Courtney Millbrook, Executive Director
Courtney (Cooley) Millbrook brings several years of non-profit management and development experience to her role as Executive Director of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. She has served on the staff of Michigan State University's Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Fredrik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and American Cancer Society. Courtney has a BA in Sociology from The George Washington University (Washington, DC) and immediately upon graduating, spent two years in Japan teaching English as a part of the JET program. She currently resides in her hometown of Grand Ledge with her husband, Travis, son, Grady, daughter, Vivian and dog, Sammy.
Karen Dichoza, Finance & Operations Director
Karen (Cutshaw) Dichoza has extensive knowledge and experience in arts administration and a passion for arts integration in the community. She is a graduate of the League of American Orchestra’s Essentials of Orchestra Management, a ten-day seminar that is an immersion into the many aspects, roles, opportunities and challenges facing the leaders and staffs of orchestras. Mrs. Dichoza currently has over 15 years of experience producing large orchestra concerts and working with vendors on all aspects of the production. She attended Lansing Community College earning an Associate Degree in Business Management, as well as, Grand Valley State University where she holds a degree in Hospitality Tourism Management.
Michael Goodman, Development Manager
Michael Goodman is an arts administrator, composer, music educator, and a low brass specialist based in Lansing. Michael’s experience in the arts ranges from being a Michigan Arts and Culture Council grant panelist to working for organizations such as Modesto Symphony Orchestra, Eighth Blackbird, Third Coast Percussion, and Ensemble Dal Niente. His music compositions, from small chamber ensemble to wind ensemble, have been performed throughout the U.S., Europe, and Hong Kong. Michael received his M.A. in Arts Administration from Florida State University, an M.M., and a B.M. in Music Composition from Michigan State University. Michael plays Eb tuba with the Capital City Brass Band in his spare time.
Shruthi Kattumenu, Marketing & Communications Manager
Shruthi Kattumenu is a marketing specialist and musician based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Formerly a Senior Marketing Specialist at Shar Music, she developed branding and content strategies that fostered audience engagement and connections within the music community. Now a Section Violinist with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Shruthi holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Violin Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. She has performed with ensembles including the Austin, Canton, and Waco Symphony Orchestras and has trained at festivals such as the Music Academy of the West. In addition to performing, Shruthi is passionate about teaching violin and sharing her love of music with her community. Her diverse background enables her to bring both creativity and strategic insight to her work.
Ashleigh Lore, Education & Outreach Coordinator
Ashleigh Lore received her M.M. in Music Education from The University of Michigan and her B.M.E. from Central Michigan University, where she double majored in Music & English Education. Ashleigh is a national presenter on music education, is a successful grant writer, and is author of both "The Music Educator's Guide to Grant Writing" and "Recorder Boot Camp". She is the current Vice President of the Mid-Michigan Orff-Schulwerk Association (MMOSA) and Treasurer of the Michigan Music Education Association (MMEA). Ashleigh is an Orff-Schulwerk certified instructor, is First Steps In Music (FAME) certified, and currently teaches full-time elementary music in Grand Ledge Public Schools.
Paul Clifton, Operations Coordinator
Paul Clifton resides in Lansing and is a sought-after freelance horn player throughout Michigan. In addition to being 3rd Horn in the Lansing Symphony, he is Principal Horn in the West Michigan Symphony and 2nd Horn in the Southwest Michigan Symphony. Paul graduated from Western Michigan University in June 2013 with a Bachelor of Music in horn performance, studying with Dr. Lin Foulk Baird. He also subs regularly with the Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Jackson symphonies. Paul’s other interests include running, video games, and baseball.
Teresa Bellamy, Librarian
Teresa Bellamy received a Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance from the University of Akron and a Master of Music in Violin Performance from Bowling Green State University, where she also worked as the Orchestra Librarian. It was during her tenure at BGSU that she gained a love of working in the administrative side of arts organizations. She enjoys a multifaceted career in music, combining positions in administration, education, and performing. Ms. Bellamy maintains a private studio of violin and viola students in Grand Rapids, teaching students of all ages and skill levels. As a performer, she is a member of the Holland Symphony and performs frequently with the West Michigan Symphony, Lansing Symphony, Southwest Michigan Symphony, and many chamber ensembles throughout West Michigan.