Amy Lestina Tonaki started teaching orchestra in the Sycamore (IL) Community School District in 2005. Amy and her husband and colleague, Ken Tonaki, collectively teach students grades 4 to 12. Mrs. Tonaki assumes the role as the middle school orchestra director, while Mr. Tonaki directs the high school orchestras. At the elementary level, they teach their specialty instruments, with Amy providing cello and bass lessons and Ken providing violin and viola lessons for students in all five elementary schools. Their dedication has more than tripled the number of students in the Sycamore Orchestra program. 

Upon student request, extracurricular Sycamore Jazz Strings was started in 2006. This innovative ensemble, combining middle school and high school orchestra students, provides students the opportunity to explore and perform alternative styles of music.

Members of the Sycamore Middle School Orchestras served as a clinic/demonstration orchestra at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2016 and 2025. 

In January of 2025, Mrs. Tonaki joined the award-winning Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra as conductor of its Prelude Orchestra. As part of the artistic team, she helps provide a comprehensive music education to nearly 400 students and families each year. 

Mrs.Tonaki holds a bachelor degree in music education from Augustana College and a masters in music from Northern Illinois University. Amy has served as a guest conductor for district events and regional ILMEA festivals. She was a finalist for the DeKalb County Excellence in Education award, was the recipient of the Outstanding Chicagoland Music Educator award in 2025 and recognized as 2026 Elgin Symphony Orchestra Art Educator of the Year.