Executive director
Courtney Essenmacher is a seasoned leader who brings combined experience in music, youth education, and business consulting to DMYS. She began volunteering with DMYS in 2015, served on the Board of Directors for 3 years (2 years as Board President), and now serves as Executive Director. Courtney has leveraged her musical background, experience in business process improvement, strategy development, project management, and financial / systems technology to ensure the organization runs smoothly, and is a stable and sustainable organization. She is passionate about creating a culture and musical community that is welcoming and inclusive.
Assistant Director
Kathryn Bologna is a passionate youth advocate, music enthusiast, and volunteer. She brings experience as a former business owner and title examiner to DMYS. Kathryn began volunteering with DMYS in 2026. She is committed to promoting youth music and arts education, with a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive and welcoming community.
In her free time Kathryn enjoys playing with her two cats: Reese’s and Carmello. She loves candy, boating, attending live performances, cooking, and powerlifting.
Board of Directors
Board members ensure a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.
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Ray Lyle (Arthur R. Lyle II) has been a dedicated Board volunteer for over five years, serving as the current Board President and previously as Banker. He is a Mechanical Engineer who has worked in the energy industry for 25+ years. Ray enjoys music as well as golf, games, and reading.
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Mariani Rahman is a finance executive with over 20 years experience working with large accounting firms and across various industries. She is passionate about raising awareness and supporting the mission of non-profit organisations. She was previously the DMYS Music Librarian and when not working or volunteering, can be found pottering around her garden or fussing with animals that she fosters.
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Jessica Lipiec began her involvement in DMYS in the 2024 season when her daughter was accepted into Concert Orchestra playing flute. Professionally, she is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist working as an Applications Specialist for a Laboratory Equipment Manufacturer. Outside of work and when she is not volunteering for Marching Band Boosters for Hartland High School, or the Hartland Robotics Team, Jessica enjoys spending time in nature with her family, horses, and dogs.
Banker / Cashier: Erica Howell
Manager - Symphony Orchestra: Dawn Kennedy Manager - Concert Orchestra: Michael Matola
Manager - String: Annie Yamamoto
Manager - Sinfonia String: Ruth Ploski
Audition Manager: Sangeeth Sadayappan
Enrollment Manager: Sarah Bijlani
Brand Marketing Manager: Brandi Mitra
Music Educator Advisor: Jon Traines
Fundraising / Outreach - Advisory: Esther Amunga Kemoli
volunteers
We are a parent-run organization and depend on each family to help create this experience for our students. We have jobs that would work well for every level of time commitment, from Board Member, to one-time jobs that take just a couple of hours. Volunteer for the 2026-27 Season now!
“The future of the symphony depends on your support. Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure that the music plays on for the students. If you’ve ever considered volunteering, I encourage you to take a position, try it out, and help us keep the music alive.”
Phoenix
DMYS students are lucky to have a furry friend on site! Phoenix is a certified therapy dog at the International Academy in Bloomfield Hills, and will occasionally visit DMYS, particularly Concert Orchestra. She is an English Black Lab, and is a very laid back and lovable dog!
