Sarah Heffner– MA, R-DMT, Adapted Dance, and Associate Director of Music & Creative Arts Therapies

Sarah Heffner, MA, R-DMT is Associate Director of Music & Creative Arts Therapies and holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Specialization in Dance/Movement Therapy from Lesley University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Dance from Baldwin Wallace University. Sarah has taught at Beck Center in both the Education and Creative Arts Therapies departments since 2017. Sarah’s research has appeared in the book Dancing Through and Beyond Cancer, a collection of works promoting the benefits of movement alongside cancer treatments. She also choreographs for community and high school theaters in the Cleveland area. With training ranging from medical, educational, and community settings, Sarah brings a wide breadth of knowledge to servicing diverse populations. Sarah is thrilled to be a part of Beck Center and ensure that arts experiences are accessible to all!

Adaptive Art Specialist

Jocelynn lives in Fairview Park, Ohio with her husband, two German Shepherds, and two cats. She is currently working on a master's in counseling and art therapy at Ursuline College. Jocelynn loves working with children and providing a creative and safe place for self-expression.

Music Specialist

Sarah has a BM in Music Therapy from the University of Dayton. Practiced music therapy at Riverside Academy of Music for four years and The Far Conservatory in Birmingham, MI for three years. Early childhood music instructor at the Beck Center since 2005. Enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband.

Michael earned his Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in May of 2016. Following graduation, Michael completed a 6-month music therapy internship at Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson, Ohio, where he served primarily in the skilled nursing and hospice unit. He has been on faculty at Beck Center for the Arts since January 2018, and teaches guitar there in addition to his duties as a music therapist. Michael is also employed by the Dover Congregational United Church of Christ Chancel Choir in Westlake. He maintains an active performance schedule with regional pit orchestras and with his two bands, The Branches and Flight 619.

Gavin holds a Bachelor's of Music in Music Therapy from Ohio University. Following graduation, he completed his music therapy internship at Mobile Music Therapy Services of Orange County in Garden Grove, California. He has a range of experience working with individuals and groups in early childhood, clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and older adults in senior living facilities. His instruments include guitar, piano, and voice. He is also a classically trained clarinetist and was in the Ohio University Wind Symphony and the Ohio University Symphony Orchestra. Gavin joined the Creative Art Therapies staff at the Beck Center for the Arts in September 2023. He is excited to be working at the Beck Center of the Arts and share his love of music in the community.

Carly earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Ohio University after completing her music therapy internship with the Fulton County School District in the metropolitan Atlanta area. She also holds a Master of Music in Music Therapy degree from Ohio University. Her graduate research on the benefits of inclusive music therapy settings in developing early childhood social skills. Carly has experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs. Her music therapy practice centers around the belief that every individual deserves access to music and that every individual deserves the autonomy to guide their own musical experience. Carly also has experience as a piano instructor and continues to fulfill that role at the Beck Center.

Jennifer is a distinguished musician and educator whose career spans over four decades. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in music, along with a secondary degree in Theater from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University. Her extensive teaching career includes roles as the Director of Performing Arts at Trinity High School and as a music and theater teacher and director at Hathaway Brown School and the Cuyahoga Board of Developmental Disabilities, showcasing her dedication to arts education and inclusivity.  She enjoyed an impressive 40-year tenure as an associate director and soloist at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, further demonstrating her commitment to music and the arts. Jennifer has made significant contributions to the arts community in Cleveland. As a singer, actress, director, conductor, and flutist, she has become a versatile and influential figure. Her talents have been recognized nationally—she was a semi-finalist and prize winner in the Savannah American Traditions vocal competition and had the honor of being invited to perform at the White House. Today, Jennifer continues to share her passion for music through performances with the Gateway Jazz Band and as a lobby instrumentalist on the flute at Playhouse Square. She is thrilled to be joining Beck Center for the Arts as a new adaptive theater teacher.

Josie (they/she) is an interdisciplinary theatre artist with over 20 years’ experience. Their work covers all areas of theatre from performance to production, spanning a range of settings from local community theatre to black box shows in New York, even producing an award-winning world premiere musical workshop. Josie holds a BIS from Kent State University, a certificate in Devising Theatre for Social Justice from Fringe Benefits Theatre in Los Angeles, and is currently earning an MA in Expressive Arts Therapy at Lesley University. As an experienced educator, Josie developed and directed the inaugural Youth Summer Theatre Camp at Arlene’s Broadway on Buffalo in Conneaut, where she continues to direct and perform. In addition to their theatre work, Josie leads ACES Creative Arts Club through NAMI Lake County, using creative arts activities to teach coping skills to middle schoolers, and is currently developing the organization’s first Youth Advisory Board.

Brooke is a graduate from Cleveland State University and a recent board certified and licensed music therapist. She has been passionate about music and creative arts since the age of five and is in a band called Fall Creek. Brooke has a cat named Rajah, and she really enjoy building Legos and reading in her free time.