Our Team
Executive Leadership
Samson S. Tarpeh — Founder & Executive Director
Samson S. Tarpeh is the Founder and Executive Director of Agape National Academy of Music Georgia (ANAM Georgia), where he leads the organization’s efforts to develop confident, capable youth through music, learning, and leadership. A music educator, pianist, and nonprofit leader, Samson brings more than 20 years of music-teaching experience and more than 12 years of nonprofit leadership experience. He founded ANAM in Liberia in 2008 and later expanded its mission to Georgia, where ANAM Georgia provides free, community-based programming that integrates music education with literacy support, social-emotional learning, mentorship, and family engagement.
Throughout his career, Samson has worked with underserved and refugee children and youth in Liberia, Kentucky, and Georgia and has managed grant-funded programs supported by federal, state, faith-based, and private foundation funding. He has collaborated with organizations and institutions including the Fulbright Specialist Program, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, and the University of Kentucky to develop and deliver education workshops, teacher training, and student programs in Liberia. He has also used community-based music programs to promote peacebuilding, cultural exchange, community connection, and positive relationships among diverse communities.
Samson holds a bachelor’s degree in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance from Campbellsville University, in Campbellsville, Kentucky, a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from AME University in Monrovia, Liberia, and a Master of Science in Community and Leadership Development from the University of Kentucky. He has completed professional training through The Grantsmanship Center, the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Purdue University Community Development Extension Program, and the University of Kentucky’s Preparing Future Faculty Program.
His work is grounded in the belief that music can be a powerful tool for developing confidence, creativity, self-discipline, academic readiness, leadership, and positive relationships among young people and families. He also serves as Minister of Music and Director of the Emerging Music Leadership and Career Development Program at First Christian Church of Atlanta, Georgia, where he leads the music ministry and helps young adults develop musical skills, leadership experience, and career readiness through mentorship and hands-on learning.
Board of Directors
Ora Gladstone – Acting Board Chair
Ora Gladstone is a retired music educator and longtime advocate for arts access and community engagement. Her Peace Corps Response service in Liberia introduced her to ANAM’s mission, and she continues to support music education, community learning, and creative opportunities for children and families.
Margareth Miguel – Professional Singer & Music Educator
Margareth Miguel is a Brazilian-born vocalist, conductor, and music educator with more than 25 years of international experience. She holds advanced degrees in church music and vocal performance and has led choirs, workshops, and performances in the U.S. and abroad. Margareth supports ANAM Georgia’s mission by helping make music education accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for every child.
Dr. Gregory (Greg) Finkbonner – Education Leader & Adjunct Professor
Dr. Gregory (Greg) Finkbonner brings decades of experience in educational leadership and youth development. He serves as an Executive Staff Advisor within the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice and as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University. Dr. Finkbonner supports ANAM Georgia’s mission by promoting whole-child learning, mentorship, and academic growth through music and education.
Victoria R. Crosby – Journalist, Poet & Arts Advocate
Victoria R. Crosby is a journalist, poet, arts advocate, and longtime nonprofit leader with extensive experience supporting youth, music, and the arts. Originally from Cheshire, England, she lived for many years on Long Island, New York, before moving to Atlanta in 2021. Her writing and poetry have appeared in newspapers and magazines in New York, Georgia, and California, and she currently contributes to The Smoke Signal, Our Town Gwinnett, and the North Shore Leader. She has also entertained audiences through inspirational and humorous poetry at libraries, churches, and community organizations. Victoria has taught preschool and provided private piano and violin instruction, combining her passion for music with education and youth development. In 2006, she founded the Glen Cove Arts Council, a nonprofit organization that provided underserved youth with opportunities to experience music, art, concerts, and museums; the organization later became the Christopher Crosby Foundation. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees and has developed mentoring programs for at-risk youth. A longtime advocate for arts and community engagement, Victoria brings ANAM Georgia a wealth of experience in music, writing, youth development, nonprofit leadership, and community service.
Parent and Caregiver Advisory Council
Our Advisory Council brings the perspectives of parents and caregivers into ANAM Georgia’s program planning and improvement. Members share feedback on their families’ experiences, identify barriers to participation, and help us strengthen family engagement. Their input helps keep our programs responsive to the children and families we serve.
Ebony Walker
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Tiffany Jenkins
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Pastor Simeon Kungbana
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Trisha Glasscoe
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Our Instructors
Samson S. Tarpeh, M.S. — Lead Instructor
Samson S. Tarpeh is a music educator, pianist, and nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of music-teaching experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance from Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, Kentucky; a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from AME University in Monrovia, Liberia, and a Master of Science in Community and Leadership Development from the University of Kentucky. He also holds a certificate in Orff Schulwerk from the University of Kentucky School of Music and a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning through the University of Kentucky’s Preparing Future Faculty Program.
As ANAM Georgia’s Lead Instructor, Samson provides music instruction and instructional leadership to instructors, program assistants, and volunteers. He also helps oversee the organization’s Community Roots Music Program and Early Childhood Music & Literacy Program.
Kristen Richard, B.M.E. — Instructor
Kristen Richard is a Georgia-certified music educator who holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Kennesaw State University and brings more than eight years of classroom teaching experience, including six years of teaching at Harris Elementary School in Gwinnett County. She teaches in ANAM Georgia’s Early Childhood Music & Literacy Program and Community Roots Music Program, as well as providing individual instruction in piano, trumpet, and voice.
Arabia Jones, B.M.E. — Instructor
Arabia Jones is a Georgia-certified music educator who holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Brenau University and brings more than three years of classroom teaching experience. She currently serves as an elementary music teacher at Gainesville Exploratory Academy. At ANAM Georgia, she teaches in the Early Childhood Music & Literacy Program and Community Roots Music Program, as well as providing individual instruction in piano and voice.
India Hunter — Instructor
India Hunter is a musician and experienced performer with an associate degree in Music from Fayetteville Technical Community College and additional coursework in Vocal Performance at Temple College in Temple, Texas. India brings years of performance experience and a strong passion for helping young people develop their musical skills and confidence. At ANAM Georgia, she supports the Early Childhood Music & Literacy Program and teaches piano and voice in the Community Roots Music Program.
Ethan Peng — Volunteer Piano Instructor
Ethan Peng is an emerging pianist and volunteer music instructor currently pursuing his medical degree at Emory University. He brings his musical experience and passion for working with young people to his role with ANAM Georgia.
As a Volunteer Piano Instructor, Ethan provides piano instruction, practice guidance, and encouragement to students in ANAM Georgia’s Community Roots Music Program. He is committed to helping students develop their musical skills, confidence, and enjoyment of music.
Kaiden Lee — Volunteer Piano Instructor
Kaiden Lee is a high school student at Northview High School in Johns Creek, Georgia, and an emerging pianist with experience competing in local and international piano competitions. He has also taught piano as a volunteer at Perfect Harmony Health in Roswell, Georgia, working with students across a wide range of age groups.
As a Volunteer Piano Instructor with ANAM Georgia, Kaiden provides piano instruction, practice guidance, and encouragement to students in the Community Roots Music Program. He is passionate about helping young musicians develop their skills, confidence, and enjoyment of music.
Program & Operations Team - Volunteers
Our program and operations team includes dedicated volunteers who contribute their professional expertise in technology, databases, financial management, fundraising, and administrative and web support.
Vitaly Franko
Director of Digital Infrastructure
Rod Chandler
Director of Database Management
Justin Sumner
Manager of Grants & Institutional Giving
Likhita Kadiyala
Foundation Relations and Database Manager
Varshini Boyapally
Foundation Relations and Database Manager
Sai Sruti
Programs Coordinator & Database Manager
Matthew Chen
Finance & Bookkeeping Manager
Nancy Baten
Finance & Bookkeeping Manager
Dongni An
Finance & Budgeting Manager
Theresa Southern
Web Support
Maria Valbuena
Web Support