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 in its 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.

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.

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 over 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.

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.

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.