Camp Levine MD Campus: Strathmore Teacher Bios
MD Campus: Strathmore Teacher & Staff Bios
Jason McFeators
Site Director, MD Strathmore Campus
Jason McFeaters has been working with Levine Music for over 20 years, and is thrilled to returning as Strathmore Site Director. He is a member of the the Levine saxophone faculty, and studied at the Peabody Conservatory of Music and the University of Michigan. He regularly performs with the Capital Wind Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony and the District Sax Quartet. Jason is also the choir director and department chair at North Bethesda Middle School in MCPS.
Sofia Tasikas
Assistant to the Site Director, MD Strathmore Campus
Oren Strombel
Teen Apprentice Coordinator, MD Strathmore Campus
Barbara Gesumaria
PreK/K Teacher - Strathmore MD
Ella Ryan
Before Care, Morning PreK/K, & Drama Teacher - Strathmore MD
Helen Ahn
Flute Teacher - Strathmore MD
Avner Finberg
Violin Teacher - Strathmore MD
Allyson Ger
Art & Dance Teacher - Strathmore MD
Jade Russo
Games/Sports, Snack & Break, After care Teacher - Strathmore MD
Hi! My name is Jade, I use they/them pronouns, and this is my 7th year working with children. During the school year, I am the assistant director of a childcare center, but I used to be an elementary school general music teacher! My first instrument was saxophone, but now I mostly sing and play piano. I love Nintendo video games like Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda, and I also enjoy writing and being outside in nature. I am excited to be joining the Camp Levine team for the first time this summer!
Cherie Laston
Vocal/Choral Teacher - Strathmore MD
A recent graduate of the Classical Voice Program at the University of the District of Columbia, Cherie Latson has worked with youth through singing and songwriting workshops since she was a middle-schooler. She has worked with teens in the Fly By Light reatreat, founded by the nonprofit organization, One Common Unity, as featured in the movie, “Fly By Light- The Movie,” as well with as teens from the youth performance group, Paso Nuevo, of GALA Hispanic Theatre, and elementary school children in the summer camp of Ross Elementary School. When she is not teaching, she enjoys performing in bands around the DC area. Ms. Latson looks forward to bringing out the best in budding vocalists and helping students find power and joy through using their own voices!
Stephen Omelsky
Music+ Teacher - Strathmore MD
Dr. Omelsky has taught general music and art with Montgomery County Public Schools for 6 years. He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland. Dr. O has been a member of the Columbia Orchestra for 6 years as a trombonist. Outside of muisc, he enjoys cycling, traveling, and spending time with his family. He enjoys working with kids of all ages and is really looking forward to working with all his Camp Levine students and colleagues this summer!
Junghee Son
Piano Teacher - Strathmore MD
Junghee is currently pursuing her D.M.A. in piano pedagogy at The Catholic University of America. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she has worked with students of all ages and levels. Junghee holds multiple degrees, including a bachelor’s and master’s in music therapy and a bachelor’s in Piano Performance. She is certified in Kodaly education and has a Kindermusik license. Passionate about incorporating students’ musical interests into their goals, Junghee helps them develop their piano and musical skills. Her students have achieved success in piano guilds, competitions, and examinations like RCM. Junghee strives to nurture each student’s potential and tailor lessons to their unique personalities and needs.
Marbelly Davila
Guitar Teacher - Strathmore MD
Venezuelan guitarist Marbelly Davila found her music inspiration and motivation early, playing any guitar-like instrument available to her like the Venezuelan cuatro and the mandolin. Growing up in a country with a rich musical culture, and listening to many great guitarists, she was quickly propelled toward the realm of classical guitar. Singing has always been an important part of Mrs. Davila’s musical journey as well as collaborating with other musicians, frequently acting as accompanist for choirs on guitar, lute, mandolin or cuatro. Mrs. Davila has performed in numerous guitar ensembles and in orchestras. Recently, she played in the Virtual Guitar Orchestra, where she had the pleasure of performing with one of her guitar idols, Mr. Pepe Romero. Excited by the aspects of teaching, Mrs. Davila has actively participated in the Early Music Education Seminar and Professors Development Workshops at Simón Bolívar University in Venezuela. In the United States, she participated in “Singing circles,” at the New England Conservatory, which focused on the Kodály methodology, and in the Dalcroze Summer Institute at the Longy School of Music. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Peabody Conservatory and a Master of Music from the Catholic University of America. In her free time Mrs. Davila loves playing duets and trios with her children and riding the bicycle.