Faculty and Staff
Mary Craven Bartemes, Artistic Director
Cantemus, Chante, Cantilena, Canto, Cadet, musical explorers
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.
Currently, Mary is pursuing a Masters in Music Education with a Kodaly Concentration at the University of Saint Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Her credentials speak volumes as she holds 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, Cantilena, Canto, and Cadet, as well as heading the Musical Explorers daycare program.
Mary lives with her husband Theodore, a software engineering manager and local composer, and her son James, a member of Cantilena 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 received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa and taught 6th-12th grade Choral Music at West Central Valley Schools for four years. He has been a participant in conducting masterclasses led by Andre Thomas, Alice Parker, and Bruce Chamberlain. He has toured as a solo and collaborative pianist to the Twin Cities, Omaha, Estonia, Iceland, and Norway, and recently accompanied the 7/8th Grade Treble Clef OPUS Honor Choir. He was chosen as a Promising Artist of the 21st Century, a prestigious young artist program in Costa Rica. As a music educator, he has presented on “Choral Curriculum and Assessment in the Classroom” for the University of Northern Iowa and the University of New Hampshire. He directs music ensembles at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines and accompanies the Des Moines Choral Society under the direction of Dr. James Rodde.
Email: Michael@HeartlandYouthChoir.org
Madison Miller, Associate Music Director
Ankeny Sites - Cantilena, Canto
Madi Miller has been an elementary vocal music teacher in Des Moines Public Schools for the past two years, and she is excited to transition to Abbie Grove Elementary in Ankeny this school year. 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: office@HeartlandYouthChoir.org
Mary Ann Hellenga, Accompanist
chamber, chante, cantilena
Mary Ann lives in Urbandale with her husband Aaron where she homeschools her three teenagers. In addition to accompanying for Heartland Youth Choir, she accompanies the Van Meter Junior and Senior High School Choirs and the Joy Singers Homeschool High School Choir. She has directed the homeschool choir for her co-op for the past six years and directs two homeschool choirs in Adel. She enjoys accompanying for musicals and solo and ensemble contests. Mrs. Hellenga also teaches piano lessons and plays the piano for her church. She is passionate about sharing her love of music with children of all ages.
Alice Kim, Accompanist
cantemus, canto
Alice 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 several 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 Kodaly Methodology and is currently pursuing a second master's degree in the Master of Arts in Teaching at Drake University, where she is expected to graduate with Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) distinguished honors in Fall 2024. Alice 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 Waukee with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.
Email: Kelli@HeartlandYouthChoir.org
Office: 515-221-3997
Bridget Porto, Director of Development
Bridget Porto joined the Heartland Youth Choir staff in June of 2024.
Prior to joining Heartland Youth Choir, Bridget has had a variety of experience in the nonprofit world. This includes several years of fundraising for United Way of Central Iowa and managing signature programs and relationships for NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Iowa, in addition to contract roles to coordinate programs and in community relations.
Bridget is originally from Des Moines and is involved in an assortment of volunteer work including Moms Demand Action, and activities surrounding equity and inclusion.
Bridget received her Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) from the University of Iowa. She lives in Urbandale with her three active children.
Email: development@heartlandyouthchoir.org