National Staff
Brian Shepard | Chief Executive Officer
For more than two decades, Brian Shepard has combined his passions for music, nonprofit leadership, and building meaningful connections in service to the arts community. A graduate of Miami University with degrees in marketing and music education, Brian joined Music Teachers National Association in 2003 and now serves as chief executive officer.
A frequent speaker and advocate for music education, Brian believes in the power of community and enjoys bringing people together, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for connection across the profession. His commitment to service extends beyond MTNA through leadership roles with numerous nonprofit organizations, including the National Music Council and the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, where he currently serves as board president.
An MTNA Foundation Fellow, Brian remains an active musician and can often be found performing as a pianist, vocalist, or choral conductor for church and community events. Brian also loves cats, Golden Girls, travel, and spending time with friends and family.
Tom Crawford | Chief Operating Officer
Joining the MTNA team as COO in February 2025, Tom Crawford oversees MTNA’s day-to-day operations and works closely with the CEO and other leaders to ensure operational efficiency, strategic alignment, and effective implementation of MTNA’s mission, strategy, and goals.
Before coming to MTNA, Tom served as COO and Vice President of Social Enterprise at the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired. Prior to that, he had a long career with Donisi Mirror Company, a family-owned business where he served as President and Vice President of Business Development.
Tom has a long history of civic engagement serving on various boards throughout his career including the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce, Glass Association of North America, and the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus, and, currently, Caracole. He attended Indiana University and Xavier University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. Tom lives with his husband, Tim, and their dog, Brick, in the Westwood neighborhood of Cincinnati. Outside of work, Tom enjoys working in the yard, completing home improvement projects, firing up the grill, and enjoying cold adult beverages.
Caitlin Carter | Communications & Marketing Manager
For more than a decade, Caitlin Carter has brought her passion for building community through storytelling and the arts to mission-oriented organizations across the country. A native of Cincinnati, Caitlin grew up performing in her school’s choir, orchestra, and theater programs, sparking a lifelong love of music education.
After earning degrees in journalism and music from Indiana University, she built her career in the Pacific Northwest, serving as program manager and editor for Seattle’s renowned Earshot Jazz before becoming editor of Portland-based Fresh Cup magazine. She later earned her MA in public relations from Emerson College while spearheading a new Live Nation initiative for Boston-area youth to explore careers in the music industry.
In 2023, Caitlin returned to her hometown and joined the MTNA staff as communications and marketing manager, drawing on her cumulative experience as a writer, editor, and program manager to help shape the association’s voice, strengthen its brand, and advance its mission of empowering music teachers through lifelong learning. Outside of MTNA, you can typically find Caitlin exploring Cincinnati’s parks, restaurants, and vibrant arts scene with her family.
Melissa Curtice | Membership Processing & Certification Manager
Melissa Curtice has served MTNA since 1999, playing a vital role in supporting membership services, certification processes, and organizational operations. Her keen attention to detail, dedication to fostering positive relationships, and commitment to excellence allow her to provide outstanding service to members.
Throughout her time at MTNA, Melissa has developed extensive expertise in membership administration, certification management, records oversight, and customer support. Her vast knowledge of MTNA systems and processes as well as her commitment to high personal and professional standards have significantly impacted the success and growth of MTNA.
Melissa takes pride in helping members achieve their professional goals, and in being a mom to her son, Tyler, and dog, Bode, and as a season ticket holder of FC Cincinnati.
Sandy Greeb | Office Support Assistant
Sandy Greeb may have joined the MTNA staff on April Fool’s Day in 2014, but her dedication to office management and supporting the advancement of music is no joke.
Sandy holds a BA in music from Miami University. Prior to joining MTNA, she worked as office assistant for Handbell Musicians of America, a nonprofit music organization dedicated to advancing the musical art of handbell ringing, where she processed membership and donations and assisted with publishing. She brings that same knowledge and experience to MTNA.
Sandy also previously spent 10 years as an educational aide, working with students in a cross-categorical classroom. She enjoyed helping individual students succeed, as well as working within a team to promote learning. Her skills with music were invaluable, as she was able to support students in music class.
Sandy has been musically inclined all her life, playing piano and violin as well as ringing handbells. Currently, she enjoys ringing handbells in her community group, Queen City Bronze. In addition, she has a passion for ringing handbells in solos and small ensembles.
As MTNA’s Office Support Assistant, Sandy strives to support all members, uphold the mission of the organization, and promote the love of music in her work.
Ryan Greene | Director of Membership Development
Ryan is a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about bringing music teachers together. His role at MTNA works to further develop member programs, events, and resources to better serve teachers and MTNA leaders across the country. Never afraid to learn a new skill, Ryan is known for his detail-oriented work and ability to teach and collaborate with others. Ryan holds a master of music degree in piano performance and pedagogy from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor of music degree in piano performance from Butler University.
Prior to joining the MTNA team, Ryan spent several years supporting teacher education programs at the Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, including NCKP and Piano Magazine. Ryan is an active teacher and president of the local MTNA affiliate organization in the Dayton, Ohio, area. His career in teaching has taken him to many institutions, including the Centre for Musical Minds, Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, and SMU Institute for Young Pianists. In 2020, Ryan and his wife founded the Music Academy of Centerville, where he currently teaches. Outside the office and music studio, Ryan enjoys DIY projects and spending time with his family.
Elizabeth Keri | Director of Publications & Digital Content
Elizabeth Keri brings more than a decade of experience in editorial strategy, publication management, and digital communications across higher education and nonprofit organizations.
Before joining MTNA, she served as director of communications for the College of Arts and Sciences at UNC Greensboro, where she led all strategic communications and oversaw the production of newsletters, print materials, and digital content for more than 20 academic departments. She has previously managed periodicals at nonprofit agencies, guiding publication from concept to print, including editorial planning, writing, editing, layout, and design coordination.
Elizabeth has a personal connection to music education, having studied piano for 10 years. Her career reflects a deep commitment to mission-driven storytelling that informs, inspires, and connects communities.
A Cincinnati native, she earned her MA in professional writing from the University of Cincinnati and her BA in English from Wittenberg University. As director of publications and digital content, Elizabeth has been supporting MTNA’s mission of advancing music teaching and learning nationwide since October 2025. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, rollerskating, and enjoying local live comedy.
Brian Pieper | Graphic Designer & Advertising Manager
As MTNA’s graphic designer and advertising manager, Brian Pieper brings 28 years of experience in visual communication and design. In his role, he enjoys creating engaging and thoughtful designs that help share MTNA’s mission and connect with the community of music educators. He is passionate about supporting and promoting music education and the dedicated teachers who inspire the next generation of musicians.
Music runs close to home for Brian: His oldest son is a high school music teacher, and his youngest son is a percussionist in marching band and plays in bands recreationally. This personal connection deepens his appreciation for the profession and strengthens his commitment to supporting music educators through his work at MTNA.
Born and raised in Northern Kentucky, Brian earned a BA in art studio from the University of Kentucky. He maintains an active lifestyle through exercise and enjoys attending soccer matches as a season ticket holder for FC Cincinnati. He also loves traveling, exploring new destinations, and experiencing different cultures, which continues to inspire his creativity.
Tonya Schauer | Meetings & Member Services Manager
Tonya Schauer has brought to MTNA more than 30 years of service supporting music educators across the nation. Throughout her tenure, she has played a vital role in planning and coordinating the association’s national conferences, meetings, and member and leadership engagement initiatives, helping to create meaningful professional development opportunities and fostering lasting connections among music teachers. A valued leader and trusted resource within the organization, she enjoys supporting members, building relationships, and advancing music education.
Known for her exceptional organizational skills, commitment to service, and deep institutional knowledge, Tonya has been instrumental in ensuring the success of countless MTNA events and programs. Her dedication to the association’s mission has positively impacted generations of music educators and contributed significantly to the growth and strength of the MTNA community.
A Northern Kentucky native, Tonya earned her bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University. Her passion for uplifting others is matched only by her love of the Cincinnati Reds and Fiona the Hippo.
Jenny Thomason | Executive Assistant
Jenny Thomason has been a key part of the MTNA team since June 2001. She has experience in executive support, organization, and operations, and ensures day-to-day activities run smoothly while supporting leadership and organizational goals. Jenny oversees the Foundation Fund, which includes processing contributions and grants and coordinating the Fellow program, and is a proud member of the MTNA Legacy Society. She is the point of contact for the MTNA commissioned composer program and assists MTNA’s CEO with travel arrangements and various tasks.
When she isn’t busy supporting our members and our team, you can find Jenny cheering on the Cincinnati Bengals and Reds or giving her time back to the community through volunteering at local charitable and social service organizations. She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Sophie Marie.
Photos by Jessica & Sarah Photography