Board of Directors
Karen Hesley, President
Committees: Development, Program, Website
In 1994, Karen developed the first therapeutic singing group for Parkinson’s people in Phoenix, Az. She directed the Tremble Clefs in Arizona and then San Diego. In 2015, she retired as musical director to help build the current non-profit organization, Tremble Clefs San Diego. Karen is a retired speech therapist with MA degrees in Linguistics and Communication Disorders. Her interest in Parkinson’s voice began with her LSVT patients (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) and she continues to be dedicated to the mission of the Tremble Clefs.
Committees: Development, Program, Website
In 1994, Karen developed the first therapeutic singing group for Parkinson’s people in Phoenix, Az. She directed the Tremble Clefs in Arizona and then San Diego. In 2015, she retired as musical director to help build the current non-profit organization, Tremble Clefs San Diego. Karen is a retired speech therapist with MA degrees in Linguistics and Communication Disorders. Her interest in Parkinson’s voice began with her LSVT patients (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) and she continues to be dedicated to the mission of the Tremble Clefs.
Sandy Rehart, Treasurer
Sandy volunteers bookkeeping services to Tremble Clefs and serves as Treasurer. Sandy graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Redlands and has over 25 years experience in accounting and business leadership. Before opening her own practice, Sandy worked as a controller for companies in diverse industries. Sandy also volunteers to teach QuickBooks through San Diego SCORE, which is how she met the Tremble Clefs. Sandy has been married over 30 years, has two grown daughters, a 5 year old granddaughter and 3 dogs.
Mickey Burke, Recording Secretary
Committee: Development
Mathes "Mickey" Burke graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Neuroscience and Behavior. Mickey brings with him clinical and research experience from his time spent at the UCSD Movement Disorder Center, specifically acting as a clinical coordinator for movement disorder neurologists and as a research coordinator specializing in the cognition of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Mickey graduated from San Diego State University with a Master of Science in Kinesiology: Applied Movement Science in 2018. Mickey's area of study has focused on the gait and balance of individuals with Parkinson's disease and how exercise can benefit those issues. Additionally, Mickey's thesis work explored the kinematics of speech in individuals with Parkinson's disease with Deep Brain Stimulation. Currently, Mickey works as a fitness professional, holding certifications in Rock Steady Boxing and Parkinson's Wellness Recovery (PWR!).
Committee: Development
Mathes "Mickey" Burke graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Neuroscience and Behavior. Mickey brings with him clinical and research experience from his time spent at the UCSD Movement Disorder Center, specifically acting as a clinical coordinator for movement disorder neurologists and as a research coordinator specializing in the cognition of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Mickey graduated from San Diego State University with a Master of Science in Kinesiology: Applied Movement Science in 2018. Mickey's area of study has focused on the gait and balance of individuals with Parkinson's disease and how exercise can benefit those issues. Additionally, Mickey's thesis work explored the kinematics of speech in individuals with Parkinson's disease with Deep Brain Stimulation. Currently, Mickey works as a fitness professional, holding certifications in Rock Steady Boxing and Parkinson's Wellness Recovery (PWR!).
Bill Farrington, Director
Committee: Program
Bill graduated from USC and has 5 years of experience as a retail store owner and a 31 year career with ASICS America as National Team Sales Manager. Through his previous business connections, he has secured official Tremble Clefs performance shirts and other TC logo sale items. Bill came to Tremble Clefs as a musician and with choral experience in several excellent community and church choirs. He is married to Barbara, his wife of 47 years, and is the father of three. He was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s 15 years ago.
Committee: Program
Bill graduated from USC and has 5 years of experience as a retail store owner and a 31 year career with ASICS America as National Team Sales Manager. Through his previous business connections, he has secured official Tremble Clefs performance shirts and other TC logo sale items. Bill came to Tremble Clefs as a musician and with choral experience in several excellent community and church choirs. He is married to Barbara, his wife of 47 years, and is the father of three. He was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s 15 years ago.
Leigh Johnson, Director
Committees: Development, Website
Leigh comes to our Board with experience in applied research and community education and has served on various councils, committees and recently as board member of her home owners association. Leigh has internet outreach experience as well as interests in strategic planning, fundraising and community outreach. She has been a participant in the San Diego Tremble Clefs for approximately 2 years and she is also involved in other Parkinson’s support organizations. She helped initiate “Flying Solo”, a support group for Parkinson’s people.
Committees: Development, Website
Leigh comes to our Board with experience in applied research and community education and has served on various councils, committees and recently as board member of her home owners association. Leigh has internet outreach experience as well as interests in strategic planning, fundraising and community outreach. She has been a participant in the San Diego Tremble Clefs for approximately 2 years and she is also involved in other Parkinson’s support organizations. She helped initiate “Flying Solo”, a support group for Parkinson’s people.
Staff
Matt Ignacio
Music Director for San Diego Tremble Clefs and North County Tremble Clefs
In addition to directing both Tremble Clefs choruses, Matt is the Music Director at St. John of the Cross Church, and a Music Director for the Young Actors’ Theater in Spring Valley. He attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and then graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Linguistics from SDSU in 2011. He won the 2015 National Youth Arts Award for Outstanding Musical Direction for The Music Man, and he was recently certified as a SongShine Instructor. A San Diego native, Matt also performs frequently as cantor and soloist throughout the county.
Music Director for San Diego Tremble Clefs and North County Tremble Clefs
In addition to directing both Tremble Clefs choruses, Matt is the Music Director at St. John of the Cross Church, and a Music Director for the Young Actors’ Theater in Spring Valley. He attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and then graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Linguistics from SDSU in 2011. He won the 2015 National Youth Arts Award for Outstanding Musical Direction for The Music Man, and he was recently certified as a SongShine Instructor. A San Diego native, Matt also performs frequently as cantor and soloist throughout the county.
Deanna Hastings
Accompanist for San Diego Tremble Clefs chorus and Administrative assistant
Deanna is a retired music teacher from the college and public school system. She has numerous awards for her teaching, mentoring and performing in the schools and community arts projects. She was named Outstanding Professor in 1994 at SDSU. As well as Tremble Clefs accompanist, she is currently the organist at St. John of the Cross Church. She also manages other important roles for the Tremble Clefs including scheduling, communications and program development. She loves gardening, traveling, cooking, being a grandma and making music with friends.
Accompanist for San Diego Tremble Clefs chorus and Administrative assistant
Deanna is a retired music teacher from the college and public school system. She has numerous awards for her teaching, mentoring and performing in the schools and community arts projects. She was named Outstanding Professor in 1994 at SDSU. As well as Tremble Clefs accompanist, she is currently the organist at St. John of the Cross Church. She also manages other important roles for the Tremble Clefs including scheduling, communications and program development. She loves gardening, traveling, cooking, being a grandma and making music with friends.
Debbie Myer
Accompanist for North County Tremble Clefs chorus
Debbie is a private piano instructor with a long history as choral accompanist and vocal soloist. She has experience working with all age groups from children to seniors. She has high proficiency in sight-reading and facility with many musical genres. As accompanist for Santa Fe Christian School, she participated in a collaborative singing project between the school chorus and Tremble Clefs. Subsequently she accepted an invitation to accompany our North County group.
Accompanist for North County Tremble Clefs chorus
Debbie is a private piano instructor with a long history as choral accompanist and vocal soloist. She has experience working with all age groups from children to seniors. She has high proficiency in sight-reading and facility with many musical genres. As accompanist for Santa Fe Christian School, she participated in a collaborative singing project between the school chorus and Tremble Clefs. Subsequently she accepted an invitation to accompany our North County group.
Melodi Denton
Administrative assistant (Graphics and Social Media)
Melodi creates our flyers and programs, coordinates the newsletters & e-blasts, manages our mailing lists and donor drive, and maintains our website. As Administrator at Palisades Presbyterian Church (TC San Diego’s rehearsal site), she has first-hand contact with the Tremble Clefs. She knows, advocates and shows concern and respect for all our singers. She also loves our music-making. Melodi is a wife and mother of 3 boys, and has volunteered for many non-profits. She loves Disneyland, crafting, walking and sharing time with friends.
Administrative assistant (Graphics and Social Media)
Melodi creates our flyers and programs, coordinates the newsletters & e-blasts, manages our mailing lists and donor drive, and maintains our website. As Administrator at Palisades Presbyterian Church (TC San Diego’s rehearsal site), she has first-hand contact with the Tremble Clefs. She knows, advocates and shows concern and respect for all our singers. She also loves our music-making. Melodi is a wife and mother of 3 boys, and has volunteered for many non-profits. She loves Disneyland, crafting, walking and sharing time with friends.