Staff | Portsmouth Music & Arts Center

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. Katie serves as a mentor with GoodWork and is on the Board of Trustees for WSCA Community Radio. Outside of PMAC, you can see Katie attending live music shows, walking her dog Maizie, enjoying her new cats, Lincoln & Lily 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

Kibbie Straw

Private Lesson Coordinator

Growing up surrounded by talented artists and musicians, Kibbie knew early that she wanted to spread her love of music to everyone around her. Kibbie has her BM in Music Education from UNH and has worked as both teacher and administrator at various music schools for over 30 years. She has been part of PMAC since its beginning. Through her work as Private Lesson Coordinator, Kibbie continues to bring students young and old closer to art and music opportunities by connecting each student with the best teacher for them!

603-431-4278 | kibbie.straw@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. Kim is a 13 year member of the faculty for the New Hampshire Academy of Performing Arts, the current Finance Director for the New Hampshire Academy of Performing Arts, and Finance Manager for Scott Family Chiropractic in addition to her duties to PMAC. When she is not doing all things finance or teaching ballet, she can found hiking, biking, kayaking New England in addition to traveling and exploring her current passion of the American Southwest with her daughter Izzy and husband Scott.

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

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

Mea Santulli

Administrative Assistant

Mea has been involved with PMAC for 10+ years as a student, volunteer, and intern. Since graduating from Cocheco Academy of the Arts in 2019 she has been working with multiple non-profits on the seacoast in various ways. One in particular is Wrong Brain, where she is a resident artist and paints smaller landscapes and surrealist work, along with portrait photography. When she is not at PMAC you can find her in her studio or at the beach with her favorite pup!

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