Faculty and Staff
Mary Craven Bartemes, Artistic Director
Cantemus, Chante, Cadet, musical explorers, and Coro (outreach programming)
Mary Craven Bartemes is a native of Des Moines, IA, where her musical journey began in the Des Moines Children's Chorus. She was nurtured under the esteemed guidance of Barbara Sletto, the visionary founder of HYC. With a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, specializing in voice and piano, she graduated with distinction from Drake University and has since been a commanding presence in the Greater Des Moines music scene.
With close to a decade of teaching experience spanning both private and public educational settings encompassing grades K-12, Mary has honed her expertise in elementary and early childhood music education. Her passion for enriching young minds through the power of music has been a driving force behind her dedication.
Mary holds a Masters degree in Music Education with a Kodaly Concentration at the University of Saint Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Her credentials speak volumes as she also has certifications in Level 3 Mastery Certificate of the Kodaly Methodology, Level 1 of the Orff-Schulwerk method, and Conversational Solfege levels 1 & 2. Furthermore, Mary has mastered the intricacies of the First Steps in Music curriculum, spanning infant, toddler, and preschool stages. Her versatile teaching approach draws inspiration from the Dalcroze method, expertly weaving various modes of learning into her pedagogy, catering to learners of all ages.
Mary's connection with Heartland Youth Choir is a story of dedication and growth. Beginning her journey with HYC in 2013 as an intern for the Canto and Cantilena choirs, she later transitioned into the role of a staff accompanist before achieving the esteemed position of conductor, and now Artistic Director. Her impactful contribution to the choir includes expanding HYC's offerings for preschool-aged students and playing a pivotal role in launching the satellite choir program. She currently directs the Windsor Heights locations of Cantemus, Chante, and Cadet, as well as heading the Musical Explorers daycare program, and Coro, HYC’s outreach program to underserved children in Des Moines.
Mary lives with her husband Theodore, a software engineering manager and local composer, and her son James, a member of Cantemus Choir. Her passion for music education, unwavering dedication to her students, and commitment to arts education make her an inspiring force in the Des Moines cultural landscape.
Email: Mary@HeartlandYouthChoir.org
Office: 515-221-3922
Michael Gookin, Associate Music Director
chamber choir
Michael Gookin is a choral conductor, pianist, and music educator. He has taught choral music at West Central Valley Schools and Grinnell High School, and currently serves as the accompanist for the Des Moines Choral Society. He has also music directed and conducted for semi-professional musical theater companies like Way Off Broadway (Fairfield) and American Gothic Music Festival (Ottumwa).
Michael’s musical journey began at age four, studying piano with Julie Hanshaw and Betty Meyer in Fairfield, Iowa, and later with Joel Brown at Iowa Wesleyan College. While attending Fairfield High School, he gained recognition as the Iowa All-State Band Pianist in 2011 and frequently accompanied school choirs and jazz ensembles.
He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa, where he studied piano under Professor Sean Botkin. During his time at UNI, Michael served as the collaborative pianist for the UNI Singers, the Varsity Men’s Glee Club, and the Concert Chorale, performing throughout the U.S.—including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Omaha—as well as internationally in Estonia, Iceland, and Norway.
In 2015, Michael was recognized as a Promising Artist of the 21st Century through a prestigious young artist program in Costa Rica. He has participated in conducting masterclasses with notable figures such as Alice Parker, Dr. André J. Thomas, and Dr. Bruce Chamberlain. He has also shared his expertise as a guest lecturer on “Music Curriculum in the Classroom” at both the University of New Hampshire and the University of Northern Iowa.
Email: Michael@HeartlandYouthChoir.org
Madison Miller, Associate Music Director- Ankeny Site
Ankeny Sites - Chante, Cantilena, Canto
Madi Miller has been an elementary vocal music teacher in the greater Des Moines area for the past three years. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Luther College where she specialized in voice and piano. Madi has experience singing and touring with the Luther College Nordic Choir, teaching elementary students of diverse backgrounds, and accompanying singers, instrumentalists, and choirs. Madi had a dream of directing professional choirs as a college student, but she fell in love with elementary age musicians during her student teaching experience. She is excited to learn and grow with the Heartland Youth Choir.
Madi lives in Ankeny with her sister and their two cats. In addition to teaching and singing, Madi loves biking, baking gluten free recipes, and playing ukulele.
Email: Madi@HeartlandYouthChoir.org
Sarrah Hammond, Associate Music Director
Cantilena, Canto (Windsor heights)
Sarrah Hammond is in her sixth year of teaching elementary music in the Des Moines metro. She received her Bachelor's of Music Education degree with endorsements in vocal music and instrumental music from St. Ambrose University in May 2020. While at St. Ambrose, Sarrah had opportunities to tour with the Chamber Singers and conduct nearly every ensemble at SAU. With a passion for spreading joyful, meaningful musical learning, Sarrah is thrilled to join Heartland Youth Choir!
In her free time, Sarrah enjoys traveling, crafting, trying new coffee shops, spending time with friends and family, and snuggling with her cat, Mochi (Moe-Key), and dog, Lexie Lou.
Email: Sarrah@HeartlandYouthChoir.org
Mary Ann Hellenga, Accompanist
chamber, chante, cantilena, Canto (whlc, and ankeny sites)
Mary Ann lives in Urbandale with her husband Aaron where she homeschools her two teenage sons, Daniel and Matthew. Her daughter Abby got married to John this past spring which was such a special event. In addition to accompanying for Heartland Youth Choir, she accompanies at Urbandale High School and the Joy Singers homeschool high school choir. She has directed the homeschool choir for her co-op for the past seven years. She enjoys accompanying for musicals and solo and ensemble contests. She also plays the piano at Grace West Church. Mary Ann is passionate about sharing her love of music with children of all ages.
Alice Kim, Accompanist
cantemus
Alice Kim joined the Heartland Youth Choir in 2021, bringing over 20 years of experience teaching piano to young children. Throughout her career, she has served as a church pianist and accompanied numerous church musicals. Alice holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition and a Master of Journalism in Mass Communication. She is certified in Level 1 of the Kodály Methodology and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Drake University, graduating with distinguished honors from Kappa Delta Pi (KDP). Alice is currently the vocal music teacher at North High School in Des Moines, where she continues to inspire students through choral music and collaborative performance. She lives with her husband, Andy, and their two children: Sophia, who sings in the Cantemus Choir, and Chris, who sings in the Chante Choir.
Kelli Stoermer, Director of Operations
Kelli brings six years of teaching elementary music and two years of coaching to the HYC staff. She has a Bachelors in Music Education from Iowa Wesleyan College and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration from Viterbo University. She has taught music in Northeast Iowa, Newton, and West Des Moines. She has also taught preschool and daycare music throughout the Des Moines area. She lives in Winterset with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.
Email: Kelli@HeartlandYouthChoir.org
Office: 515-221-3997