Leadership
Elena Keil Founder and Executive Director
Elena Keil is a visionary community leader dedicated to advancing music education and performance. She is the founder of the Evergreen Conservatory of Music and has been shaping the future of music education through her innovative teaching methods.
Elena's passion for music began at the age of four when she started playing the piano. Her early experiences included touring Europe with the Vesna Children’s Choir, and later receiving her degree from Gnessin's Russian Academy of Music.
In addition, Elena's extensive professional experience in the media industry, particularly in television, brings a unique perspective to Evergreen Music and Performing Arts. Her diverse background enriches the conservatory's vision and mission.
Elena is committed to setting the highest standards for music education and performance, revolutionizing the music culture and development within the Evergreen community and beyond.
Gayle Conroy Director
Music was always a big part of Gayle’s life — beginning with countless hours on the bench next to her mother who was a beautiful and exuberant church pianist. Gayle recently reconnected with the piano thru Elena at Evergreen Conservatory of Music and supports Elana’s vision of bringing together experienced musicians and artists with upcoming young talent to promote a vibrant cultural scene in our community.
Gayle’s a long-time Evergreen resident. She has a professional background in Operations and has volunteered for local causes for the past two decades. She is dedicated to working with the team to create this beautiful music and performing arts center to elevate Evergreen as a cultural destination for years to come.
Susan Courtney Director
Following a 25+ year career as a Municipal Bond Portfolio Manager, Susan Courtney moved to Colorado from New York with her family in 2022. An early retirement to Colorado provided Susan the opportunity to pursue several of her passions, including spending more time outdoors enjoying the wonders of nature, and giving back to the community. To this end, she serves as a volunteer at the Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO) food pantry and as a reading tutor with Reading Partners, a national organization dedicated to providing all children with the necessary skills to become lifelong readers. Susan recognizes the benefits of early childhood music education having seen her own son flourish during music classes from the age of 6 months old. Susan and her son both take piano lessons with Elena at the Evergreen Conservatory of Music.
Arina Paoli Director
Arina Paoli is a healthcare marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in marketing and strategy for mission-driven organizations. With an extensive background in global Fortune 500 companies and innovative start-ups, Arina brings marketing expertise, energy, and drive to help promote the mission and vision of the Evergreen Music and Performing Arts organization.Trained as a classical pianist, Arina is passionate about fostering musical education and access to music for both musicians and the community alike. Her background provides her with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the transformative power of the arts.
Having recently relocated from Minnesota to their forever home in Evergreen, CO, Arina and her family have found a warm welcome and support within the local performing arts community. Arina is excited to give back by serving on the board of the Evergreen Music and Performing Arts. She is eager to apply her marketing expertise to further the organization’s goals and contribute to creating a thriving cultural hub for music and performing arts in the heart of Evergreen.
Sing Palat Director
Sing believes in the power of community service. She is a physician in geriatric medicine that has enjoyed bringing together like-minded medical professionals together as the president of CMDA The Colorado Society for Post-Acute, Long-Term Care Medicine, volunteer physician for The Well free medical clinic, and Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz. Currently she is a medical director for Optum Home & Community, leading practitioners who practice in nursing homes. Sing joined EMPA to enable the beautiful power of music and the performing arts to bring community members together. The Evergreen music community enriches my life. Everyone should experience such joy. In 2024, Sing’s husband, teenage son, and parents cheered on in her first amateur piano competition, the Boston Piano Amateur Competition. She studies piano with Elena Keil at the Evergreen Conservatory of Music.
Sherap Tharchen Director
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