Angelica Brooks (she/her)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter

Awards: Sword of Honor

Field of Performance: Soprano Voice

Major: Vocal Performance/Vocal Pedagogy

Minor: Music Teaching and Learning

Profession: Director of Choral Activities, JCSU

Bio: Dr. Angelica Brooks is an award-winning choral director and music educator. With a passion for excellence in music and education, Dr. Brooks’ resumé exhibits a passion for service and equity in music education and choral music.  She has served at all levels and served various student populations.  Dr. Brooks currently serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Johnson C. Smith University.

Dr. Brooks earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Media Management from the Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland. She completed her Master of Music  with a focus in Vocal Pedagogy from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Dr. Brooks earned her DMA in Music Teaching and Learning from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. She also holds an Administration I Certificate from McDaniels College.

In service to the profession, Dr. Brooks sits as co-chair of the National Association for Music Education Equity Committee and has a seat on the National Executive Board. She also serves as an Honor Choir guest conductor, choral festival adjudicator, and presents at  state and national music conferences. Dr. Brooks is an experienced a mentor teacher, curriculum writer, and professional development presenter. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity where she serves on the DEI committee. Dr. Brooks is founder of The Table Music Education Corporation, a 501c3 dedicated to the recruitment and retention of music educators of color as an act of social justice and educational equity.

Crystal DiGiacomo (she/her)

VP Ritual 

Initiation Chapter/Year: Beta Psi, Eastern Carolina University, 1995

Awards: Sword of Honor

Field of Performance: Clarinet

Major: Accounting

Profession: Senior Branch Office Administrator

Bio: Crystal, a native of Nash County, NC and grew up in Rocky Mount, NC. She attended

East Carolina University and majored in Music Education. She graduated from Strayer

University with an Associate’s in accounting. Crystal is married to Paul, and they met in

Greenville, NC. They have two children. Crystal is active in Mecklenburg Community

Church and serves with MAXLife Middle School Ministry as the worship leader and a

girl’s small group coach. Crystal has worked in the financial services industry for over 23

years and was re-chartering member of the Chapter. Crystal is a vocalist and plays the

clarinet. Alumnae membership in SAI has allowed her to reconnect to her love of music

and develop relationships here in the Charlotte area. In her free time, she enjoys

reading, crafts, camping, Steelers football and Cannon Ballers baseball.

Duda França-McGuire (she/her)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Eta Theta, Western Carolina University, 2021

Field of Performance: Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele

Major: Business Administration- Marketing

Bio: Duda is from Brazil. She is married to CP and has a furbaby named Roxy. Her favorite thing about SAI is being able to connect with music and to connect with people that who share the same passion.

Heather Gering (she/her)

President

Initiation Chapter/Year: Kappa Upsilon, Kansas State University, 2011

Major: Clarinet Performance

Field of Performance: Clarinets, Saxophones, Flute

Profession: College Music Instructor

Bio: Heather is a college music instructor and teacher of clarinet. She is currently ABD for her DMA in Clarinet Performance and Pedagogy. In the summer of 2022, she moved to Gastonia, NC, with her boyfriend. Together, they make up the steel pan and clarinet duo, Duo Nuummite. In her spare time she likes drinking coffee, going on hikes and walks, playing video games, reading, and watching bad teen dramas and reality TV.

Caitlin Griffin (she/her)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Mu Psi, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2021

Awards: Sword of Honor

Major: Psychology/Criminal Justice

Field of Performance: Flute & Piccolo

Jessie Holbrook (she/her)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Eta Theta, Western Carolina University, 2009

Awards: Sword of Honor

Major: Interior Design

Field of Performance: Clarinet

Profession: Medical Coder

Bio: Jessie and her husband met at Western Carolina University and have been married since 2014. They have a two children, a dog, and three cats. She enjoys reading, sewing, and other crafts. She is originally from the Raleigh area where she was a gymnast for 10+ years growing up.

Amy Hollar

Initiation Chapter/Year: Eta Beta, University of North Carolina - Pembroke, 2010

Major: Music

Field of Performance: Voice - Soprano

Profession: Administrative Assistant

Bio: Amy and her husband have two fur babies: a terrier mix dog named Charlie and a cat named Black Beauty. She loves reading and going on hikes. She is originally from the coast and loves getting to go to the beach when she can!

Sarah Long (she/her)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Mu Psi, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2022

Field of Performance: Flute

Profession: Server

Bio: Cat mom

Hannah McGuire (she/her/hers)

Sergeant-at-Arms

Initiation Chapter/Year: Kappa Gamma, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2021

Awards: Sword of Honor

Major: Music Education, Choral and General Music K-12

Field of Performance: Voice - Mezzo-Soprano

Profession: Music Teacher

Bio: Hannah has lived in North Carolina since she was three. She graduated from UNCG in 2024 with a music education degree. She has been an elementary school music teacher and a church music director ever since. Hannah joined the Charlotte Alumnae chapter in May of 2024, and was elected Sargent at Arms for the chapter in May of 2025. She loves reading, singing, and playing with her two kitties in her free time.

Miranda Melton (she/they)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Epsilon Theta, Appalachian State University, 2015 

Major: Instrumental Music Education

Field of Performance: Viola

Profession: Executive Assistant at WCNC Charlotte

Lily Moore (she/her/hers)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Mu Psi, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2020

Awards: Sword of Honor

Major: Music/Political Science

Field of Performance: Clarinet

Profession: Administration

Bio: Lily is single and happy! She has a precious cat/child named Maximus. Lily's favorite thinga bout SAI is the support she has received from all the friends she has made. During her time in the Mu Psi, the chapter felt like family to her and she deeply cares about each and every one of them.

Nicole Morris (she/her/hers)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Gamma Theta, Georgia Southern University, 2006

Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Diamond Sword of Honor 

Major: Early Childhood Education

Minor: Music

Field of Performance: Piano, Flute, Oboe, Tenor Sax, Keyed Percussion

Profession: Procurement & Accounting

Bio: Nicole's love for music began when she started playing piano at 7 years old. Throughout the years, she added flute, oboe, percussion, and tenor saxophone to the list of instruments she enjoys playing. Nicole joined Sigma Alpha Iota during her freshman year at Georgia Southern University. One of her proudest achievements during her time in the chapter was the creation and chairing of the Annual Benefit Concert Fundraiser. Nicole loves spending time with her husband, Andy, and huskies, Sylvie and Willow. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, driving, gardening, reading, and watching movies. 

Shelby Moss (she/her)

Recording Secretary

Initiation Chapter/Year: Kappa Theta, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2020

Major: Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Choral/General 

Field of Performance: Soprano Voice

Profession: Middle School Chorus Teacher

Bio: Shelby Moss received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Having previously taught in Forsyth County, she is now the chorus director at Ledford Middle School in Thomasville, NC. Shelby holds professional memberships with the National Association for Music Education, North Carolina Music Educators Association, and American Choral Directors Association, where she co-coordinates MiddleFest. She is also a sister of the international music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota.

When not teaching, Shelby is an active participant in the music ministry at First Baptist Church Greensboro where she sings in the sanctuary choir, plays in the handbell choir, and co-leads Children and Youth music activities. She is also an alto with the Bel Canto Company, a professional choral ensemble based in the triad. Outside of music, Shelby enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading a good book, or taking her Labrador, Bravo, on walks. 

Madelyn Palko (she/her)

VP Membership

Initiation Chapter/Year: Mu Psi, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2020 (Charter Member)

Major: Communication Studies

Minor: Legal Studies; Women's and Gender Studies

Field of Performance: Flute, Alto Voice

Profession: Sales

Bio: Madelyn is from Concord, North Carolina and is a 2018 graduate of UNC Charlotte. She was an inaugural member of The “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band and served as Drum Major for four years. Madelyn also played piccolo in Basketball band. She played piccolo, soprano, and bass flute in the flute choir at Charlotte, as well as wind ensemble and symphonic band. 

In 2024, she, along with 3 other Charlotte alumni, founded The Charlotte Alumni Marching Band Association, a social organization by and for alumni of The “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band. 

Madelyn has been a member of Sigma Alpha Iota since 2020, being initiated by the Mu Psi chapter after graduation. She has been a member of the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter since 2022 and is beginning her second term as Vice President, Membership. She looks forward to continued growth and sisterhood within SAI.

Liz Peeples

Initiation Chapter/Year: Epsilon Theta, Appalachian State University, 2018

Awards: Sword of Honor, Ruby Sword of Honor, Collegiate Honor Award

Major: Elementary Education with a Concentration in Music

Minor: Sociology

Field of Performance: Tuba

Profession: 4th Grade Teacher

Bio: Liz is originally from Clearwater, Florida, but grew up in the South Charlotte area. She attended Appalachian State and loved living in Boone! While in college, she was a member of both Sigma Alpha Iota and Kappa Kappa Psi. She loves Disney and has two cats named Kermit and Kylo! She is a 4th grade teacher as well as the maker space specialist at a local summer camp. Liz is also a graduate student at East Carolina University working towards a Master of Arts in Elementary Education. She loves Sigma Alpha Iota and loves continuing her Sisterhood at the Alumnae level!

Mary Pickhardt (she/her/hers)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Epsilon Theta, Appalachian State University, 2017

Awards: Sword of Honor, Ruby Sword of Honor

Major: Elementary Education with a Concentration in Music

Field of Performance: Clarinet

Profession: Children Services Library Assistant

Bio: Mary grew up in Waxhaw and has 6 sisters! She enjoys roller skating, reading, and painting. She loves SAI and her job at the Library! 

Jessi-Anna Reed

Patroness with Training 

Initiation Chapter/Year: Patroness Initiate of Charlotte Alumnae Chapter, 2022

Awards: Outstanding Member

Major: Psychology

Graduate Degree: Cloud Engineering

Field of Performance: Voice

Profession: Technical Analyst II / Support Engineer

Bio: Jessianna loves listening to music and picking out every instrument in the song. Concerning vocal work, she has done voice overs, DJ tags and infomercials. While she has a passion for music and technology, her first love was marine biology. She is always down for a trip to the aquarium or beach!

Erin Salzlein

Initiation Chapter/Year: Epsilon Theta, Appalachian State University, 2016

Major: Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry

Minor: Biology

Field of Performance: Saxophone, Voice

Profession: Medical Laboratory Scientist 

Bio: Erin is always here to help either break or fix things! By day, she can be found asleep and by night, she can be found in a hospital blood bank.  When she isn’t collecting old musical instruments, in her free time she enjoys crochet, Star Wars video games, and fandom trivia nights.

Corey M. Small (she/her/hers)

VP Programs

Initiation Chapter/Year: Beta Zeta, Meredith College, 2001

Awards: Outstanding Member

Major: Music

Minor: English

Masters: Library Science

Field of Performance: Voice - Mezzo Soprano

Profession: Librarian

Bio: I live in Charlotte with my husband, Tony, and our two fur babies. I am finishing my MLIS at UNC Greensboro. I love to read, knit, and sing! I sing with OneVoice Charlotte, come see us some time! 

Gabby Stiltner (she/her)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Mu Psi, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2022

Major: B.S. Exercise Science

Field of Performance: Alto Saxophone, Mezzo Soprano Voice

Profession: Office Manager and Chiropractic Assistant

Bio: My name is Gabby and I am originally from Morgantown, WV but have lived in Charlotte since 2020. I graduated from UNC Charlotte in the Fall of 2023 with my B.S. in Exercise Science. Through high school and college I was in marching band, concert band, and choir. I am now an office manager and chiropractic assistant at CARS Medical in Charlotte, NC.  I am also an instructor at Kannapolis Independent Percussion in Kannapolis, NC. My hobbies include video games, outdoor adventures, and spending time with my boyfriend Tyler and our cat Dante. 

Bee Wade (she/they)

Initiation Chapter/Year: Epsilon Chi, Mississippi State University, 2017

Field of Performance: Clarinet, Guitar

Major: Wildlife, Fisheries, and Acquaculture

Bonnie Wall (she/her)

Corresponding Secretary

Initiation Chapter/Year: Mu Psi, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2020 (Charter Member)

Awards: Sword of Honor

Major: BS in Nursing

Field of Performance: Clarinet

Profession: Oncology RN

Bio: I have been playing clarinet since 6th grade. I have always loved band for the music and all of the connections I have made through it, especially finding SAI. I currently live alone with my cat Toby. I love being a nurse and being able to help people. I am so grateful to all of my sisters for all of their support during my journey to get to where I am in life.

Terri L. White (she/her)

Patroness with Training 

Initiation Chapter/Year: Charlotte Alumnae, Patroness with Training, 2025 

Field of Performance: Clarinet

Profession: President and CEO Charlotte Museum of History 

Bio: Terri L. White has worked for some of America’s largest and most prominent museums, including the Smithsonian Institution. In each organization, she focused on operational efficiency, programmatic innovation, and community engagement. Her unique career background has served her well in current role as the president and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History- the youngest person and first African American to hold the position. Terri is a proud Howard University alumna and holds advanced degrees from George Mason, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Louisville. Musically, Terri’s primary instrument is the clarinet which she began playing at age 7. Although retired from performing, she enjoys supporting young musicians and advocating for the arts in any capacity. She is a Golden Life member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority and is thrilled to now serve Sigma Alpha Iota as a Patroness with Training.