Our Team

The People Behind the Music: Meet the EYSO Team

Every great performance begins with a great team. Behind every rehearsal, concert, and musical moment at EYSO is a team of dedicated educators, administrators, and artists committed to helping young musicians grow. EYSO’s nationally recognized conductors and staff make our teaching orchestra possible through their expertise, creativity, and care—creating an environment where every student is encouraged to explore, question, and thrive.
Artistic Staff
Meet the people behind the podium! Click each conductor’s name to read their bio and learn more. Have a question? You can email them directly, or send a note to office@eyso.org and we’ll make sure it reaches the right person.

Matthew Sheppard, He/Him

Artistic Director and Youth Symphony Conductor


Joe Beribak, He/Him

Percussion Director


Ruth Cavanaugh, She/Her

Flute Choir Conductor


Tracy Dullea, She/Her

Primo Conductor and Starter Strings Director


Aaron Kaplan, He/Him

Philharmonia Conductor


Dan Sartori, He/Him

Brass Choir Conductor


Greg Schwaegler, He/Him

Sinfonia Conductor


Amy Lestina Tonaki, She/Her

Prelude Conductor


Administrative Staff
Our dedicated team brings music, mentorship, and creativity to every EYSO program. Learn more about the people behind the scenes that make it all possible.

Daniel Meyers, He/Him

Executive Director


Emily Krasinski, She/Her

Director of Membership and Operations


Josie Benedetti, She/Her

Marketing & Communications Manager


Jasmin Bolaños-Merlos, She/Her

Development Projects Manager


Anaka Riani, She/Her

Operations Coordinator


Thomas Rodriguez, He/Him

Operations Coordinator


Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides guidance, oversight, and strategic leadership to ensure EYSO’s mission thrives. Learn more about the dedicated individuals who help shape our organization’s future.

James Allen

President
Director since 2022


Anthony Riani

Vice President
Director since 2021


Dina M. Pilipczuk

Treasurer
Director since 2024


Allison Winsor

Secretary
Director since 2021


Daniel Meyers

Executive Director
Director Ex-Officio since 2024


Matthew Sheppard

Artistic Director Director
Ex-Officio since 2019


Casey Clemens

Director since 2022


Grace Fernandez

Director since 2022


Paul Hermany

Director since 2025


Simon Karkosch

Director since 2024


Neha Myers

Director since 2022


Jen Pierce

Director since 2023


Drent Shields

Director since 2025


Edward Snoble

BMO Private Bank
Director since 2019


Peter Van Nortwick

Wellspring Worldwide
Director since 2015


Board of Trustees, EYSO Investment Funds

James Allen

President
Director since 2022


Dina M. Pilipczuk

Treasurer
Director since 2024


Daniel Meyers

Executive Director
Director Ex-Officio since 2024


Peter Van Nortwick

Wellspring Worldwide
Director since 2015