Executive Director

Kris is an internationally recognized guitarist and music educator with over 30 years of professional experience. In 2018, Kris founded Empower Through Music with the purpose of gifting music education and instruments to younger musicians who would otherwise not have access. He carefully balances his time between being a father of twin toddlers, owning a music school and hosting a weekly podcast that delves into inspirational stories of how music has positively impacted the lives of his students.

Chief Technologiy Officer

Josh is an accomplished software developer with a background in and passion for video games. His passion for guitar is more recent and was ignited after an episode of South Park poked fun at people like Josh for being good at Guitar Hero but not guitar. He soon met up with Kris and the rest is history. Josh's graduate project, aiding a musician with cerebral palsy, profoundly influenced him, fueling his enthusiasm for Kris's ETM initiative focused on assisting children.

Director-at-Large

Don Alder is a guitarist whose rare passion for music matches his unwavering dedication to community and accessibility. With an award‑winning, internationally acclaimed career, he has taken on hands‑on leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, volunteering with groups like the Vancouver Adapted Music Society and serving with the Canadian Paralympic Team—always striving to make music more inclusive and impactful

In December 2024, Don was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada (post-nominal C.M.), one of the country’s highest civilian honours, in recognition of his lifelong work of using music to inspire, empower, and drive positive change in Canada and beyond. He is deeply proud to be part of Empower Through Music’s history-making journey.

Director of Assisted Technology

Tony’s life took a different turn the day he lost his sight. After a 13 year struggle, he started learning guitar when the pandemic started. That’s when he met Kris who changed his life in so many ways. Since then, Marco has enrolled in his Masters of Assistive Technology and Human Services from CSUN, California State University Northbridge and serves as a board member for ETM.

Director

Todd is a seasoned music educator with over 30 years of experience and a parallel 20-year career in marketing, including work that bridges both worlds by promoting musical talent and programs. His passion for music as a healing and unifying force began early, during years spent working with underserved youth on the street - helping them reconnect with family, community, and purpose. There, he witnessed firsthand the role music can play in giving people momentum, direction and hope.

Director of Communications

Sasha is a communications consultant specializing in public and investor relations and the founder of a BC-based design and communications firm of over seventeen years. A lifelong believer in music’s power to heal, inspire, and unite, Sasha has experienced firsthand how it can provide comfort, spark creativity, and build resilience during life’s most challenging moments. She is passionate about ensuring that music is accessible to everyone—regardless of background or circumstance—so its benefits can be shared as widely as possible.

Director

Krysten first encountered the ETM team in schools, where their outstanding inclusive music program was making a profound impact on students in the special education program she was teaching in. She quickly saw the transformative power of Kris and his team’s work, bringing empowerment and joy to neurodiverse youth through the gift of music. As a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, Krysten believes in the incredible potential that emerges when people collaborate and create together.

Director

Darren is a Software Engineer in the Vancouver tech industry who started his music journey learning guitar from Kris. Inspired to continue growing, he then tackled songwriting and navigating the recording process. Now he records and releases his music with an empowered group of young musicians called Coastal Town. Darren is excited have the opportunity to engage and inspire young people with music… to give them the same gift that was given to him.

Technical Advisor

Robert brings nearly 30 years of experience in hardware design in Vancouver’s computing and telecommunications sectors. He has worked on a range of advanced technologies and product design solutions.

A long-time guitarist and bassist, Robert has played with numerous local bands. He was drawn to Empower Through Music through a shared interest in flamenco and a passion for using technology to expand access to music for underrepresented learners.

Head Teacher (ETM)

Jeremy McKay has spent his life surrounded by music. 15 years teaching elementary school has taught him that the only consistent in teaching is that every child is unique. Teaching at its best is meeting the student at their starting point, and guiding them to success in a way that fits their needs. There is nothing more rewarding than that moment of joy when a student finds that spark of joy and confidence they didn't know was there.

ETM Instructor

Mojo Kemp, the driving force behind the “Everybody Speaks Music” podcast, believes deeply in music's universal language. He leads extensive drum circles in his community, guiding people to find their unique rhythm while promoting harmony and mental peace. As a composer and performer, Mojo emphasizes music's unifying power, aiming to connect people through shared musical experiences and demonstrating that music transcends all boundaries.

ETM Instructor

Julia Geaman started playing drums in the garage when she was 16 years old after deciding to buy a drum kit with some money she saved up. It started out as something to entertain her but soon grew into a passion and obsession that makes up the biggest part of her life.

Music Therapist

Payton, an experienced musician and teacher, excels in guitar, voice, theory, songwriting, and piano. She discovered her love for music at age ten with her first guitar. Her journey includes performances in choirs, jazz groups, musicals, bands, and at Kiwanis Music Festivals. Payton recently completed a music therapy internship, aiding children and adults in palliative care. She's anticipating her Bachelor of Music Therapy and Associate of Arts in Psychology degrees from Capilano University in January 2024. Committed to unlocking each student's innate musicality, her teaching approach is tailored to individual needs and goals.

ETM Instructor

Kyla Rockingham, a passionate drummer and singer, channels her love for music into inspiring the students she works with at Empower Through Music. With extensive experience and training in working with neurodivergent youth, Kyla brings a diverse range of teaching methods honed through years of dedication. Her unwavering commitment has made her an integral part of the Empower Through Music community since its inception, contributing to the organization’s mission from day one.

Executive Assistant

Erica stands as a key contributor and organizational expert at Empower Through Music, seamlessly guiding and orchestrating various aspects of our initiatives. Her multifaceted skills and passion for our mission make her an invaluable asset, driving our organization forward with purpose and precision.