Music Teacher Guild Leadership

  • Colonel (USA, Retired) Thomas H. Palmatier - Board President

    Colonel Thomas Palmatier culminated a 37-year military career as Commander of The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," the first officer to command both of the Army's premier bands. He performed in all 50 states and 52 countries, including the Kennedy Center and Kremlin. Now an Adjunct Associate Professor at Old Dominion University, he serves as clinician, guest conductor, and consultant worldwide. His awards include the Army Distinguished Service Medal and three Legions of Merit. He holds a Doctor of Music and master's degrees from the Army War College and Truman State University.

  • Brandi Small - President Elect & Treasurer

    Board member and arts administrator with 5+ years leading educational programs and community initiatives. Cofounded SOCO Productions at Florida Southern College, serving as Vice President of External Affairs, managing event production, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising. Led as SAC Co-Chair and Treasurer at Liberty High School, overseeing budgets and policy compliance. Expert in program coordination, large-scale event management, and team leadership. Champions educator support and professional development, recognizing that empowering teachers strengthens music education.

  • Eric Trio - Vice President

    Music education leader with 19 years of experience in elementary and secondary instruction. Served as President of the Mountain Laurel chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (2019-2024) and currently serves as Guild Mentor for Music Teacher Guild, mentoring educators nationwide. Certified Orff-Schulwerk teacher and published researcher in The Orff Echo. Presents at state and collegiate conferences on innovative music pedagogy. Former Army bandsman with the 249th Army National Guard Band. Active conductor throughout the Ohio Valley. Passionate advocate for accessible, high-quality music education and teacher professional development for all students.

  • Stacey Peterik - Secretary

    Music education leader with 15+ years directing comprehensive band programs across all grade levels in Central Illinois. Currently oversees five elementary band programs, middle and high school jazz ensembles, and the Urbana High School Tiger Marching Band. Secured multiple grants including I.D.E.A. and SPLASH funding to expand program resources and established the Evelyn Burnett Scholarship to provide instruments to low-income students. Serves as Treasurer of Sigma Alpha Iota Urbana Alumnae Chapter. Holds Master's in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. Dedicated to creating equitable access to quality music education for all students.

  • Hayden Simko - Member at Large, Advocacy Committee Chair

    Hayden Simko - Member at Large, Advocacy Committee Chair

    Music education innovator and founder of OwlEagle Studio, providing virtual piano instruction to students worldwide. Specializes in teaching gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodiverse learners through adaptive, game-based pedagogy. Internationally recognized pianist with Piano Guild Diplomas, multiple first-place wins in MAC Open Competitions, and top honors from National Federation of Music Clubs and international competitions. Earned Bachelor's degree at age 16. Passionate advocate for accessible, creative music education that meets diverse learners where they are and accelerates their growth.

  • elisa janson jones

    Elisa Janson Jones - Founder & Executive Director

    Founder and Executive Director of Music Teacher Guild, serving a worldwide community of music educators with professional development, mentorship, and community building. Over 10 years of nonprofit leadership including board roles with Colorado Brass Band, Grand Junction Centennial Band, and District 51 Foundation. Former conductor and K-12 music educator with 15+ years teaching experience. Holds MBA in Strategy & Management and pursuing EdD in Instructional Design. Certified AI Consultant pioneering integration of emerging technologies in music education to enhance teacher effectiveness and student outcomes.