Words, Erin is passionate about bringing music and dance to children of any ability. She specializes in behavior management, sensory integration and positive reinforcement techniques. Erin obtained her Bachelors of Music Therapy (BMT) at Eastern Michigan University with a major in Dance Performance. Prior to Beyond Words, she was a music therapist at a non-profit company, then found her niche for children with autism and behavior management at Steps Academy (formerly STEPS Center for Autism). Erin has been studying dance since the age of 3 and teaching traditional and adapted dance classes since 2006.
Click HERE to email Erin or call at 440-230-6100, extension 700.
MARY ZUPAN
BOARD CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST (MT-BC)
Mary completed her Bachelor's of Music in Music Therapy at Cleveland State University. During her education and practicum classes, she worked with a variety of populations and ages. She completed her internship at Birch Bay Retirement Village. Mary has been a nanny for over 6 years and excited to get to combine her passions of music and working with children.
Click HERE to email Mary or call at 440-230-6100, extension 701.
HALLE SHADRAKE
BOARD CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST (MT-BC)
Halle completed her Bachelor's of Music in Music Therapy at Western Michigan University and finished her internship at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. She plays guitar, ukulele, piano and was a voice major in college. Halle is currently a part-time music therapist as she continues her graduate studies in Marriage & Family Therapy.
Click HERE to email Halle or call at 440-230-6100, extension 702.
JULIA BELLISARIO
BOARD CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST (MT-BC)
Julia completed her Bachelor's of Music in Music Therapy at Cleveland State University. During her education and practicum classes, she worked with a variety of populations and ages. She completed her internship at New Avenues to Independence.
Click HERE to email Julia or call at 440-230-6100, extension 703.
JULIE HOPKINS
BOARD CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPIST (MT-BC)
Julie completed her Bachelor's of Music in Music Therapy at Ohio University. Prior to Beyond Words, she worked for nine years at a charter school in Cleveland that specializes educational services to neurodiverse students.
Click HERE to email Julie or call at 440-230-6100, extension 705.
MELAINA McCONNELL
ADAPTED DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Melaina began her ballet training at the age of 4 with the School of Cleveland San Jose Ballet and also studied modern and contemporary dance. At the age of 16, she joined Dancing Wheels, as the youngest Trainee in their history. She quickly rose through the ranks to become their Principle Dancer and later served as an Instructor and School Administrator for the School of Dancing Wheels, where she conducted weekly dance classes, workshops, master classes and summer camps nationally for students with and without disabilities. She currently teaches at local traditional studios, as well as is the Assistant Director of North Pointe Ballet.
Click HERE to email Melaina or call at 440-230-6100, extension 708.
DELANEY BAUMANN
ADAPTED DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Delaney has spent 19+ years training in dance all around North East Ohio. Delaney began teaching dance classes at 16 years old and has been teaching ever since. This is Delaney's second year on staff at NRDA. She spent three summers working at Camp Christopher, where she was a counselor for campers of all ages and ability levels. Delaney continues to train in dance, including attending multiple conventions every year. She hopes to return to school this year to earn a degree in business management. Delaney teachers our adapted dance classes on Wednesday at the North Royalton studio.
Click HERE to email Delaney or call at 440-230-6100, extension 709.
AMANDA SCHUEREN
MUSIC THERAPY INTERN
Mandi completed her Bachelor's of Arts in Music Therapy at Mercyhurst University with a minor in special education pre-k to 12. She plays guitar, ukulele, piano and was a voice major in college. Mandi will be starting her Music Therapy Internship in June 2023. It is anticipated that she will complete this 1040 hour requirement before the end of the year, which is the last step before sitting for her Board Exam.