Administrative Team

  • A portrait of a woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a brown button-up shirt and a blue beaded necklace, smiling against a gray background.

    Tricia Andrews (she/her)

    Executive Director

    Favorite Creative Outlet: "Gardening, baking, reading, camping, traveling, and playing my ukulele. Just picked up a baritone uke as well. Love that rich sound!"

    Favorite Thing About Headwaters: “All activities here involve creativity, learning and growth. This includes lessons, classes, clubs and events, of course, but also the work of our board and admin team. So many fine possibilities, all built on our foundation of music, art and community. I love my job."

    Favorite Artist: “My heart belongs to poet Mary Oliver. Several years ago I traveled to Kansas City for a conference, mostly to see her. Was first in line at a book signing event, asked her to sign her name on the page with the poem Mindful.”

  • Portrait of woman with gray hair, wearing glasses, a light blue top, and a floral jacket.

    Carolyn Towler

    Music Instructor: Piano, Trumpet

    Admin Role: Music Teacher Mentor & Support

    Pronouns: she/her

    Experience & Education: '“I have taught private piano lessons for several years in two time periods: fresh out of college, and recently at Headwaters. I have also taught classroom music three years in Bemidji and one year at Ponemah. I have subbed in the schools in this area for eight years, worked with children for 30+ years. I earned a B.A. in General Music from Gustavus Adolphus College and an Elementary Teaching Licensure Gr. 1-6 from Augsburg College."

    Hobbies & Interests: “I enjoy gardening, bird watching, wildflower ID, biking, cross country skiing and dogs!”

    Teaching Philosophy: “My teaching philosophy is to teach the basics as each student explores the piano as a valuable instrument at his or her own pace. I strive to make learning piano a pleasurable activity for my students.”

  • A woman with dark hair and purple-tinted tips, blue eyes, and a nose piercing, wearing a black top and a purple stone pendant necklace, smiling against a gray cloudy background.

    Angela Marie (she/her)

    Arts Program Manager

    I am delighted to develop and oversee the group programming at Headwaters Music & Arts. Music and the arts have always been woven into the fabric of my life, and I feel incredibly fortunate to help create opportunities for others to experience the joy, connection, and inspiration they bring to our community.

    As a vocalist, I love performing in musicals, singing with choirs, and sharing music as a soloist. When I’m not making music, you can often find me outdoors, finding inspiration in nature, tending my garden, creating in the kitchen, or exploring new artistic and craft projects. Creativity, in all its forms, is something I cherish deeply.

    Among classical composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart holds a special place in my heart. I am endlessly captivated by his operas, masses, and art songs. While classical music is my first love, my musical tastes are wide-ranging, and I am equally drawn to the energy and spirit of genres like punk and ska. For me, music is a lifelong adventure—one that continues to inspire, challenge, and enrich my life every day.

  • Jae Spells (they/them)

    Music Program Coordinator

    Favorite Creative Outlet: Listening to music while working on pottery

    Favorite Thing About Headwaters: I value how Headwaters connects people to their creativity and helps make artistic expression feel accessible and meaningful, whether through music or visual art.

    Favorite Artist: Little Dragon

    I'm originally from the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia), but have called Minnesota home for the past 10 years. I’ve walked down many different career paths, from hair stylist to medical assistant, and for the past five years, I’ve been a freelance project manager working with nonprofit organizations.

    I’m also a ceramic artist and teacher. I love working with local artists, grassroots organizations, people of all ages and abilities to create more inclusive and equitable spaces. At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to creativity and uplifting marginalized communities. 

    Hobbies & Interests: When I’m not working, you can usually find me in my studio making ceramics, enjoying music (especially live), and spending time with loved ones. 

  • Rayne Heck (he/they)

    Marketing Coordinator

    Favorite Creative Outlet: Graphic design, website design, photography, and event planning, especially projects that help organizations connect with their communities in meaningful ways.

    Favorite Thing About Headwaters: I love that Headwaters offers something for everyone. Regardless of age, identity, experience, ability, or disability, there is something for you to enjoy and express here. Headwaters is a central hub of creativity that makes Bemidji brighter.

    Favorite Artist: Kellie Gillespie is an artist from LA. While her medium is sculpture, the materials she chooses create meaning. My favorite work of hers was titled over/medicated/under, created out of discarded pill bottles, serving as a physical commentary on the complexities of medical treatment.

    Originally from Fargo, I have called Bemidji home since my early teens. I bring a background in graphic/web design, photography, and community-centered marketing.

    I currently serve as the volunteer Marketing Director for Bemidji Pride, helping to support local 2SLGBTQIA+ community engagement, events, and outreach efforts. One of his favorite things about Headwaters is its strong focus on accessibility, creative expression, and creating opportunities for people of all walks of life to explore the arts.

    Hobbies & Interests: Rayne enjoys spending time with family and friends, supporting community initiatives, attending local events, and spoiling his dog Bingo.

Music Instructors

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    Mary Thoreson

    Music Instructor: Piano

    Pronouns: she/her

    Experience & Education: “I’ve been playing piano for 53 years and I still love to play! I have a Master’s in music composition and look forward to composing again when I retire as an Occupational Therapist. I’ve been accompanying vocalists, choirs, and worship since since the 5th grade. I’ve worked with children’s theatre, directed choirs, taught at Voyageurs and BSU, worked for the Arts Council, and much more.”

    Hobbies & Interests: “My primary interests include the outdoors: walking the dog, running, biking, paddle boarding, skiing. But I also love creating things: cooking, knitting, quilting, baking. I also love a good book.”

    Teaching Philosophy: “Music is essential to humanity and woven into the daily fabric of our lives. I hope to teach my students how to participate in this great human activity through training and inspiration, tailoring my teaching to their needs but keeping the whole of music as the background for learning.”

  • A man with long, reddish hair and beard holding an acoustic guitar while smiling at the camera.

    Caleb Erickson

    Music Instructor: Guitar

    Pronouns: he/ him

    Experience & Education “I’ve been teaching at Headwaters since 2005. I have a BS in Biology and a BA in Philosophy. Life and music, in my opinion, are two words describing a singular process. My music is the byproduct of a lifelong quest for creative self-expression wedded to a particular discipline – in this context, guitar, bass guitar, and chess.”

    Hobbies & Interests: “Philosophy, Science, Music, Art, Meditating, Nature, Reading, Writing, Chess, Yoga, Positive Psychology, exercising, playing with adorable animals.”

    Teaching Philosophy “Music should be fun… period! My goal is to make this instrument so enjoyable that it requires no effort to invest the necessary time to gain mastery – you should play because you “want” to, not because you “have” to. I’ve studied jazz, blues, rock, funk, country, folk, metal, ragtime, pop, lap, reggae, punk, polka, classical and more. Whatever direction you want to take, I will do my best to get you there – this is your journey… I’m merely a guide.”

  • A young woman with light brown hair and blue eyes smiling, wearing a green jacket and a necklace with a pendant, standing in front of a light-colored wall.

    Hannah Lewis

    Music Instructor: Piano

    Pronouns: she/her

    Experience & Education: “I am in my third year of pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Bemidji State University and am involved in both the piano and vocal studios there.”

    Hobbies & Interests: I enjoy reading books, community theater and music, outdoors activities (especially in the summer), lap swimming, and spending time with my family and friends.

    Teaching Philosophy: Music is something that everyone creates. It allows us to connect with one another, so helping students understand the technical and expressive aspects of music and giving them a language to describe what they are playing or hearing can lead to greater enjoyment and confidence with the art form. Mostly, though, it’s about having fun!

  • A young woman with blonde hair, wearing red lipstick and a black sleeveless top, smiling at the camera. She has a tattoo on her upper left arm and is wearing a black bandana with white musical notes.

    Megan Moen

    Music Instructor: Voice

    Pronouns: she/her

    Experience & Education: Vocal performance major at BSU

    Hobbies & Interests: Coloring, Legos, performing in operas, musicals and plays.

    Teaching Philosophy: I teach my students vocal health to make sure they can sing well, and I teach how to use the Alexander technique.

  • A person with glasses, a beard, and long hair wearing a maroon beanie hat and a gray jacket, standing in front of a circular decorative window with red brick-like framing and colorful lights inside.

    Sam Graves

    Music Instructor: Guitar, Ukulele

    Pronouns: he/him

    Experience & Education: Self-taught guitarist of 21 years. Aspiring multi-instrumentalist.

    Hobbies & Interests: Video production & photography, Song writing, Painting, Exploring new places, Telling jokes.

    Teaching Philosophy: Everyone is creative and learns in their own way. It’s never too late. “Just do it” often works. The process is the product.

  • A man with curly blonde hair and glasses smiling, wearing an orange hoodie with a white graphic outline of the state of Minnesota and the letters AWCL, standing outdoors with green pine trees in the background.

    Tom Nord

    Music Instructor: Percussion

    Pronouns: he/him

    Experience & Education: “My musical interests continued at Bemidji State University as I was earning my degree in Science Education. I play with various groups in the Bemidji area.”

    Hobbies & Interests: "Hunting, camping, wood working, Stanley Kubrick, learning new things.”

    Teaching Philosophy: “Practice makes improvement.”

  • A man with white hair, beard, and glasses wearing a red checkered shirt, smiling against a gray background.

    Rolf Lund

    Music Instructor: Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo

    Pronouns: he/him

    Experience & Education “I’ve taught music for 10 years at home and at Headwaters Music & Arts. I have sung in choirs and have taken piano and guitar lessons in the past, but am mainly self-taught.”

    Hobbies & Interests: "Camping, canoeing, biking, hiking, painting with acrylic paints, playing music at home and in church.”

    Teaching Philosophy: “Music is good for your mind and soul, exciting and comforting. Learning should be an enjoyable discipline, so I always blend music theory with playing or singing.”

  • A woman with red hair smiling in front of a grand piano inside a room with wooden paneling and windows.

    Sarah Leach

    Music Instructor: Early Childhood

    Pronouns: she/her

    Education & Experience: Bachelor's of Music in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education from the University of North Dakota. Playing the piano for 27 years, 21 years accompanying, 13 years of teaching  piano lessons. Several years of early childhood and elementary aged group music instruction.

    Hobbies & Interests: Cooking, baking, running

    Teaching philosophy: Music is for everyone. We can use music to help create beautiful people.

  • Maggy Rusche

    Music Instructor: Piano, Trombone, Tuba

    Pronouns: she/her

    Education/Experience: I am a current student at Bemidji State studying instrumental music education. I started playing trombone in 2016 and tuba in 2021. I began teaching privately in 2021. I have taught low brass, high brass, flute, clarinet, all saxophones, and percussion at the beginner level. I have also taught low brass and high brass at the intermediate level. 

    Hobbies and Interests: When I am not teaching or creating music I enjoy crocheting. In 2025 I started my own crochet business selling primarily stuffed animals and patterns for other crocheters. I also enjoy the outdoors: camping and hiking mostly. 

    Teaching Philosophy: Everybody deserves the opportunity to create music in a way that is meaningful to them. Talent makes a good musician; practice and dedication makes a great musician. 

  • A young person with curly hair and glasses holding a violin while sitting at a piano.

    Sarah Hamrin

    Music Instructor: Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Sarah Hamrin (she/her) joins Headwaters Music & Arts with a BM in viola performance from Baylor University and a rich background in ensemble and solo performance across piano, violin, and viola. A repeat guest soloist with the Bemidji Symphony and finalist in the American Viola Society Collegiate Solo Competition, Sarah brings both artistry and warmth to her teaching. 

    She has worked with students ages 5 to 80+, and her approach blends Suzuki-inspired philosophy with a wide range of musical literature. When not teaching, she enjoys painting, hiking, and discovering new sheet music.

    “I believe there are many ways to enjoy and access music, and I hope to impart that joy to students.”

  • A young man playing a grand piano in a decorated room with curtains, lamps, and chairs.

    Wyatt Parthun

    Music Instructor: Piano

    Pronouns: he/him

    Experience & Education: “I’ve had four years of high school music education and piano lessons, and now college level education. I am currently enrolled at BSU for a degree in piano pedagogy.”

    Hobbies & Interests: "I enjoy trading card games. I’ve been Into MTG since I was about 13, and I used to play chess frequently when we had a club. The only other thing that has stuck around is my love for theatrical performance. My high school put on a number of plays and now I’m participating in the opera at BSU.”

    Teaching Philosophy “Over my time at college I’ve been exposed to many different teaching styles and philosophies, which have their merits. What works for one student does not always work for another. I’d say the main focus is to remain flexible and draw from whatever resources you can as long as the students is responding well and progressing.”

  • A woman with blonde hair holding a cello. She is wearing a black t-shirt with the logo 'Headwaters Music & Arts' and smiling against a dark background.

    Kathy Douglas

    Music Instructor: Cello

    Pronouns: she/her

    Experience & Education: “I started playing cello when I was 10, taking lessons from Francis VanDorn in Bemidji, MN. I played throughout school in small ensembles, orchestras and completed in state competitions. I did not continue playing in college, but have continued to study on my own. I’ve had a lot of experience teaching children as a former girl scout leader, youth and family director, para professional and now a social worker. ”

    Hobbies & Interests: “I enjoy playing cello, singing, gardening, and I love to explore different methods of creating such as using wood burning, stone carving, yarn work and making jewelry. I love learning new techniques and skills.”

    Teaching Philosophy: “My teaching philosophy is to meet my students where they are. I like connecting with my students through their personal interests and curiosity to refine and enrich their knowledge while learning and exploring their instrument."

  • Naila Mikhaeil

    Music Instructor: Voice

    Pronouns: she/her

    Instructor: Voice

    Experience and Education: I am currently a Freshman Vocal Music Education student at Bemidji State University. As an award-winning vocalist, I recently earned second place in my category at the Minnesota NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition. My stage experience includes starring as Morticia Addams in The Addams Family Musical and playing Liesl von Trapp in The Sound of Music. I continue to perform actively today with the Bemidji Choir and the Bel Canto choir.

    Hobbies and Interests: Beyond my vocal performance, I am a multi-instrumentalist, with experience playing piano, guitar, violin, clarinet, and ukulele. My musical journey was sparked by a childhood love for performance and films like Frozen, which led me from school talent shows to competitive stages. In my free time, I enjoy running, performing, and creating mixed-media art.

    Teaching Philosophy: With a deep commitment to music education, my goal is to use my passion for song to make a positive impact on people's lives. I strive to create an environment where every student feels understood, supported, and valued. By leading with patience and compassion, I aim to build safe and encouraging spaces where my students feel inspired to explore their own creative voices and give back through music.

  • Brady Kacon

    Music Instructor: Percussion

    Pronouns: they/them/theirs

    Primary Instrument: My primary instrument is percussion, which is actually a family of many instruments. A few of these instruments include snare drum, which is used in marching and concert band, drum set, used in Rock, Jazz, Country, and Pop music, mallet percussion like the xylophone, marimba, and vibraphone, Latin percussion such as congas and timbales, and all kinds of auxiliary percussion like tambourine, cowbells, and whistles!

    Education and Teaching experience:  I started teaching music privately when I was 15 years old in my hometown of Grand Rapids, MN. This was right after I got done playing snare drum in River City Rhythm, a drumline based in the Twin Cities region. Now I am studying music performance at Bemidji State University, which mainly focuses on classical and mallet percussion, but I make sure to play many other styles of music and disciplines of percussion as well.

    Family: Most of my family is engaged with music in one way or another. Some of them are Luthiers, some of them just really love to listen to music, but most of them are musicians. A lot of them play bluegrass music, but some are classically trained- like my Mom for example, who studied piano and percussion at BSU. 

    Hobbies & Interests: For fun, I like to listen to records, build drums and restore vintage percussion instruments.

    Teaching Philosophy: Music is something that is innate about being human- no matter what your background, identity, or experiences are, everybody can enjoy music. My ultimate goal when playing, studying, or teaching is to serve the music.

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and glasses, smiling and wearing a brown top with a decorative necklace, in a room with a beige tiled wall.

    Betsy Bartholomew

    Voice Instructor

    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Betsy has been using her voice in a myriad of different ways for as long as she’s been alive. From singing to public speaking and performing poetry, she’s done it all. With a background in technical singing, she knows the ins and outs to how to use her voice for whatever she needs. She has done a little of a lot in the music world, but focuses mostly on voice, piano, and dabbles in guitar and ukulele. Ask her about the kalimba she got in Capetown, South Africa or her penny whistle from Dublin, Ireland.

    Experience & Education: Singing in choirs since 2001; 2 years of a Vocal Music Education major (which included private singing and piano lessons) at St Cloud State University. 3 years of coaching individual and group public speaking lessons in Speech and Debate (always favoring music and singing analogies for how to make progress on using the voice). She has also taught casual singing lessons off and on since 2017. 

    Hobbies & Interests: At heart, I’m a storyteller. I have loved creating and telling stories with my friends in various settings since 2010! But, if I’m not telling stories or listening to music, you can probably find me trying (and failing) to cuddle with my cat, Capo. Or filtering through hobbies every 2-6 weeks.

    Teaching Philosophy: At the end of the day, I am here to help you do something better than what you’ve been doing on your own. I want to meet you where you’re at, establish goals to where you want to be or go, and figure out a game plan to get there. I blend technique into fun and analogy-based “does that make sense” lessons. Always student-focused, building up skills and technique to create a foundation; or further build those up to break through new barriers. Finally, what drives me forward in teaching is helping foster love and passion for what has been a cornerstone in my life, and hoping to inspire someone else to pass that forward.

  • Smiling teen in a maroon “Minnesota” shirt by calm water with trees and a bright, partly cloudy sky.

    Tiago Thompson De Souza

    Instrument:
    Guitar

    Pronouns:
    He/Him

    Experience and Education:
    Tiago is a PSEO student at Oak Hills Christian College with eight years of guitar experience. Throughout his musical journey, he has built a strong foundation in technique, music theory, and performance. His dedication to the instrument has inspired a passion for teaching and helping others grow into confident, capable musicians.

    Hobbies and Interests:
    Beyond teaching, Tiago enjoys listening to music, exploring new guitar styles, and spending time outdoors. He’s always eager to find fresh sources of creativity and inspiration.

    Teaching Philosophy:
    Tiago believes that with patience, proper guidance, and a love for music, anyone can learn to play guitar. His lessons emphasize strong fundamentals, creativity, and enjoyment, fostering musical growth and confidence in every student.

  • Ari Hady

    Music Instructor: Clarinet, Piano, Voice

    Pronouns: she/her

  • A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiling at the camera.

    Ananda Fissinger

    Instrument: Primarily voice, but also piano and ukulele


    Pronouns: she/her


    Experience & Education:  began my musical education close to 40 years ago at the age of 5.  I always participated in music and band; seeking out any instrumental or vocal ensemble available. 

    My favorite ensemble I ever sang with was NDSU Concert Choir.  I now sing in the Bemidji Chorale.


    Hobbies & Interests: I pretty much love everything.  puzzles, games, books, winter, pets.  The list is endless.


    Teaching Philosophy: As long as you are doing your best, release the rest

Art Instructors

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    Brett Wallin

    Art Instructor: Manga Art Club

    Pronouns: he/him

    "I am a passionate advocate for the world of anime and the transformative power of art. I love the storytelling and visual art in anime and manga. Growing up, I loved drawing from Dragon Ball Z, which ignited my passion for art. Manga inspired me to create graphic novels of my own and grow as an artist. I am currently working on my own manga and also love creating portraits through painting, drawing, and pyrography. Additionally, I have started my journey with digital 3D sculpting and rigging. I've had the privilege of learning from a one-on-one mentor from Disney in animation classes. I look forward to creating some fun manga and anime with you!"

  • A man with shoulder-length brown hair and blue eyes smiles softly at the camera. He's wearing a blue plaid shirt and is in a room with shelves holding guitars, plants, and various decorative items.

    Nicholas Jackson

    Art Instructor: Creativity Club

    Nicholas Jackson is a fantasy illustrator and painter. He aims to tell fantastical stories that spark imagination and fascination.

    Born and raised in Minnesota, Nicholas has been creating his art for over 15 years. He decided it was time to bring these stories to the world to help bring sparks of imagination to anyone who sees his work.

    His art is created to make you look at the world around you and see that there is magic in everyday things and everyday people. Inspiration is available to us all if we only stop to look and listen.

  • A smiling person with short dark hair and glasses, wearing a black sleeveless shirt, standing in front of a colorful abstract mural.

    Maranda Stauffacher

    Art Instructor: K-4 Art Club, Lil Artist

    Pronouns: she/her

    Experience & Education: “BA in theater production.”

    Hobbies & Interests” "Making historical and cosplay costumes, sewing, outdoors activities, attending concerts, exploring state parks, and playing board games.”

    Teaching Philosophy: “Everyone is an artist you just need to find your art form and go with it. The art that you produce is your own art form.”


  • A man with long, dark hair tied back, wearing a khaki-colored T-shirt with a graphic of a forest and sunset colors, standing against a gray background.

    Tom Daly

    Pottery Instructor

    Pronouns: he/him

    Art has been a lifelong passion for me, and pottery has become one of my most rewarding creative outlets. I love sharing my skills and experience with others—whether they’re just starting out or have been creating for years—and helping them discover the joy of working with clay.

    Since 2000, I’ve worked as a self-employed ceramic artist in Bemidji, MN, creating and selling handcrafted pieces, including a specialty line of aquarium art distributed to pet stores across Minnesota. In my studio, I maintain a clean, organized space to keep creativity flowing and productivity high. I value customer feedback as a way to continuously refine my designs and processes, and I’m always looking for ways to make the creation process more efficient without sacrificing artistry.

    “I like to show many variations of skills and techniques so they can choose what suits them for what they wish to accomplish, with me there as a guide. I’m there to cheer successes and help diagnose problems and find solutions.”