The EmpowerMe Arts Team
My love for music started from a very young age. I remember writing a song in my neighbor’s sandbox with a friend at age 5. That little artist soaked up all of the education she could and ended up with around 27 years of piano experience, 16 years of guitar, and a lifetime of vocal training. Along the way she worked on her visual art and created a business off of those creations too! My hope is to give every student the opportunity to be empowered to learn and grow in their musical and artistic gifts too!
Sarah Jolk
Owner/Founder
Voice, Piano, Guitar, Songwriting, Painting, Visual Art, Life Coaching
Monica Worthington, NLP
Events and Operations
Susie has worked in special education for the past 11 years. As a child she spent most of her time taking art and dance classes, performing in musicals, and performing in her high school's marching band color guard. She enjoys using her background as a special education teacher and speech therapist to help empower students to use their creativity to reach their full potential.
Susie Donato, SLP
Newsletters, Advisor, Guest Instructor
Newsletters, Admin, Music Therapy, Music for Littles,
Karen Eby
Guest Art Teacher, Paint N' Sips
I come from beautiful Costa Rica. I have my own graphic design and art business called Lapa Design Studio, have played the violin, and have taught Early Education (17 years). I am a mom to two boys: Luke and Jack. In my free time, I enjoy working with horses, nature walks, and reading and watching sci-fi movies (especially Star Wars!!). What I love about EmpowerMe Arts is Sarah's vision to offer the world of Arts to the community: a path to free yourself, discover the creative you, and most importantly ENJOY the arts! I am excited to bring the joy of creativity to the community, especially the young children.
Karen Pratt
Guest Art & Music Teacher, Graphics
Prek and Elementary Art and Music, Beginner Violin and Piano
Guest Art & Music Teacher, Graphics
Thomas R. Niblack, a/k/a Tommy, was born into a musical family in the great city of Philadelphia, PA. Tommy further developed his talent as a drummer, bassist, and guitarist at Georgia College and State University. He has been a background singer for many famous artists and with the assistance of Andre Deyo, ("Jenny From the Block") and Scott "Shavoni" Parker, ("Talk To Me," Brandy), Tommy also developed strong song writing and production skills.
Tommy Niblack
Guest Instructor
Acoustic, Electric, and Bass Guitar, Drums, Vocals, Songwriting, Music Theory
Melynda lives in Black Diamond with her husband and two kids. As an “outgoing introvert”, she loves connecting with people and being a part of the community. She loves gardening; and keeping her (many) indoor plants alive. She loves hand lettering and watercolor painting! She is fascinated with neuroscience and how it informs our relationships and personal growth. She is trained in neuroscience-based coaching and has a degree in Public Relations. Those skills, combined with her experience working at the local schools, make her uniquely qualified and equally excited to be a part of the EMA mission!
Melynda O'Brien
Melynda O'Brien
Community Partner
Parent Coach
Ed & Brittany Holmes
Community Partner
Ed and Brittany Holmes
Community Partners
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Kalen is a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Maple Valley, WA. He is an Eagle Scout and loves acting, woodworking, and dabbling in blacksmithing! Kalen is also a great speaker, teacher, and support to Sarah and the team. We couldn't do what we do without him!