Inspired by more than 30 years of experience teaching neurodivergent and disabled students, and her experiences as a mother of neurodivergent children, Erin founded Lotus Music based on a passionate belief that people of all abilities have a right to learn and experience music in an environment that meets their needs. Erin received her Ph.D. in Music Education from McGill University in 2015, where she researched how to effectively train studio music teachers to work with autistic students. Based on her research and teaching experience, Erin founded the Lotus Music Professional Development Institute in 2020 to provide training, tools and resources for music educators working with neurodivergent and disabled students. Erin has published both scholarly and non-academic articles and book chapters on adaptive music education, and presents regularly at conferences across Canada and internationally.

Erin graduated from Queen’s University with degrees in both Honours English and Education. Erin is a music lover and enjoys singing and listening to the wonderful sounds around Lotus Music. Erin was honoured to sit on Lotus Music’s Board of Directors as a parent advisor for many years and is extremely excited to help the organization in her current role as their Office Administrator.  “Lotus is a special place, full of special people, who love music and work hard to make sure that every person is able to participate in music education in a meaningful way. I am so happy to help facilitate adaptive music education experiences to members of the community!”

Jeff has been a music lover for his whole life, and he began playing piano at age 5. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition and Theory from Ithaca College. In addition to music, Jeff is also passionate about helping people with their mental and physical wellness. He received Post-Baccalaureate Degree in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and then worked as a community mental health counselor. Jeff came to the University of Ottawa and received a Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy Research, and he is now pursuing a PhD in Health Sciences. Jeff has worked with students of many different ages and abilities. He loves playing and teaching many styles of music, such as classical, rock, and pop. His goal is to combine his passion for music and wellness and to adapt his approach to each individual student, so that anyone can enjoy making music in their own way.

With a varied skillset that draws equally from her education and practical experience, Marianne is an artist and educator from Ottawa, Ontario. From creating original folk-rock recordings at home, to teaching music, to lending her creative voice to local artists and small organizations, she is at the start of a dynamic career in the arts. Outside of work, Marianne enjoys sketching, upcycling, being outdoors, quality time with loved ones, and hanging out with her cat, Hutch.

Having lived in Ottawa most of her life, Elizabeth is thrilled to be part of an Orchestra she has admired for many years. Elizabeth has been the Second horn player since 2011, and has performed regularly in the horn section since 1986.

Elizabeth attained a Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Ottawa and a Masters in Music Performance from Indiana University. She studied with many renowned players including Daniel Gress, Philip Farkas, Meir Rimon, Michael Hatfield, and Arnold Jacobs. While studying, Elizabeth received the Ottawa Music Festival Senior Scholarship in 1983, and the NACO Bursary in 1984.

Elizabeth was a founding member of the Bel Canto Wind Quintet, which ran a successful concert series in Ottawa for eleven years. This chamber ensemble also toured in Ontario and Quebec, and was often heard on CBC Radio, Radio Canada and in the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival. Elizabeth is also a member of the Capital Brass Works. This entertaining thirteen member brass and percussion ensemble performed on its own self run concert series in Ottawa, toured in Ontario and has recorded three CD’s to date.

Elizabeth has enjoyed teaching for many institutions in Ottawa including the University of Ottawa, Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy, and Canterbury School of the Arts.

In 2013, Elizabeth Simpson co-created the NAC’s Music Circle, a music program for neurodivergent and disabled children, teens and adults. This program introduces orchestral instruments and the joy of live music, through workshops and a sensory friendly concert. Elizabeth has worked with students at the OCDSB, CHEO, and Lotus Music, and with adults in the LIFE programs.

James McGowan (PhD, Eastman School of Music) is a pianist (ARCT), composer, choral conductor, award-winning educator, and published music theorist at home in classical, jazz, and improvised styles. He performs with a number of Ottawa-based musicians, including the jazz-fusion quartet Modasaurus that features his own compositions and the 2020 release of its critically acclaimed sophomore album 4K. James has performed in music festivals, including the Ottawa Jazz Festival, Stewart Park Festival, Skylight Festival and Merrickville’s Jazz Festival. He has received commissions for compositions and arrangements and has written extensively in a variety of jazz forms as well as choral, chamber and orchestral music.

Dr. McGowan is an Associate Professor at Carleton University where he teaches music theory, musicianship, composition, and community music. He also serves administratively as Carleton Chair in Teaching Innovation where he promotes music and the arts at Carleton and in the community, and Assistant Director of the Carleton Jazz Camp. He recently served as the Supervisor of Performance Studies. He has been a clinician and adjudicator for different arts organizations (Junos, Kiwanis, Lions, Canadian Music Showcase, City of Ottawa Arts Grants, etc.), and given workshops on topics including improvisation, choral singing, jazz piano approaches, and managing performance anxiety. He has published several articles and given presentations on topics ranging from jazz theory, to choral music, to music theory pedagogy and inclusive curricula. James seeks to support innovative programming in music and music education, arts leadership and mentorship, and research/creation in the activities in which he is engaged; he is glad he can contribute to the vitality of Lotus Music and its outreach.

Muriel Mignerat (Ph.D., HEC Montréal) is an Associate Professor at the Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa. Her current research focuses on the use of information technology by adults with cognitive disabilities, including ADHD. She also serves as an administrator for the social enterprise OPEN Collaboration for Cognitive Accessibility and has served on the board of the SFOA (Société Franco Ontarienne de l’Autisme). 

Lyanne is a dedicated advocate for inclusive education, community well-being, and health awareness, bringing a wealth of experience in communication, organizational development, and not-for-profit leadership. Her journey began in North Bay, where her commitment to meaningful causes took root. After earning her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Queen’s University, Lyanne furthered her studies in Corporate Communications at Seneca College and completed a Master’s in Professional Communication at the University of Western Sydney, gaining invaluable insights into how communication can create lasting, positive change. Professionally, Lyanne has worked with organizations where she played a vital role in raising awareness for health causes. She has organized international health-focused events and mentored the next generation of communicators, always with a dedication to inclusive health and education.