Paul M. Patinka – Region Governor

Paul M. Patinka (they/them/Mx.) lives in beautiful Providence, RI, as a voice pedagogue, independent researcher, and freelance musician. They are a faculty member of Dean College, Providence College, and Ensemble Performing Arts Studio, and serve as an Associate Editor of the “Diverse Voices” column in the Journal of Singing with Zipporah Peddle and as the New England Region Governor of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Patinka’s collaborative and independent research has been published in the Journal of Singing, Journal of Voice, and College Music Society Symposium and presented at national and international conferences. See paulpatinka.com for more information.

Jennifer Burks – Auditions Chair

Jennifer Burks, soprano, is known for her “lovely, gleaming soprano voice” and “effortless virtuosity.” She performs a wide range of repertoire and has a passion for early and chamber music, with extensive choral and solo experience. Jennifer was a winner of the 2022 Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra’s Collegiate Vocal Competition and debuted as their Soprano Soloist in Messiah. She was a Fellowship Artist with the Boulder Bach Festival in 2019, and other notable appearances include the Bach B Minor Mass, Puss in Boots with Boulder Opera, and the role of First Spirit with Arapahoe Philharmonic in Die Zauberflöte.

Mariateresa Magisano - Connections Mentorship Program Coordinator

A winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Ms. Magisano recently performed the role of Liù in Turandot in Calgary Opera’s 2017 season. Prior to this Ms. Magisano sang the role of Kitty Hart in Dead Man Walking with L’Opéra de Montréal; Mimi in La Bohème with Nickel City Opera; Micaëla in The Green Mountain Opera Festival’s Carmen; Beth in the Canadian premier of Adamo’s Little Women with Calgary Opera; Micaëla in Vancouver Opera’s Carmen; and Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro with Opera Lyra Ottawa.

Olga Valdes – Social Media Manager

Olga Valdes is an Oregon native. She recently earned her master’s in music at New England Conservatory with a concentration in Voice Pedagogy. While at NEC, Olga sang in scenes as Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte) and Mrs. Winemiller (Summer & Smoke), and performed L’Eternita in La Calisto. Olga was student stage director for the Graduate Perkin Scenes at NEC in her second year, staging scenes from Cendrillon and Così fan tutte. In the summer of 2024 Olga worked as an Assistant Director for the Boston Wagner Institute directing a scene from Der fliegende Holländer.

Violet Joy Hansen – Treasurer

Violet is a dedicated voice teacher with a passion for helping singers build healthy technique, expressive artistry, and lasting confidence. She is also a Professor of Voice at Dean College, where she work with students across a range of styles including musical theatre, classical, and contemporary commercial music. Additionally, she serves as the Treasurer for the New England chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), supporting vocal education throughout the region. Her approach is personalized, supportive, and rooted in both solid vocal pedagogy and a deep love of storytelling through song.

Sarah Tuttle – Maine District Membership Director

Sarah Tuttle enjoys a multifaceted career as a performer, teacher, and public radio host, and has a special interest in art song and collaboration with today’s composers. In 2021, Sarah launched Songs From Here, an initiative dedicated to commissioning new vocal works in her home state of Maine. Sarah is a host on Maine Public Classical, where she hosts Songbook, a weekly vocal program with an emphasis on art song. She maintains a voice studio at 317 Main Community Music Center, is a regular adjudicator at competitions around the state, and has been a Maine NATS board member since 2022.

Katherine Saik DeLugan – Northwest New England District Membership Director

Mezzo soprano Katherine Saik DeLugan is a cross-genre vocalist and performing arts educator who currently serves as a Lecturer in Music in Voice at Smith College. She holds a Bachelor of Music from UMass Amherst, and a Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music. Katherine regularly appears as a concert soloist with regional opera companies, orchestras, choirs, colleges, and universities. She programs numerous public recitals exploring the rich traditions of Western Art Music as part of her academic work. Besides performing, she has been active as a stage director, administrator, and producer for schools and local arts organizations.

Vacant – Development Liaison

Vacant – Rhode Island District Membership Director

Vacant – Eastern Massachusetts Membership Director