As a Music Therapist, Mendelt Hoekstra, recognized the importance this programming plays with regards to creating opportunities for community involvement and social participation and, more importantly, the subsequent benefits they provide with respect to an individual’s overall health and well-being. Specifically, he recognized the difference music and performance made to people with disabilities.
It improved their lives by allowing them to overcome societal obstacles, improved their confidence and social skills, and also allowed members to tangibly give back to the community. He envisioned a solution that could make a more inclusive society while filling an important societal gap, Momentum Choir.00 audience members.
To be a contributing and appreciated constant of the arts culture in Niagara and beyond while continuing to provide learning and performance opportunities for persons with a developmental disability in a responsible, safe and innovative manner.
Member at Large positions open
Momentum Choir is currently seeking two new Members at Large to fill two vacant positions on the Board of Directors.
Ideally, we would like one board member based out of Niagara and one board member based out of Hamilton. These two locations are currently our two primary in-person choir locations.
This is an opportunity to be a part of a growing not-for-profit organization and an engaged and dynamic team. The Board of Directors is accountable for achievement of the strategic directions of the organization.
Please read the position summary prior to applying.
Email Chair@momentumchoir.ca to apply.
Have fun
"taking care of business" with Momentum Choir
The Volunteer Board of Directors
Charlene Green
CHAIR
Charlene Green was born and raised in St. Catharines with her older sister, Corinne, who has been a member of Momentum Choir for 10 years. Charlene currently works for the federal public service having over 16 years of extensive experience in leading diverse groups of people, as well as drafting and implementing public policy. Charlene joined the Board of Directors in 2011 as Secretary to be actively involved in Momentum Choir with her sister. Charlene remained Secretary until 2014, at which point she became Chair of the Board of Directors. Charlene was recently recognized in 2017 by the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise for her work with Momentum Choir, receiving their highest honor, the Paul Harris Fellow Award.
Shelly Pelletier
TREASURER
Shelly Pelletier grew up in Niagara Falls and now has made her home in St. Catharines. Shelly started her working career as an Early Childhood Educator at the YMCA. After furthering her education Shelly worked in the accounting department for a global publisher of children’s books, she now works in the finance department for a prominent Niagara-on-the-lake Resort Hotel & Spa. Shelly is a volunteer with West Niagara Special Olympics. You will find Shelly working with the athletes as a lane coach for 5-pin bowling in the winter and as team manager for bocce in the summer. Before joining the Momentum Choir Board of Directors, Shelly enjoyed attending many Momentum Choir performances and has developed friendships with a couple of the choir members through her involvement with Special Olympics.
When the position of Treasurer became available, it was a perfect fit with her volunteer experience and career path.
Colleen Morningstar
SECRETARY
Colleen Morningstar was born and raised in Niagara Falls. Colleen’s son, Ty Johnsson, has been in Momentum for 3 years. Colleen has worked in management in Long Term Care for the Niagara Region for 33 years. Her love of music started at the age of 4, singing in and accompanying choirs, voice, piano, and dance lessons, and grew into a Bachelor of Music in Honors Education from the University of Western Ontario. She has also received a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies from Brock University, Teaching Adults Certificate from Niagara College, as well as various studies related to business and leadership. Colleen enjoys spending time with her son and daughter, as well as volunteering with West Niagara Special Olympics.
Karen Sills
MEMBER AT LARGE
Karen Sills was born and raised in Niagara Falls and joined the Momentum Choir Board of Directors in 2018. Having lived in various communities throughout Ontario and British Columbia, Karen chose to return to her roots and retired in St. Catharines. She has spent her 40+ year working career in Montessori education as a teacher, administrator, guest lecturer and consultant which has given her the opportunity to travel to both China and Morocco. She has occupied various positions on numerous boards and committees and has a passion for making good things even better! Recognizing the uniqueness & benefits of such a choir as Momentum, Karen chose to put her experience, knowledge and energy towards helping promote Momentum Choir to even loftier heights!
Mark Jenkins
MEMBER AT LARGE
Mark Jenkins was born and raised in beautiful Port Dalhousie. Mark, as a post secondary student earned university degrees in Economics, Business (Accounting) and a Masters of Education. Mark started his working career in accounting firms before entering the teaching profession where he served for 31 years. Interacting with the secondary school special needs students was definitely a highlight. Mark and his wife Pat have enjoyed being “behind the scenes” helpers with Momentum for ten years. Their son Justin is a member of the choir and older son Jordan an ardent supporter.
Kelly Lockwood
MEMBER AT LARGE
Kelly Lockwood was born and raised in Ancaster and currently resides in Fonthill, Ontario. Dr. Lockwood is a Professor and Applied Sport Scientist in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at Brock University. Through the disciplines of Biomechanics and Physiology, Kelly has over 35 years of teaching and research experience, specifically as it relates to sport and Long Term Athlete Development. She has held technical advisory positions with community, provincial, and national level sport organizations, making critical contributions to the science of sport performance. Her background in applied sport research has made her a strong advocate of the link between theory and practical application as it relates to sport for life. Kelly is new to the Board of Director in 2019 and looks forward to assisting with the growth of Momentum Choir.
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