JAMM Board Members
Catherine Wilkins- President has been active in the Juneau musical community for many years. A cellist, she has played with the Juneau Symphony, the Bach Society, Juneau Lyric Opera, the Amalga Chamber Orchestra, and other groups. In addition, founded the Juneau Cello Choir. She served on the Juneau Symphony Board of Directors and has been on the JAMM Board since 2019. Catherine was raised in a musical family, with both parents professional musicians. She played the piano and sang in church choir from a young age, switching to the cello when she was 8 years old. She also had early exposure to management of non-profit organizations, as her father was the founder and musical director of the Pittsburgh Oratorio Society. Catherine is a firm believer in the value of a musical education and the importance of music in enriching the human experience.
Catherine recently retired from her position as a construction project manager and architect, having worked for the city, state, and federal governments over the course of her career.
Stephanie Hoag- Vice President has been a member of the JAMM board since 2020 and is currently serving as Vice President. She is a former Juneau School District administrator and has continued to serve the district as a contractor doing grant writing, grant evaluation, curriculum development and other projects until her recent retirement. She worked as an evaluator for afterschool programs for eight years and has watched JAMM grow since it’s beginning. As a former teacher in indigenous villages in Alaska, Stephanie fully understands and believes in the importance of language revitalization, and as a former district test coordinator she has examined data that proves the need to create equity and school success for the young students that are served by the JAMM program Her experience with school district systems is helpful in furthering JAMM’s partnership with the district, and her experience in grant writing, administration, and evaluation contributes to the work of the board’s Grants committee.
Reggie Schapp- Treasurer is currently the Operating Manager for the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council. “I decided to become involved with the JAMM Program after three of my grandchildren loved the program. My grandson said music time is even better than recess.” I support youth organizations especially those in the arts, culture and sports. These organizations build self-esteem, encourage teamwork and teach understanding and acceptance. The most valuable
resource any of us have is time, volunteering takes time and effort, JAMM is worth the time.
Karen Christensen- Secretary is currently working at Sunny Slope Organic Farm. The United States Coast Guard moved her family to Juneau in 2023 from Virginia. She has three children: one in elementary, one in middle school and the oldest is in high school. She was thrilled when her youngest brought home information about the JAMM program because her children's previous elementary school only taught the recorder. Karen decided to volunteer on the JAMM board as a way to give back to such an enriching program. She has previous experience on a PTA board as treasurer and is currently on the board of Coast Guard Spouses of Juneau.
Jacque Tagaban-began serving on the JAMM board in January 2023. She currently is serving as the Chair of the Community Outreach committee. Ms. Tagaban has been a supporter of Juneau music and performing arts for over 25 years having raised two children learning the violin and piano and participating in theatre camps. She has served on the Indian Studies Board, the National Association of Young Children - SE Chapter, the Academic Council of the Juneau Community Charter School, the Perseverance Theatre board and currently serves on the Theatre Alaska board. Jacqueline is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education with the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and continues to support the arts in Juneau with a specific commitment to how they nurture and honor her own Tlingit people in the homelands of the Auk and Taku Kwaans.
Lynne Johnson-Recently retired as the Director of Development & Alumni Relations for the University of Alaska Southeast after a 30+ year career in fundraising and non-profit management. Lynne has been a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2001 served multiple terms on the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) - Alaska Chapter board of Directors. Lynne as lived in Alaska since 1981 and moved to Juneau in 1997.
Lorena Gray- Paglagikpin, is Inupiaq from Shishmaref and Nome, Alaska, and has lived in Juneau for the past 16 years. Lorena has four sons ages 16,10,9, and 6. All four of her children have been through and are currently in the JAMM program at Glacier Valley. Her oldest still has a love for music and when he can, he still assists in the JAMM program. Loren's a full-time college student pursuing my degree in Indigenous Studies with an emphasis on Inupiaq Language. She has a deep regard for incorporating music as well as cultural language into a child in their day-to-day school lives. Lorena has been able to see the benefits of my own children. When she is not studying or mothering, Lorena loves art, reading, organizing, and self-care.
Paulette Wilson has volunteered many years on Kaxdigoowu Héen PTO as member, president and Site Council chair before joining the JAMM board in 2021. She also currently serves as a board member of Juneau String Ensembles. She is currently working as the Admin Assistant at Harborview Elementary School. She has 2 kids and both have participated in the JAMM program. Her oldest child is in high school and is a member of Juneau String Ensembles’ Aurora Strings. Her youngest is taking orchestra class in middle school. Music is a huge part of Paulette’s childhood and family traditions. She believes in the importance of music in education and its impact on the community.
Jennifer McVey- Auke Bay Elementary Parent Representative
Open- Riverbend Elementary Parent Representative
Open- Glacier Valley Elementary Parent Representative
