Bill Jones

Co-Founder & Executive Director

After careers in law, construction, and sales, Bill is now committed to helping all children read through singing. He oversees all projects and financial accounting. He holds a JD law degree and BA in economics and theology from Hamline University. The Executive Director reports to the Rock 'n' Read Board.
Contact: Bill@rnrproject.org

Ann C. Kay

Co-Founder & Education Coordinator 

Ann teaches workshops for early childhood and elementary teachers, and created Rock ‘n’ Read’s A Song a Day: Brain Prep for Pre-Readers lessons. She was a K-6 classroom music teacher, choir director, instructor of music teachers, and associate director of graduate music education at the University of St. Thomas.
Contact: Ann@rnrproject.org

Denise Lutgen-Gallaty

Field Consultant

Denise is an elementary music teacher in Wayzata Public Schools, voice instructor, and running coach with Moms on the Run. She makes presentations and co-teaches the Rock 'n' Read Course.
Contact: Denise@rnrproject.org

David Davis

David Davis is a LETRS-trained (reading course) music educator who employs research-based approaches to create inclusive learning experiences. His self-designed curriculum incorporates student voice and choice, culturally responsive pedagogy, and holistic music literacy. Davis’s work has been recognized by the 2023 GRAMMY Music Educator’s Award, the 2023 Yamaha “40 Under 40” award, and the 2021 Minnesota Teacher of the Year program. He brings more than 14 years of experience teaching band, orchestra, and general music in elementary, middle, and high schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

Julie Moore Rapacki

Julie is a Consultant/Employee at Strategic Change Management and Management Consultant, Sr. at the State of Minnesota. A  lifetime resident of the Twin Cities, and board member since 2016, Julie is passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring that everyone in our community reaches their full potential. She is a graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, WI and Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, MN.

Kari Werdahl

Retired after 37 years of teaching elementary music (33 years in Waconia), Kari is a music substitute teacher, performs with the treble choir See Change, and is an accompanist for the Minnetonka Children’s Choir program. She holds a master’s degree in music education with Kodály concentration from the University St. Thomas, and a Bachelor’s in music education from St. Olaf.