Cantemos Youth Chorale Board
Our mission is to provide an inclusive and engaging choral experience for Douglas County youth in grades 3-8 by creating opportunities that enhance a multi-cultural musical education and removing the participation barriers of tuition costs and auditions. Our vision is to enrich the lives of youth and foster a life-long appreciation of music and sense of community togetherness.
Cherie Elo
Chair of the Board
chair@cychorale.org
cherie@cychorale.org
Growing up in Lawrence I felt fortunate to have a chance to participate in several low cost or no cost music experiences such as bell choir, a children’s choir, recorder club (which met before elementary school) and I was excited when Cantemos organized as it gave one of my kids a chance to have a new musical experience as well as meet kids from all over town.
I joined the Cantemos board in 2023 because I was drawn to the positive energy and drive to help kids be their best selves through music and look forward to seeing the choir to mature and connect with choir alumni in future years.
Greg Ash
Vice Chair of the Board
greg@cychorale.org
Greg Ash is an attorney and partner in the Kansas City-based Spencer Fane law firm, specializing in employee benefits and employment law. He and his wife, Amy, collectively have four degrees from KU and have been Lawrence residents for over 30 years. They have two adult daughters and two dogs, on whom they dote constantly. Greg has a passion for mentoring children, and is a lapsed saxophone player. He and Amy enjoy traveling, art, and cooking.
Barb Bishop
Treasurer
treasurer@cychorale.org
barb@cychorale.org
I am old and a diehard fan of The Ohio State university where I got my undergrad before most of you were born. I have been married for almost 55years and am the mother of two, grandmother of 5. I retired at the end of 2019 from my position of Executive Director of The Arc of Douglas County, an organization that provides advocacy and case management support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). I managed the finances for that agency as well as those of the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas, an advocacy organization run by and for people with IDD. Over the years I have served as treasurer of The Big Tent Coalition, The Transition Council of Douglas and Jefferson Counties, and Trinity Lutheran Church. I am new to Cantemos, but love its concept and, of course, its music. I look forward to working with the wonderful folks on the board and their dedicated staff.
Sandy Cooper
Board Member
sandy@cychorale.org
Sandy is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, as well as a pianist, choir member, and ESL teacher. She and her husband Jim settled in Lawrence over 20 years ago, after traveling around the world for 25 years as a Navy family. Teaching piano, teaching English, and directing choirs were the constants in her life in those various states and countries.
Erika Zimmerman
Secretary
info@cychorale.org
erika@cychorale.org
Erika Zimmerman serves as the executive director for Lawrence Habitat for Humanity. Before taking on the director role, she served in various capacities for Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence including the Development Director and the Director of Grants. Erika is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a B.S. degree in Sociology.
In her free time, Erika serves on the Citizen’s Review Board, and volunteers as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Shamrock Shuffle. She also serves on the St. John's Catholic School auction committee. She also enjoys watching, playing, and reading about sports. She is an avid Green Bay Packers fan, although she has lived in Kansas all her life. Erika has a daughter, Kauvia, who is a sixth grader at St. John's Catholic School and has been a member of Cantemos Youth Chorale for three years.
Lysette DeBoard
Board Member
lysette@cychorale.org
Lysette has been a part of K-12 education since 2004. During her tenure, she has taught 5-12 vocal music, K-5 general music, an instructional coach, an Interim Assistant Principal at West Middle School and is currently the Billy Mills Middle School Choir Director. In addition to working for Lawrence Public Schools, she is the Music Director at West Side Presbyterian Church. In her free time, Lysette enjoys time with her family, volunteering with Girl Scouts, and teaching archery at Lawrence Hidden Valley Camp.