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
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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!
Kalen Jolk
Co-Owner, Teacher
Speaker, Actor, Woodworking, Blacksmithing
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, Events, Communication
Emily is our very first intern here at EmpowerMe Arts! She is so passionate about the arts. She sings, plays guitar, songwriting, and is even beginning to dabble into some graphic design!
Emily is such a joy to be around! If you've been around or seen her here at the studio, you know!
We're so grateful to have her with us!
Emily
Intern
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
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
Guest Instructor
Music Therapy, Music for Littles, Group Coaching, Summer Camps
My name is Hannah Megran, and I am primarily involved in summer camps and programs at EmpowerMe Arts. I have 5 years of special education background as an occupational therapy practitioner in schools working with ages pre-K through 5th grade. I love using art as a therapeutic activity and creative outlet with my students, and for myself. I am excited to use my occupational therapy background to inspire unique opportunities for students to discover, explore, and play in creative ways.
Hannah Megran, OT
Guest Instructor
Music and Art Exploration, Summer Camps,K-5th Programs
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
I've been playing music since I was in elementary school! When I was in middle school, I started playing with other bands outside of church. We did weddings, church events, parties, etc.
The more people I met, the more styles of music I got exposed to, and wanted to take my craft to another level. Doing this has allowed me to meet many people around the Seattle area but in other states and countries as well and have blessed many lives in those places and I can’t wait to meet more. While I’m working on my dream, I’m ready to pour into lives right here at home so others can dream big.
Jonny Amado
Sound Engineering, Guitar, Vocals, Key Performance
Karen Eby
Community Partner
Monica Worthington
Community Partner
