Mary Vaaler Reimann, President
“Singing together in community, fueled by love, has the power to bring healing to the heart and soul, and, ultimately, to our world. It is a tremendous joy and privilege to make music with such a beautiful community of generous hearted people.”
Mary Vaaler Reimann is a lifelong singer, having started in church choir at the ripe old age of 3. She grew up in a musical household where piano lessons began at age 7 and band at 9, where the piano lived in the kitchen, and singing together, wherever and whenever possible, was just what one did. Mary was blessed to sing and learn under the direction of Weston Noble at Luther College. After more than 30 years as a Church Music Director, working with singers and musicians of all ages, Mary now serves as Music Director for Spirit Song. When she’s not singing or directing, Mary enjoys yoga, theatre, reading, and hiking. She and her husband Tim are the proud parents of four wonderful young adult children, and love spending time with their large extended family.
Monica Hamer, Secretary
“I believe that sharing music in community builds relationships in a way that is both gratifying and profound.”
Serving through music has been an important part of Monica’s life. She began singing and playing the flute at her church in 7th grade and has always gravitated toward groups with both singers and instruments. Over the years this has included a chorus and orchestra, pit orchestras for musicals, and a combo for the Aspire show choir groups. After a first career as a research chemist, Monica served in liturgy and music at a local church for 20 years. She is proud to be co-director of Spirit Song. When not playing and singing, Monica enjoys reading, water sports, hiking, golf, and spending time with her husband and two adult children.
Tom Musser, Vice President
“I fully support Spirit Song Choir’s mission which includes serving the community in many ways such as outreach/performances at local senior living facilities and community events, as well as contributing proceeds from our concerts to local nonprofit organizations.”
Singing has always been a big part of Tom’s life, beginning with high school choir and singing with a competitive barbershop chorus, a church choir, and community theater organizations including Open Door Community Theatre, where he served on the inaugural board of directors. Tom had a leadership role on the Woodbury YMCA Board which was instrumental in fundraising for and building the city’s Y. He is thoroughly enjoying retirement after working as a dentist in Woodbury for 40 years, pursuing his interests in painting, woodworking and travel. He loves spending time at the cabin with friends and family which includes five wonderful grandchildren.
Cathy Muggee, Treasurer
“I believe in the mission of Spirit Song – to create and share music as an ecumenical community that feeds the spirits of both our members and those we serve – and want to ensure this nonprofit has the processes in place for long-term sustainability and maximization of the value of its assets.”
Playing the violin from third grade through college gave Cathy an appreciation of what is needed to perform as part of a group, as well as the joy from being a member of the team. She is a retiree from 3M where she was recognized as a collaborative leader with a passion for organizational efficiency, working in a variety of areas including IT, Global Supply Chain and Mergers and Acquisitions. Cathy is a passionate community volunteer, currently serving the Children’s Minnesota Foundation, Greater Twin Cities United Way and St. Pascal Baylon Church. She enjoys traveling throughout the world as well as spending time with her husband, John, and their three adult children.
Dee Kauffman
“The time I spend with our choir is the best part of my week. Singing in community with a group of passionate, committed and talented musicians inspires me, teaches me, and motivates me to focus on the many blessings in my own life – and to share those blessings in our community.”
After her fourth-grade band director handed her the bells as an instrument – and recognizing the heft required to cart those things around – Dee immediately turned to choir, going on to sing in high school, college liturgical and parish choirs. She has been a member of Spirit Song Choir since its first rehearsal and serves as the music librarian. Dee works in business administration at RBC Wealth Management; she and her husband are proud parents of two young adults. They also have a menagerie of furry companions that keep them entertained.
Lisa Cressy
“Singing in community with others is one of my favorite things to do. When everyone breathes together, prays together, and creates gorgeous harmony together, there’s simply nothing better!”
Lisa has been singing as long as she can remember, always singing in multiple choirs – school, church, college, liturgical and community ensembles. In addition to her current full plate of singing with Spirit Song Choir, the St. Pascal Baylon Church Choir and St. Therese in Woodbury, Lisa has a deep love for musical theater, performing onstage for over 20 years and serving as a founding member of Open Door Community Theatre. She is dedicated to her job as volunteer coordinator at Lakeview Hospice. Lisa also loves to cook, bake, travel, read and spend time on Long Lake in Park Rapids with her husband and two young adult daughters (who all also enjoy singing), and their two beloved pups.
