Matt Kiminski is excited to serve on the Lake Superior Youth Chorus Board of Directors as an active music educator. Based in Central Minnesota, Matt has taught K–12 music and choir, and has also worked as Director of Marketing and Outreach with the St. John’s Boys’ Choir. In addition to teaching, he regularly accompanies choirs and churches throughout the region. Matt is honored to be part of the thriving LSYC community!

Nelle Rhicard is the parent of an LSYC singer and joins the board as Vice President this season. She has done work in the areas of outreach and family engagement throughout her time on the Board of Directors, and looks forward to taking on a leadership role this season.

Kelly manages the northern Minnesota office for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, supporting over 200 nonprofits of all sizes and services across northern Minnesota. In this role she provides resources, information, connections and training to help organizations better meet their missions. Kelly is the proud parent of two LSYC singers and is excited to continue serving on the board to support the incredible work of LSYC.

Stacy and her family were instantly drawn to the LSYC family back in 2016 after their son was invited to participate in the Honor Choir event by his 4th grade music teacher! After experiencing a fun filled day and an amazing performance...the family was hooked. Stacy looks forward to working as a parent representative on the board to encourage whole family involvement as we all work together to help our youth find their voice; not only in the arts but in their daily life as well. Both her sons are now LSYC Alumni and the family continues to enjoy LSYC!!

Nikki is excited to continue her journey with LSYC because she values the mission of LSYC and the community it creates with children, families, and staff. She has had a love for music since she was a very young child and would have loved to have an opportunity to be part of a group like LSYC when she was growing up. Nikki has also been on the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Duluth, regularly volunteers and fosters with the Carlton County Animal Rescue, and is passionate about giving back and helping to enrich the community.

Iris Kolodji is Choral Director at Marshall School, where she directs three curricular choirs and two extra-curricular groups. She also directs the theater program at Marshall School. Prior to teaching at Marshall, she taught choir and general music at Lincoln School in Kathmandu, Nepal and 7-12 choir at Pierz High School in Pierz, MN. She received an undergraduate degree in Vocal Music Education from the University of Minnesota and a Masters of Arts in Music Education- Choral emphasis from the University of St. Thomas. She is excited to be a part of the LSYC community and support the mission of the choir.

Jeff is the proud dad of Sarah, a Concert Choir member, and a newish member of the board at LSYC. Originally from the Iron Range, the Phillipich family recently relocated to the Twin Ports from Texas, and LSYC has become a fantastic connection point for the entire family. In his professional life, Jeff helps Center City Housing develop deeply affordable and supportive housing for households impacted by housing instability across Minnesota. As a member of the LSYC Development Committee, he is excited to help make sure that the LSYC experience is accessible for all families.

Mary joins the LSYC board after seeing the wonderful impacts being a part of the program had on her daughter. She is looking forward to implementing positive change and supporting the organization as a board member this 2025-2026 season.

Kara is excited to begin her journey with LSYC to support the mission of choir after watching her youngest daughter thrive in Prelude and Cadenza. She is beginning her 21st year in education, and third as an assistant professor at UW-Superior. Kara has a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in multicultural special education from the University of Texas at Austin, and a music education degree, instrumental and piano emphasis, from Sam Houston State University. She enjoys playing piano, hiking, reading, and adventures of all kinds.