Catherine M. Charlton is the President and CEO of affiliates Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly. She oversees strategic planning, fundraising, and growth, driving the organizations’ programmatic and budgetary transformations. Under her leadership, Musicopia established its first permanent endowment, and both organizations have enhanced efficiency with data analytics and tech initiatives, expanded holistic and intergenerational programs like the Philadelphia Lullaby Project and DCP’s hip-hop dance curriculum, and increased accessibility to the arts through initiatives such as converting of the Musicopia String Orchestras to a tuition-free model.

Catherine believes in arts education’s essential role in a well-rounded education, viewing music and dance as tools for personal and emotional growth, creativity, and self-expression. As an acclaimed composer, pianist, nature photographer, and speaker on creativity and spirituality, she expresses our interconnectedness with the world through her art.

Catherine holds a B.S. in Engineering with Distinction and an Executive Certificate in Financial Success for Nonprofits from Cornell University. Her career highlights include serving as an Assistant Vice President in Market Research at a multi-billion-dollar credit card company, creative entrepreneurship, teaching piano to hundreds of students, and longtime service on the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy. She joined Musicopia in 2017 as Grants and Corporate Development Director, was promoted to Executive Director in 2020, and became CEO in 2024. Additionally, she serves on the board of Treetops Animal Rescue and was named an Education Power Player by Metro Philadelphia.

Andrew joined Dancing Classrooms Philly in 2012 and coordinates the curriculum for all DCP programs and supports instructors and school partners throughout the school year. 

Andrew has been a trained professional ballroom dancer since childhood. He initially joined DCP as a Teaching Artist, where he experienced dance’s impact on social development, character building, and physical health. Throughout his years with DCP, he has imparted his knowledge and wisdom to thousands of children. 

 Andrew received his BA from Temple University. 

Christina joined affiliates Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly (DCP) in 2022, contributing to the Programming teams’ efforts and being a DCP Ballroom and K-Pop Teaching Artist.  

Christina came to the organizations hoping to provide support and guidance for students, allowing them a safe space to step outside their comfort zones. She believes that music and dance are positive, alternative avenues for improving mental and physical health as well as social relationships.  

Christina received her BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a certificate in Asian Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining DCP and Musicopia, she worked with various Philadelphia dance and arts organizations such as Asian Arts Initiative, The Rock School for Dance Education, and Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers. 

Caitlyn has been with affiliates Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly (DCP) since 2016. She leads public relations efforts, guides marketing and outside fundraising initiatives, manages interns, and handles website updates and in-house videography and graphic design.  

Caitlyn is thrilled to be part of the Musicopia/DCP team, as the organizations encompass many of the Lasallian values that she holds true to her heart: concern for people experiencing poverty, social justice, respect for all, quality education, and inclusive community. 

Caitlyn earned an MA in Professional and Business Communication from La Salle University. She also completed her undergraduate studies at La Salle, focusing her education on both communication and the study of music.  During this time, she successfully completed an internship with 93.3 WMMR and later accepted a part-time position with their Promotions Department.  

Alexa joined affiliates Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly in 2022, developing and publishing content for both organizations, including press releases, e-newsletters, and student stories, to connect supporters to the organization’s impact.  

 Alexa is eternally grateful for the confidence and artistic expression she developed through her performing arts education, which she also credits for helping her find herself and her voice. From experiencing the transformative power of the arts first-hand, she strongly advocates for all young people to have an arts-inclusive education. 

  Prior to joining Musicopia/DCP, Alexa completed a BA in Theatre Studies and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship at Montclair State University, and went on to work with a few Philadelphia-based arts/ cultural organizations. She started her arts administration career in fundraising before expanding her talents into communications and marketing. 

Rasaq joined affiliates Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly (DCP) in 2021, leading Student Development and Family Engagement and contributing to DEI initiatives. He supports events and programs and uses his experience as an educator, facilitator, and community leader to further the overall missions and shared vision of Musicopia and DCP. 

Rasaq has been involved in youth education and the arts spaces for seven years. A community dance champion, Rasaq believes in the power of the arts as a catalyst for a better life. Rasaq has seen first-hand the power of dance and music as a tool to build community, improve mental health, create financial opportunities, and so much more. Rasaq is passionate about giving these gifts of the arts to young people and communities.   

Rasaq received his BA from Washington and Lee University with a major in Economics and minor in Dance composition and technique. He has also completed a DEI certificate program through Delaware County Community College. 

Kate has been with affiliates Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly (DCP) since 2008. She leads the Philanthropy, Community Engagement, and Marketing/Communications teams, with a special focus on cultivating individual donor relationships.   

A professional modern dancer, Kate spent many years teaching in DCP classrooms and was also DCP’s former Managing and Artistic Director. Her unique skillset rooted in programming, a passion for student and staff development, and her gift for bringing diverse groups together guides her work.    

Kate received her BFA from The University of the Arts and Certificates from Bryn Mawr College’s Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute and Boston University’s Professional Fundraising program. She also completed the Arts + Business Council for Greater Philadelphia’s Designing Leadership program. 

Dionne joined affiliates Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly in 2022, leading the daily financial operations, working alongside management for financial planning and analysis, and assisting in strategic planning.  

Over the past ten years, Dionne has worked as an accounting professional in both Pennsylvania and California. She has provided services to small businesses and tax-exempt organizations, including Charter Schools and Universities in service as auditor, Virtual CFO, and business strategist. Dionne has a strong affinity and commitment to education and not-for-profit organizations. She is an engaged part of her community, having served on several volunteer Boards of Directors.  

 Dionne is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Drexel University. She specializes in accounting, federal tax-exempt compliance, and organizational financial strategy for not-for-profit organizations. Prior to joining Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly, Dionne was the Managing Director of an accounting firm serving not-for-profit organizations. 

Mark is the Senior Director of External Affairs starting in 2024, responsible for working with senior leadership in the development of marketing and fundraising strategies to grow the base of philanthropic support and increase public awareness of Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly.  He has a long relationship with Musicopia as a former Board member and has helped align sponsorship and other opportunities for the organization.

Mark joins Musicopia and DCP as a nonprofit leader with 20 years in community development, operations, fundraising, advocacy and team building in the music industry and education space.  He has a strong passion for supporting music makers through by leveraging years of education development experience and industry contacts.

Prior to Musicopia, Mark has worked for the Recording Academy (the GRAMMYS) for over 15 years, and has held roles with MusiCares, the Philadelphia Music Alliance, MusicBiz and Studio 4.  He graduated with a BFA, magna cum laude, from Hartwick College. He is an avid cyclist, crossfitter, photographer and coffee drinker.