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.
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
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.
Carol Phillips
MEMBER AT LARGE
Carol Phillips was born in St. Eustache, Quebec, and has spent nearly all her life living in St. Catharines. Four years ago, Carol moved to Fonthill with her two daughters and her husband, two cats and a dog. Carol has worked at Niagara College for the past 20 years, and is currently the Dean of the Community Services, Justice and Fitness Division. Prior to that, she enjoyed a decade at St. Catharines Association for Community Living as the Therapeutic Support Coordinator. Carol enjoys outdoor activities, and any time spent with friends and family.
Mark Wanders
MEMBER AT LARGE
A challenging question often asked of any one of Mark’s 7 children is, “So what’s your dad doing these days?” They’re not always sure what to say. “He’s busy with a few things.” Because it’s slightly complicated. Mark sold the bulk of his 35-year landscape company to his oldest son, but then still works with him regularly. He’s also a landlord, helps out on their hobby farm, has a pruning side hustle and a camping side hustle, does some woodworking, teaches high-school part-time, does marriage enrichment and mentoring with his wife Joanne of 32 years, blogs regularly at The Artisan Post, and is a foster dad. He and his family have always been involved with people with developmental disabilities, and, combined with Mark’s love for music, Momentum was a natural fit. He was asked to join the board in early 2023.
Maybe the hobby farm and folks connected to Momentum could overlap? Like some visits with a little singing?
And if you come, you’ll probably find Mark outside in the sunshine, either on a machine, in the garden, or by the pool side. Nothing like being around a little dirt, a little greenery, and some water, to clear the mind and revive the soul.
Registered Charity Number: 807907514RR0001