Staff & Board of Directors
Dr. Patrick Tuck
Executive Director
Patrick Tuck, Ph.D. is a dynamic and results-driven Executive Director with a passion for fundraising that began in high school, where he first discovered the power of philanthropy and community impact. Dr. Tuck quickly developed a deep commitment to meaningful donor relations, executing successful major campaigns, and creating transformative opportunities for youth. At Kids’ Orchestra, Dr. Tuck plays a key role in identifying and cultivating diverse revenue streams and engages with the board, staff, and donors, fostering strong relationships and open communication to align everyone with the organization's goals. Additionally, Dr. Tuck is instrumental in setting a long-term vision for Kids' Orchestra, guiding strategic planning efforts and shaping the future direction of the organization to ensure continued growth and impact on the community.
Dr. Tuck is a White-Riley-Peterson (WRP) Afterschool Policy Fellow and serves as partnership committee chair for the Louisiana Center for Afterschool Learning Advisory Council (LACAL). After a career in college teaching, Patrick accepted the position as Director of the United Way of the Bluegrass RSVP Trailblazers K-12 education volunteer program. Patrick then served as the Executive Director of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation where he administered policy and procedure for a statewide network of 4-H nonprofits and led fundraising efforts that doubled the private assets of the Louisiana 4-H program.
A Canadian by birth, Dr. Tuck holds a Ph.D. in music theory from LSU, a master’s in trumpet performance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and an undergraduate music degree and performance diploma from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
Dr. Brian Gallion
Operations Director
bgallion@kidsorchestra.org
225.922.4656 ext. 106
As the Operations Director with Kids’ Orchestra, Dr. Brian Gallion oversees logistics and day-to-day operations for all program sites, manages organizational operations including payroll, human resources, student application and enrollment, and assists with grant writing and fiduciary responsibilities.
Brian supports Kids’ Orchestra through his work as the Business and Memberships Manager with El Sistema USA, a nonprofit supporting a global network of music education programs like Kids’ Orchestra.
Brian is also an active performer on tuba and trombone, performing regularly with regional symphonies, churches, and as the resident tuba/sousaphone player with Kids’ Orchestra. He is also a lifetime member of the International Tuba Euphonium Association.
Dr. Gallion holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in tuba performance from Louisiana State University (LSU), a Master of Music in tuba performance from LSU, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
He currently resides in Zachary with his wife, Sarah, and their three children, Renée, Liam, and Claire.
Samuel Trevathan
Education Director
strevathan@kidsorchestra.org
225.922.4656 ext. 103
As the Education Director with Kids' Orchestra, Sam oversees the Kids' Orchestra site staff and teaching artists, professional learning opportunities, and the implementation of the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and music curriculum for all program sites. Sam also oversees various school and community partnerships like Kids' Orchestra Books & Music with East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries and Music for All with the Volunteers of America Day Habilitation Center for Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
Sam currently serves on the Policy Committee for the Louisiana Center for Afterschool Learning (LACAL) Advisory Council and previously served as the Afterschool Ambassador for Louisiana with the Afterschool Alliance. The Policy Committee works with policymakers to champion out-of-school time (OST) initiatives and help OST providers to effectively share their stories to ensure their voices contribute to shaping policy priorities.
He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Murray State University and a Master of Music in percussion from Louisiana State University.
Sam enjoys spending time with his wife, Alicia Monroe.
Erika Richardson
Development Director
erichardson@kidsorchestra.org
225.922.4656 x 110
With a passion for both music and entrepreneurship, Erika Richardson seamlessly blends artistry with business, creating a community-focused atmosphere that encourages collaboration and growth. As the Development Director, Erika creates and executes Kids’ Orchestra’s annual fundraising strategy, generates innovative approaches to increase revenue and donor loyalty, and in collaboration with the Executive Director, reports on progress to the Board of Directors. Erika is a dynamic leader skilled at guiding teams and building meaningful donor engagement within the community. She excels at streamlining processes, fostering collaboration, and leading development initiatives from concept to completion.
Erika holds a master’s in flute performance from the Boston Conservatory and a bachelor’s in flute performance from Louisiana State University, and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Rosalinda ramirez
Program Manager, Event Coordinator
rramirez@kidsorchestra.org
225.922.4656 x 108
Rosalinda Ramirez is a program manager who fosters connections within the community, empowers others, and uplifts them through music education. As the Community Events & Volunteer Coordinator for Kids’ Orchestra, she combines her passion for music education and cultural expression to create meaningful experiences for the community. In her role, Rosalinda manages four schools within the East Baton Rouge School District, organizes and hosts impactful events, and connects community members to the organization’s mission.
A performer and music educator originally from Brownsville, Texas, Rosalinda’s love for culture and community was nurtured through participation in local festivals, farmers markets, and beach cleanups. She holds a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from Louisiana State University. Rosalinda is also an active member of the Percussive Arts Society Diversity Alliance. With nine years of teaching experience, she has worked with middle and high schools across The Valley in South Texas and the Baton Rouge area. Additionally, she has taught and consulted for Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps and Synergy Indoor Percussion. These diverse experiences have deepened her dedication to inspiring a love for music in others.
Dr. Rebeca Lemos González
Program Manager, Instrument Inventory Manager
rlemos@kidsorchestra.org
225.922.4656 x 105
Dr. Rebeca Lemos González has discovered a profound passion for the nonprofit sector through her work with Kids' Orchestra, where her love for music and dedication to serving the community intersect. As a program and inventory manager, she uses her organizational and social skills to foster inclusion and build strong relationships with students and families. She ensures every teacher feels supported, every school is a safe space for KO children, and that each student has access to the instruments and resources they need to succeed, managing inventory and resources efficiently to enhance their learning experience.
Originally from Spain, Dr. Lemos is passionate about empowering others through music and advocates for a program repertoire and resources that reflect the diverse needs of KO families. This passion for diversity and inclusivity drives her work, ensuring that all families, including Hispanic communities, feel seen, heard, and valued as part of the broader cultural fabric of the program.
Dr. Lemos holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in cello performance from Louisiana State University (LSU), dual MM degrees in cello performance with a minor in voice performance from the Conservatorio Superior de Música "Oscar Esplá" in Alicante and Southeastern Louisiana University, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from the Conservatorio Superior de Música de A Coruña.
Dr. Kristyn Van Cleave
Program Manager, Private Lessons Coordinator
kvancleave@kidsorchestra.org
225.922.4656 x 102
Dr. Kristyn Van Cleave, a proud native of the vibrant California Bay Area, earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano and Pedagogy from Louisiana State University and a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from New York University. At LSU, Kristyn excelled as a graduate assistant, serving as a versatile pianist and vocal coach, accompanying a variety of musical and educational activities for both undergraduate and graduate students. At NYU, she made significant contributions as the assistant music director for student cabaret showcases, as well as Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute. Kristyn also served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching Keyboard Skills and private piano lessons, and working as a dedicated staff accompanist for the Vocal Performance department.
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Kristyn has passionately nurtured young musicians through her private piano studio, where up to 40 students have achieved prestigious accolades in the Royal Conservatory Music Development program and regional awards through the Music Teachers Association of California’s Certificate of Merit. In San Jose, California, she imparted her expertise in general music to elementary students and spent three fulfilling years teaching music and musical theatre at a private high school. Kristyn has a particular fondness for engaging with junior high and high school students, finding immense joy in fostering meaningful connections and encouraging their musical growth in a supportive and inspiring environment.
When not immersed in music, Dr. Van Cleave enjoys exploring French Impressionist collections at art museums and discovering new restaurants with friends!
Dr. Natalie Stepaniak
Dr. Natalie Stepaniak is an arts administrator, violist, and educator dedicated to creating meaningful music experiences for children and communities. Originally from the Denver-Boulder area of Colorado, she is currently based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As part of the team managing after school programming at Kids' Orchestra (KO), Natalie works closely with teaching artists and students to foster a safe and engaging environment where music is made and celebrated. She believes strongly that community connections build brighter futures for all, expanding access to the arts through partnerships with local schools and organizations like the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, the Arts Council, and LSU School of Music.
Natalie holds a Doctor of Musical Arts with a minor in Arts Administration from Louisiana State University, where her dissertation, Harmony in Collaboration: Curating Sustainability in Post-Pandemic Arts, explored the transformative potential of combining diverse artistic disciplines. One such interdisciplinary project was a recital with the Baton Rouge Gallery (BRG), where she paired live music with visual art. The event included a pre-performance talk that connected the solo viola pieces to the artwork on display, encouraging the audience to engage in ways that they may not have before. This project advanced the dialogue between different art forms and strengthened connections between the community and the artists.
Driven by a desire to effect positive societal change, Natalie champions collaboration as the key to building a thriving cultural ecosystem rooted in diversity, creativity, and engagement. Through her work at KO and beyond, she inspires others to see the arts as a powerful conduit for dialogue, empathy, and community enrichment.
Board of Directors
The Kids' Orchestra Board of Directors meets at 647 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 at noon on the third Thursdays of the month (September, November, January, March, May) and at noon on the fourth Thursday of July for our annual meeting.
Lauren Fowler, Board Chair
Exit Realty
Katie Schellack, Immediate Past President
Writer & Volunteer
Christina Davis, Secretary
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Adam Beary, Treasurer
CEO/President, Bear Process Safety
Trang Phuong Huynh, MD
The Women's Services, LLC
Kelly Hurtado
Bank of St. Francisville
Veronica Husak, CPA
Faulk & Winkler
Layne McDaniel, CPA, Advisory Board
John Gray, Advisory Board
Meredith Hathorn, JD, Advisory Board
Marie Powell, Advisory Board
