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

Hi! I am a sophomore at the University of Maryland studying public health. I’m so excited to be working with the campers and staff this summer at Camp Levine! Music has always been a huge part of my life and I’ve had the privilege to be supported by mentors and teachers through all of it. I am over the moon to pass on this support and foster love and curiosity for music! Please feel free to reach out to me about anything and I will always be happy to help!

Oren Strombel

Teen Apprentice Coordinator, MD Strathmore Campus

Hello Camp Levine families! My name is Oren, and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining your camp as a Teen Apprentice Coordinator this summer. I spent two fantastic years at Berklee College of Music, immersing myself in the world of melodies and harmonies. Currently, I’m continuing my studies at the University of Michigan, where I’m constantly exploring new musical horizons. Music has been my faithful companion for the past 13 years, with the guitar as my trusted partner. From strumming chords to experimenting with various genres, my passion for music runs deep within my soul. I firmly believe that music has the power to bring joy, inspire creativity, and forge lifelong connections.

Barbara Gesumaria

PreK/K Teacher - Strathmore MD

I was a Montgomery County School General Music Teacher for Elementary School for 39 years. I have been a Pre K/K teacher at Levine school for 14 years. I have a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from University of Maryland College Park and a Masters Equivalent through MCPS. I am thrilled to be returning for another summer at Levine School.

Ella Ryan

Before Care, Morning PreK/K, & Drama Teacher - Strathmore MD

Hello! I’m Ella, and I’m thrilled to be a Pre-K teacher with Camp Levine this summer. As a Teen Apprentice and camper of many years, I can’t wait to be back! A little bit about me: I’m a junior at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, studying writing, media studies, and history. I’m passionate about theater, dance, music, and art. I’m so excited to meet everyone!

Helen Ahn

Flute Teacher - Strathmore MD

Mrs. Helen Ahn is a full-time instrumental music teacher in MCPS and the founder of the Moco Music School. She has gained significant experience leading various programs such as master classes, outreach initiatives, chamber music ensembles, solo and ensemble festivals, and music competitions. As an enthusiastic educator, Mrs. Ahn has also served as a global lecturer and taught at prestigious institutions such as Asia Pacific International School, Hanyang University, and Chung Ang University in Seoul. In addition, she is a certified K-12 music teacher who instructs over 300 musicians at Montgomery County Public Schools and Levine School Summer Camp. Mrs. Ahn earned her bachelor’s degree in flute performance from the distinguished Eastman School of Music in New York and a master’s degree in music education and performance from Northwestern University and Peabody Conservatory of the John’s Hopkins University. Her private music studio located in the Montgomery County area is home to an incredibly talented and gifted group of students.

Avner Finberg

Violin Teacher - Strathmore MD

Avner Finberg, an Israeli American composer and violinist, blends contemporary techniques with diverse influences like Arab and Jewish music, jazz, and baroque elements. His acclaimed debut album, “The Four Seasons of Isolation,” showcases thought-provoking compositions. Trained by renowned violinists, Avner studied composition and violin in Jerusalem and pursued advanced studies in New York. As a violinist, he specializes in new music, premiering works at prestigious venues. Avner also teaches violin and composition at The Levine School of Music in Washington, DC. 

Allyson Ger

Art & Dance Teacher - Strathmore MD

I am so excited to be back at Levine! I am a multidisciplinary artist, musician, performer and now a creative life coach who has taught all ages and populations. Empowering others and facilitating the collaborative process along with open, creative expression is most important to me when working with Levine students. 

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.