Our Board

Beth Schoenlein – President

Beth has been a proud member of Voca Lyrica since 2013 and has served on the board as both an at-large member and as music librarian. She believes that music is a part of our individual and collective souls, and that it sustains and unites those around us. She’s also been enthusiastic about teaching English at Ferris State University since 1999 and spending quality time with her husband and their children.

Emily Garlick – Vice-President

Emily has been a proud member of Voca Lyrica since 2010 and believes that music is a beautiful experience that connects us regardless of day-to-day differences. Voca Lyrica’s community has sustained her spirit throughout undergraduate and graduate work at Ferris State University. Whether it’s a P!nk concert or a children’s choir concert, music creates space where joy is always accessible for her. She also enjoys reading, kayaking and cuddling her dog, who like his mom, thoroughly enjoys vocalizing in a variety of notes!

Theresa Hansen – Treasurer

Born and raised in Big Rapids, Theresa was thrilled to join Voca Lyrica in 2013 when she returned to this community after living away for many years. She has served on the board for several years, first as a member at-large and then as Treasurer. Theresa is a special education teacher and a behavior and academic interventionist and has trained a therapy dog who accompanies her to work daily to support the emotional health of the middle school students at Chippewa Hills Public Schools.

Charlotte Tetsworth – Secretary

Charlotte joined the Voca Lyrica sisterhood in 2015. Throughout her time with Voca Lyrica she has served on the board off and on as treasurer, member at-large, and now secretary. “Tearing apart the music and building it back up to make it something more” with her singing sisters is Charlotte’s joy. When she is not singing or serving the students of Ferris State University in the admissions department, she enjoys reading, writing poetry, and above all her family.

Helen Brandt – At-Large

Helen moved to the Big Rapids area in the fall of 2022 and brought with her a lifelong love of singing. She was thrilled to
find the sisterhood and musical excellence of Voca Lyrica. Helen is a former church music director as well as founder and
director of SoulSong, a hospice choir based in Danvers, MA. She is excited about serving on the board of this important
organization.

Phyllis Correia – At-Large

Phyllis has been a valued member of Voca Lyrica since 2022. She’s a retired nurse and now gives her talents over to singing, contributing to the choir board, crocheting, and spending time with her family.

Susan Grant – At-Large

Susan joined Voca Lyrica two years ago, but had been an admirer of the group and its Artistic Director and Founder, Ginny Kerwin, since its inception. Having sung in choirs throughout her life, she feels blessed to be part of this talented group of singers. She retired from the District Court Bench in 2015 and returned to work as a Contract Attorney for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in 2020. She enjoys taking walks with her dog, Sophie, playing Mah Jongg, Bridge and Golf, and riding her bike when she can find the time.

Carol Hillman – At-Large

Carol has been a member of Voca Lyrica for three seasons and loves that her first teaching position was under Ginny Kerwin at the Big Rapids Cooperative Preschool many years ago. Carol served as an at-large Voca Lyrica board member until named secretary in 2022. She believes music is the universal language of our fragile world, with many beautiful works messaging to the world to take care of each other. Currently she is employed with the National Energy Foundation, teaching students about balancing the earth’s resources. She has three daughters and two sons-in-law, along with her husband of almost 45 years, who she makes her priority as they are her pride and joy.

Jamie McClendon – At-Large

After three years of persistent “email tag” and missed opportunities, Jamie finally joined Voca Lyrica in 2025. She’s thrilled to return to organized music after years of singing in the shower, having previously graced stages from Carnegie Hall and Central Park to performing the national anthem at MLB events. An Arizona native, Jamie traded desert landscapes for Michigan’s greenery and is excited to now contribute as a board member, helping to ensure Voca Lyrica continues to enrich the community for years to come.

OUR BOARD