Staff

Russ Grazier

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

Together with Katie Grazier and Wendell Purrington, Russ co-founded PMAC in response to a call from the city of Portsmouth’s 2002 Cultural Plan. Russ’ passion for music began at a young age when he learned “Dust In The Wind” on guitar. He then transitioned to saxophone and music composition and studied at The Tanglewood Institute, Boston Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Chicago. Russ has taught at many prestigious music schools including the New England Conservatory Preparatory School, the Merit School of Music, the University of Chicago, and Roosevelt University. He began his career as an administrator working for Dantalian Publishing and later served as the manager of the Contemporary Chamber Players of Chicago. When not playing music or teaching, Russ can often be found working on his putting game on a disc golf course with Katie, their two sons, Max and Jake, and their dog Maizie.

603-431-4278 ext 5 | Russ@pmaconline.org

Katie Grazier

Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder

Katie co-founded PMAC alongside Russ Grazier and Wendell Purrington in 2002 after a varied background working in corporate and non-profit sectors. Her nonprofit experience started by working with the administrative team at SPARC – School of Performing Arts in the Richmond Community alongside her mentor, Jeri Cutler-Voltz. The highlight of Katie’s corporate background included working for Franklin Covey – a leader in time management solutions. At Franklin Covey, she received awards for management and customer service excellence. Katie currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for PMAC and enjoys her ‘behind the scenes’ role in making sure that PMAC runs smoothly. As a student at PMAC, she studies  drumset with Mike Walsh (10 years and counting!) and continues to play in a variety of ensembles. Outside of PMAC, you can see Katie attending live music shows, walking her dog Maizie and learning how to play disc golf with her family.

603-431-4278 ext 4 | katie@pmaconline.org

Michelle Shoemaker

Director of Education

Michelle has over 20 years experience in community arts education as both an administrator and teaching artist, having worked at several schools and colleges in the greater Boston region. She has taught and developed music curriculum for students of all levels from avocational adults to youth beginners, as well as undergraduate and graduate students. Michelle is an accomplished clarinetist, and holds a doctoral degree in clarinet performance from New England Conservatory. She loves being outdoors, whether she is hiking, running, paddling, or camping with her family in their tiny RV. Michelle joined the PMAC staff in 2019.

603-431-4278 ext 8 | michelle@pmaconline.org

Meghann Beauchamp

Private Lesson Coordinator

Relishing in the variety and creativity of life in the arts, Meghann has worked with non-profit arts organizations along the seacoast since 2001 as an artist, educator, technician and theatre performer. Meghann first came to PMAC in 2008 as the Technical Director/Lighting Designer for the Annual Faculty Jazz Night Concert and in 2017 joined the Admissions Team, helping students and families to continue their lifelong learning in the arts! Meghann is also a 200 Hr Registered Yoga Teacher and a certified Youth Yoga Teacher – seeking to bring mindfulness and balance to her students of all ages. Meghann is passionate about food and one of her favorite places to be is at her home either cooking up meals sourced locally or playing in her own garden.

603-431-4278 ext 3 | meghann@pmaconline.org

Kim Alderson

Bookkeeper

Kim was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut and moved to New Hampshire in 2000. Kim came to PMAC in the second career of her life, after spending 25 years as a professional dancer with many ballet companies throughout New England, including Portsmouth’s former Ballet New England.  While dancing she earned a degree in Accounting and Economics. When she is not bookkeeping or teaching ballet, she can be found hiking, kayaking or biking New England with her daughter and husband.

603-431-4278 ext 1 | billing@pmaconline.org

Courtney Daniel

Executive Assistant

Courtney Daniel is a creative strategist and executive virtual assistant who lives by her own rules and makes things happen. As a nationally recognized award-winning business owner her dedication and ability to build relationships has afforded her the opportunity to work with top name celebrities in the industry. Courtney’s love for design won her national recognition for the United States Postal Service when she designed a postage stamp. In her spare time you can find her connecting and sharing stories of members in the community through her online group No To Patterns ™ or hosting The Courtney Daniel show at WSCA, Portsmouth Community Radio. Most recently Courtney was recognized for the 2020 Seacoast Leaders Award.

Nadia Maria

Front Desk Team Member

Nadia has been a seacoast native for the past 9 years, and feels so lucky to call this area home. She loves nature, cooking, crafting, spending time with friends and playing ukulele.

603-431-4278 ext 1 | nadia@pmaconline.org

Phyllis Giordano

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Phyllis’ professional background includes careers in market research and retail management. She was also the owner/artist of a custom furniture business.  Her love of the arts has led to 30 years of volunteer work with art museums, historical societies and a dance collaborative.

603-431-4278 ext 1 |  phyl@pmaconline.org

Mea Santulli

Administrative Assistant

Mea works at the front desk alongside Nadia and Phyl. She’s been with PMAC for 10+ years as a student, volunteer, and intern. She loves painting, crime shows, and the winter weather.

603-431-4278 ext 1 | mea@pmaconline.org