Staff
Helen Peterson, Director
Helen Peterson is the Director of Kindermusik of the Valley. She holds a BS degree in music education from the University of Minnesota. Helen taught elementary and high school band before starting a family and her Kindermusik business. Helen has served on the Kindermusik Educators Association national board from 1999 to 2003 and has continued to serve on the international conference committee. Helen has traveled extensively with the Kindermusik International faculty team teaching and facilitating national workshops.
Currently on the Kindermusik International Speaker’s Bureau she presents Keynote addresses about Kindermusik, classroom relationships, business tips and more all over the world Helen has had the pleasure to work on several curriculum development projects including Kindermusik Family Time, ABC Music & Me and addenda to several other curricula. She has enjoyed finding a new way to use her knowledge outside of the classroom. We have been serving the Southern Suburbs by offering Kindermusik classes to families over 20 years. We are honored to be named a Kindermusik Maestro, which recognizes the largest and best programs world wide 11 times! Twin Cities Parents Picks voted us BEST MUSIC CLASS in the Twin Cities, and Helen was named the first ever Kindermusik Inspirational Educator of the Year in 2006.
Chris Michelsen
Chris Michelsen has had the unique opportunity to teach Kindermusik in different parts of the country. In the Chicago area Miss Chris taught for one of the largest Kindermusik programs in the United States. Chris also has been a flight attendant for many years and still travels weekly, a position that fits nicely in with her Kindermusik schedule. Chris and her husband Bruce re-located back home to Minnesota a few years ago and began working with Kindermusik of the Valley in January of 2006. Chris has 3 children, all Kindermusik graduates, Cameron, Leah and Claire.
Jennifer Halko
Jennifer Halko has been serving families with Kindermusik of the Valley for 3 years. She has been the lead teacher in our Savage location and is a specialist with the Our Time curricula. Besides teaching Kindermusik Jennifer also owns and opperates a full time home daycare. Jennifer along with her husband Travis are also busy raising their 3 daughters, Anna (9), Claire (7), Eleanore (5) and new baby Noah (nearly 1). They all 5 are happy in their new home in Savage. Jennifer finds joy in being with children and sharing music with them and their families makes it all the sweeter.
Merry Obrecht Sawdey
Merry Obrecht Sawdey has loved and participated in music in one form or another almost all of her life, including playing piano since she was in second grade and being a percussionist in her high school band. (She still plays air timpani occasionally!) “When in doubt, burst into song” is her motto. She is a storyteller, a Sunday School teacher, and a mom, and has continued to share her love of music with her family. Her family has been involved in Kindermusik since her son was 3 months old – and he’s now a big 6-year-old! It was their family’s fun and supportive experience in Kindermusik that made her want to share this joy with others. She became a licensed Kindermusik educator this past July. She lives with her husband Aaron, and her son Ian in Cannon Falls, MN and is in the process of starting a Kindermusik studio in her home town. She is also studying to be a spiritual director with Sacred Ground in St. Paul and writes occasionally for her local paper.
Robin Lamoureax
Robin joined the Kindermusik of the Valley staff in 2003 after directing Kindermusik With Robin for 8 years. Robin holds a BS degree in Home Economics Education and studied piano for 14 years. Along with Kindermusik, Robin also teaches piano. At church she is active as a worship pianist, preschool children’s choir director and AWANA commander along with her husband. Robin and her husband, Wayne, live in Rosemount. She has two grown children (Aaron, wife Sarah, and Stephanie) and two boys at home Jason (17) and Collin (13) A Quote From Robin ”I love Kindermusik! I decided to teach Kindermusik when my daughter was 3 because I was so impressed with what she was learning when she went to class. It is a privilege for me to work with so many great kids and parents each week and share the joy of music with them. Their enthusiasm, laughter, hugs and smiles make my day complete.
Karmen Blakeborough
Karmen has a wide breadth of teaching experience ranging from private piano instructions, Kindergarten teacher, Preschool director, and Kindermusik® educator. Karmen holds a BS in Education and a minor in music from Gustavous Adolfus College. A life time of committing herself to teaching and fostering a love of learning in others is her gift and work.
