Michael Burkhardt
Michael Burkhardt, D.M.A., is Founder and Artistic Director of Hearts, Hands and Voices. He is internationally known for his creative work with children, having published numerous works and resources geared to inspiring and equipping both student and teacher. In addition to his work with HHAV, he is Artist-Professor of Organ at Eastern Michigan University, and travels extensively as a choral and organ clinician, organ recitalist and hymn festival leader.
Julie Berra
Julie Berra serves as Director of Music and Liturgy at Ss Peter and Paul Jesuit Church in Detroit. A frequent organ recitalist in Southeast Michigan, she holds a Masters in Church Music from the University of Michigan. Julie has been on HHAV faculty since 2010.
Jan Swanson
Jan Swanson is a music educator and organist from Columbus, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree (organ, piano, voice) from Baldwin Wallace University. She holds a Master of Education degree from Kent State University in addition to National Board Certification. Jan taught music in three northeast Ohio school districts, Rocky River, Solon and Medina, grades K-12. She also served as an adjunct faculty member at the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music. Jan served as Director of Music, Handbell Choir Director and substitute Organist/Choir Director at The United Methodist Church of Berea in Berea, Ohio; and as Director of Music, Chancel Choir Director and Junior Choir Director at Asbury United Methodist Church in Delaware, Ohio. Jan has over 30 years of experience in school and church music as well as having served in college admissions at Baldwin Wallace and Westminster Choir College. (Princeton, New Jersey). Jan joined the HHAV in 2018 and is completing her third year in the HHAV Apprenticeship Process in 2021.
Program Coordinator:
Ellen Batkie has served as Coordinator for Hearts, Hands and Voices Worship and Fine Arts Program since its inception in 2009.
Liturgical Art Team:
Michelle Ketepa, Liturgical Art Director: Michelle is a certified teacher with years of experience in both music and faith formation. Michelle has been with HHAV since 2019.
Joan Onkka, experienced liturgical art leader. Joan has been part of HHAV since its inception in 2009.
Camp staff:
Shepherds/Faculty Assistants:
Ed Baker, retired from Chrysler Corporation. Ed has been with HHAV since 2017.
Laura Baker, who has extensive experience in handbell groups and choral singing, has been with HHAV since 2017.
Linda Bozgan, retired elementary school teacher. Linda has been part of HHAV since 2015.
Rose Dillon, retired elementary school teacher with significant experience assisting special needs children. Rose has been with HHAV since 2019.
Jeff Hatteberg, engineer with Ford Motor, been involved with HHAV nearly since its inception in 2009, dedicating vacation time to assist with camp.
Tami Klopfer has extensive experience with children. She has been with HHAV since 2017, anchoring food service and is now serving as Shepherd.
Terri Racklin, former teacher with a love of music, joined the staff in 2023.
Brett VandeKieft, studying music therapy at Western Michigan University, has led our African Drumming since 2022. Brett’s HHAV journey started as a camper in 2011.
Bill Weaver, retired and a lover of music and children, joined the staff in 2023.
Camp Assistants:
Gavi Polynstev, a recent Eastern Michigan University graduate studying organ with Michael Burkhardt, has been with HHAV since 2023.
Ben Schuessler, a high school senior studying organ with Michael Burkhardt, has served HHAV as accompanist since 2021.
Clayton Stoker, an Eastern Michigan University undergraduate student studying organ with Michael Burkhardt, has been with HHAV since 2023.