Board of Directors

MusicWorks was founded in 2002 to provide music therapy services to individuals with challenges of all ages.

       Board of Directors

 

Diane Barber

Ms. Barber has extensive experience as a in-house contracts attorney for companies in the Philadelphia area:  AlliedBarton Security Services, Aramark and Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby.  She has broad based experience in negotiating a diverse array of commercial contracts.  From 1988 to 2005, Ms. Barber was Associate Corporate Counsel for The Franklin Mint where she negotiated and drafted intellectual property licenses, merchandise licenses, musical licenses and technology contracts.  She is well versed in advertising, marketing and consumer laws and regulations.  Ms. Barber is a graduate of LaSalle University and received her J.D from Duke University School of Law in Durham, NC.

 
 
 

Gail Curran

Ms. Gail Page Curran is an accomplished Human Resources Executive with over 25 years of experience driving organizational growth and fostering dynamic workplace cultures. She excels in strategic leadership, talent management, and implementing forward-thinking HR initiatives that align seamlessly with business goals to deliver impactful results.  Currently serving as Senior Vice President at Avantor, Inc., Gail leads a global team dedicated to delivering innovative HR solutions that advance business priorities and enhance the associate experience. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a dedication to developing talent at all levels.  Gail earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Maryland and is a certified Executive Coach through Georgetown University. Passionate about empowering women in the workplace, she offers executive coaching services to help women navigate career transitions and achieve their professional goals.  Beyond her professional endeavors, Gail is deeply engaged in her community, volunteering her time to meaningful causes. She also enjoys cooking, playing pickleball, and traveling, always seeking new experiences and opportunities to connect with others.

 
 
 

Brenda Duska

Brenda Shay Duska is a CPA, MT with her own firm, Shay Duska & Company. The firm’s primary services include accounting, taxation, and business consulting. From 2001 through July 2007, Brenda was the Vice President for Finance and Administration at Rosemont College. In 2001, Brenda co-authored the textbook, Accounting Ethics, with her husband Ronald, which is currently inits third edition. She also served as an adjunct faculty member at Rosemont. Brenda is a graduate of Rosemont College, and received her Master’s degree in taxation from Villanova University. She is a member of the AICPA and the PICPA. Music has been a large part of Brenda’s life, and the positive impact of music therapy on so many people’s lives continues to inspire her.

 
 
 
 

Shaun Essex

Jeshahnton (Shaun) V. Essex is the Chief Operating Officer of Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) in Dallas, TX, since December 2022, overseeing operations across various departments, including Oncology and Transplant Services. Before joining BUMC, he spent over a decade at Main Line Health in Pennsylvania, most recently as Vice President of Operations at Bryn Mawr Hospital. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and both an MBA and an MS in Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, along with a Certificate in Gerontology. Jeshahnton is involved in professional organizations, including the National Association of Health Service Executives, where he chairs the Membership Committee. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on advisory boards for UAB and Auburn University at Montgomery. Jeshahnton lives in Dallas with his wife, Demika, and they have four children and seven grandchildren.

 
 

Jameyshia Franklin

Dr. Jameyshia Franklin is an accomplished healthcare leader with a strong passion for Public Health, Public Policy, Education, and the Arts. She brings over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, having served in a variety of roles. Dr. Franklin currently holds the position of Director of Patient Experience at Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Loyola University of Chicago and a Master of Public Health and Doctorate in Public Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Franklin enjoys traveling and spending time with her two children.

 
 

Linda Hohn

Ms. Linda Hohn is an experienced insurance industry in-house counsel with more than 40 years of service working for several large property casualty Philadelphia insurance companies in executive and legal roles. Most recently she served as Vice President & Associate General Counsel at Global Indemnity Group.  She is currently General Counsel and Director of Knowledge Partners at The Institutes in Malvern, PA.  The Institutes, a not-for-profit organization, and has been a leading provider of risk management and insurance education for more than 100 years.  Ms. Hohn has served on the Board of Trustees of The Children’s Crisis Treatment Center and as President of the Rosemont College Alumni Board.  She is a graduate of Rosemont College and earned her J.D. from Rutgers University Law School in Newark, New Jersey.  Ms. Hohn has served on the Board of MusicWork for 20 years.  MusicWorks inspires her because the organization is a testament to the power of music, and how through MusicWorks’ talented and dedicated therapists, music can make a true difference in the lives of all individuals facing physical and developmental challenges.

 
 
 

Junell Harris

Junell’s son, Ricardo, has been part of the MusicWorks  family for more than 8 years. In the last 3 years that she has been attending the sessions with him, she has seen him blossom more and more each week. Ricardo truly enjoys his sessions, the comradery of his classmates and the music. Since attending music therapy Junell  has seen her son become more focused and she has come to understand the benefits of music therapy.  Class gives him a chance to make his own choices (e.g. picking an instrument(s) and/or song(s)). As a non-verbal adult on the autism spectrum –  choice, freedom of expression, and an opportunity to socialize in a safe and encouraging setting is key.  The music therapy sessions provided by MusicWorks  accomplishes this and more. Ricardo comes alive and expressive in class. It’s such a joy to see.

 When Lori and Jerry asked Junell to join the Board of MusicWorks, she was thrilled to be a part of an outstanding agency.   Junell has been an Administrative Specialist for Philadelphia Children’s Response Center of Belmont Behavioral Health from 2019 to 2023 and currently works in the Rehabilitative Medicine division of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

 
 
 

Wendy Jershky

Mrs. Wendy Jershky has enjoyed a career with Wells Fargo Bank, NA for the last 40 years. She is a Vice-President/Premier Banker in the Newtown Square, PA office. Her responsibilities include financial solutions for both business and personal clients in the community. Mrs. Jershky also served on the Business Education Advisory Board for Upper Darby High School, which creates a partnership between the school and business community by examining curriculum and course content for viability in the business world. Mrs. Jershky is one of the founding board members of MusicWorks for which she helps with event planning and fundraising.

 
 

Bridget Moran

Bridget Moran joined First Resource Bank in January 2018 as the Vice President Branch Administration. She streamlined branch operations and formalized a comprehensive onboarding and training program for new team members. In July 2019, Bridget took on an expanded role as Senior Vice President Retail Banking. She focuses on strengthening the quality of leadership to better support employee development, creating a consistently outstanding customer experience among all channels, and growing deposits through meaningful, long-term relationships. Bridget has advanced to her current role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer as of March 2024.  Prior to First Resource Bank, she was Assistant Vice President Call Center with a credit union before becoming Vice President Service and Sales. Bridget graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. She spent a semester studying and working abroad and continues to love traveling, meeting new people, and learning their stories.

 
 

Ned Moreland

Ned brings over a decade of experience working with nonprofits and currently serves as a Strategy Analyst at Vanguard, focusing on organizational strategy, business development, and operational enablement. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Japanese from Bates College, where he continues to be deeply involved as an alumni advisor and advocate for student equity. In his role at MusicWorks, Ned serves as the Organization Sustainability Chair on the Board of Directors. He collaborates closely with the co-founders to address strategic challenges, develop innovative solutions, and align priorities across MusicWorks’ locations. Ned is passionate about leveraging his strategic acumen to advance the mission of MusicWorks and enhance the lives of those it serves. Beyond his professional and volunteer commitments, Ned enjoys outdoor activities and playing ice hockey.

 
 
 
 

Glenn Marshall

 

As Vice Chair of the Board, Retired CEO and Co-Founder for First Resource Bank in Chester County, PA, Glenn Marshall has been helping businesses and individuals with their financial needs since he began his banking career in 1980.  Glenn is a graduate of Drexel University with a BS in Business, double majoring in Accounting and Marketing. He then received his MBA from St Joseph’s University with a concentration in Finance and Banking.  After working for various banks early in his career, Glenn along with co-Founder Lauren Ranalli, decided to form First Resource Bank in 2005.  Since its inception, the Bank has placed the needs of its customers and community at the forefront of everything it does and has been named The Best Bank in Chester County, The Best Bank Along the Main Line and a Best Places to Work company for multiple years on end. In addition to leading the area’s top financial institution, Glenn is an active member of the community, having voluntarily served on nearly 20 different boards and committees over the past 30 years including such organizations as: The Pennsylvania Bankers Association, West Whiteland Township, West Whiteland Fire Company, West Whiteland Planning Commission, Music Works Inc., Radnor Hunt Club Foundation, and The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.
 
 
 

Jerry O’Leary

Jerry O’Leary brings his years of music performance experience as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, theatrical performer / director and music therapist to lead the  clinical team at MusicWorks. Mr. Jerry, as he is known to his clients, is personable, empathetic and a well-respected music therapist. He offers a compassionate ear and creative mind to develop innovative music therapy techniques to help clients from children to adults overcome challenges. At MusicWorks, we look for the “little miracles”, and Mr. Jerry truly believes that “Music Works Wonders”. He shares his passion with the MusicWorks clinicians and staff to offer MusicWorks clients a truly unique, encouraging and “can-do” experience. He shares a personal and deep commitment to help people who face every day cognitive, behavioral, developmental and emotional struggles. Mr. Jerry loves music therapy and all the wonderful benefits that MusicWorks can deliver to everyone.Jerry completed his undergraduate degree in business at St. Joseph’s University and his master’s degree in music therapy at Immaculata University. In January 2023, he became a Licensed Professional Counselor. He has been a Board Certified Music Therapist since 2001.

 
 
 

Lori O’Leary

Ms. Lori O’Leary co-founded MusicWorks. Since 2002, she has provided marketing, public relations and strategic and financial planning to MusicWorks. She spearheads all business development and fundraising efforts for the agency.  Lori worked for The Franklin Mint in Media, PA, for a decade, where she supervised marketing, new product development, artist relations and licensing divisions. A native of New York City, Lori worked and traveled internationally for Associated Merchandising Corporation, developing goods for major department store chains from 40 overseas markets. She is a graduate of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY,  and earned her MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University. At MusicWorks, Lori’s efforts to build business relationships and expand services for children, adults and seniors brightens the lives of those with challenges daily.