Faculty and Staff

  • Milda Torres McClain is a strategic, mission-driven leader with over 15 years of executive experience in nonprofit, government, and community-based organizations. Since stepping into the role of Executive Director, she has played a pivotal role in guiding Music Haven’s transformation, scaling tuition-free, after-school music education and youth development programs tailored for under-resourced communities in New Haven.

    Under Milda’s leadership, Music Haven has expanded its reach and deepened its impact, supporting dozens of young musicians. Through her work, she has strengthened the infrastructure of the organization, enhancing financial, HR, and fundraising systems, while embedding equitable, inclusive practices that center students, families, and community partnerships.

    A proud resident of New Haven, originally from Puerto Rico, Milda holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and is a certified Life Wellness Coach and an Executive Coach. Passionate about nurturing resilience, creative collaboration, and social mobility, she leads with a people-centered approach grounded in a belief that access to exceptional music education and the relationships it fosters have the power to transform lives and strengthen community.

  • Haven String Quartet, cello

    Philip Boulanger maintains an active and varied career as a cellist. Prior to joining Music Haven as its Resident Cellist in 2013, Philip served as a Teaching Artist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, designing new and innovative curriculum for a variety of music education and outreach programs across Chicago Public Schools. Philip worked closely with Yo-Yo Ma on the Symphony’s Citizen Musician Initiative, including a performance together of Schubert’s Cello Quintet, and joined the CSO cello section for their MusicNOW series. Philip received his Masters in Performance and Pedagogy from Northwestern University and was the teaching assistant to Hans Jensen at the Meadowmount School of Music. While at Northwestern, Philip also held the position of Assistant Principal Cellist of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Philip received his Bachelors of Music from Boston University, and an Artist Certificate from the Krakow Academy of Music in Poland.

  • Student Support and Belonging Leader

    Jacey is a dedicated youth development professional committed to fostering student success, belonging, and holistic well-being. As the Student Support and Belonging Leader at Music Haven, she develops and coordinates initiatives focused on academic achievement, college and career readiness, social-emotional learning, and family engagement. Through collaboration with students, families, staff, and community partners, she works to create inclusive environments where young people are empowered to reach their full potential.

    Jacey earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Sociology, with a minor in Cognitive Science, from the University of Connecticut. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Communication Disorders at the University of New Haven, where she is preparing for a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Her academic background and professional experience reflect a deep commitment to supporting communication, learning, and positive developmental outcomes for children and adolescents.

    She holds certifications in CPR and First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention, Opioid and Naloxone Response, and DCF Mandated Reporting. These credentials reinforce her dedication to student safety, wellness, and advocacy.

    Driven by a passion for service and youth empowerment, Jacey strives to build meaningful relationships, strengthen support systems, and create opportunities that help young people thrive both within and beyond the classroom.

  • Choir Teaching Assistant

    Rhea grew up playing piano and singing in church choirs. A California native, she moved to Washington, D.C. to work in the nonprofit faith and advocacy sector before arriving in New Haven in 2021 to study at Yale Divinity School. Rhea has always had a deep love and respect for children, and believes that everyone is a musician. She is committed to making sure her music practice and pedagogy honor and center child autonomy, and is excited to join the Music Haven community.

  • Haven String Quartet, viola

    Linda Numagami received her Bachelor’s of Music from the New England Conservatory and Master’s of Music from the Juilliard School with Roger Tapping. She also received a postgraduate diploma at the San Francisco Conservatory with Jonathan Vinocour.

    She has worked as Acting Associate Principal Viola of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Guest Associate Principal Viola of the Colorado Music Festival, and Acting Section Violist of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. She has been with Music Haven since 2024.

  • Voice Program Director / Advancement Manager

    Baritone | Arts Advocate

    Miles is a bass-baritone, voice pedagogue, and arts advocate whose work centers on storytelling, connection, and community through music. GRAMMY-considered for his original role in Blind Injustice, he is committed to creating performances that inspire meaningful reflection and connection.

    As a voice teacher and choral communalist, Miles nurtures emerging vocalists while encouraging each artist to discover and embrace their authentic voice. His advocacy extends beyond the stage, with a particular focus on partnering with marginalized communities and creating spaces where every voice can be heard and celebrated.

    Miles holds a BM from Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School, and a certificate in Sacred Music from the Institute of Sacred Music. Through performance, pedagogy, and advocacy, he seeks to harness the transformative power of music to build community and foster greater understanding.

  • Communications Manager

    Born in Providence, RI, Karina Irizarry has lived in New Haven, CT for 6 years now and calls it home. She attended the University of New Haven (UNH) and graduated in May of 2016 with a B.S. in Criminal Justice: Investigative Services and minored in Psychology and in Music. Karina has a passion for music and graphic design and lets it inspire her every day. She first heard of Music Haven through UNH’s Community Work Study Program during her freshman year. Eager to get to work right away, she became part of the Music Haven family as our Work Study student during all four years at school, and then was hired full time when she graduated! After taking some time in 2021 to pursue more of her music and graphic design, she is back as our Administrative & Student Support Manager.

  • Haven String Quartet, violin

    Yaira Matyakubova is an Uzbek-American musician, educator, and community advocate with a distinguished career in the arts. Committed to fostering artistic expression and highlighting the essential role of the arts in personal and community development, Yaira has made significant contributions in her field.

    As a violinist with the Knights Orchestra, based in Brooklyn, NY, Yaira has toured extensively and performed at numerous prestigious venues, honing her skills and deepening her professional expertise. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as Natalie Merchant, Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, Magos Herrera, and Emanuel Ax.

    At 16, Yaira moved to the United States alone to pursue her violin studies. Her experiences as an immigrant have inspired her to work with refugee women, using music and the arts to aid their integration into society. Her dedication to social work extends over 20 years, during which she has served as a mentor and community organizer.

    In her role as Artistic Director at Music Haven, Yaira leads a team of musicians to create impactful musical experiences for communities in the Greater New Haven area. She is passionate about fostering a collaborative environment that supports both the musical and personal growth of her diverse student base.

    Yaira holds graduate degrees from Yale University and Rice University.

  • Operations/Advancement Director

    An alumna of Trinity College, Lygia earned her Bachelor's degree  before furthering her expertise with a Master’s degree in Education. Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to professional growth, she is currently expanding her leadership and strategic acumen by pursuing a second Master’s degree in Business Administration. Lygia's professional background encompasses dynamic leadership roles across both the private and public sectors of education, bringing innovative pedagogy and organizational leadership to diverse learning communities. Following her relocation to the Greater New Haven area, she continued her public service career within the New Haven public school system, and local nonprofits, championing student achievement and community enrichment. While planting deep roots in New Haven alongside her family, her dedication to local youth, education, and the arts led her to serve on the Board of Directors for Music Haven before transitioning to a vital staff role, where she continues to help drive the organization's mission forward.

  • Haven String Quartet, violin

    Dr. Doane is a distinguished violinist known for his exceptional skill and versatility. Holding a Doctorate from the CUNY Graduate Center and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the Juilliard School, Doane’s extensive career encompasses a diverse repertoire, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. His performances with orchestras and chamber ensembles worldwide highlight his technical skill and emotional depth. 

    A dedicated advocate for contemporary music, Dr. Doane delights in collaborating with composers and creating new compositions. He has been at Music Haven since 2018.

  • Resident Pianist

    Jacob Wang studied at the University of Michigan under the tutelage of Arthur Greene earning his Bachelors and Masters in piano pedagogy and performance. While at University of Michigan, he was on faculty at the Piano Pedagogy Lab Program in UM and taught collegiate class piano as a graduate student instructor. He is an Alumni of the high school program at University of North Carolina School of the Arts where his primary teachers were Eric Larsen and Dmitri Vorobiev. His previous accomplishments include prizes from the Brevard Music Center Piano Competition, the Ronald Sachs Competition, the 2019 Huntoon Piano Award, two time finalist in the UM concerto competition, and multiple awards from MTNA. 

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    As a concerto soloist, Wang has appeared with Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, UM Baroque Chamber Orchestra, UNCSA Symphony Orchestra, Central Iowa Symphony, and the Fort Dodge Area Symphony. Wang has performed several solo recitals throughout the US. He has attended the Rebecca Penneys Piano festival, Brevard Music Festival, MusicFest Perugia and Aspen Music Festival as a Kenan fellow.  He has played in masterclasses for Olga Kern, Susan Starr, Fabio Bidini, Kevin Kenner, Wu Han, and Ann Schein. Wang has received several Career Development Grants and Excel Enterprise grants for various projects including solo, duo, and chamber recitals in Michigan, North Carolina, Maine, New York, Perugia (Italy), and throughout Germany.


    As a teacher and administrator, he has worked with underserved youth in the Our Own Thing Piano Program. Past experiences include interning at Washington Performing Arts, Castleman Quartet program, and program assistant at UM Chamber Dept. He also directed music at Bethel United Church of Christ in Manchester MI, leading the choirs and playing piano and organ for services. He is also on faculty at Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, CT. Jacob joined Music Haven in 2024.

  • Orchestra Director

    Lindsay J. Wright is a music educator, scholar, and performer interested in how music can promote social equality, teach us about the world, and contribute to our mutual thriving. She currently serves as an assistant professor in Yale’s Department of Music, where she teaches classes on subjects like musical amateurism, the history of musical genius, music and disability studies, and music’s relationship to democracy. In addition to publishing work as a musicologist, Lindsay has served as a qualitative researcher and consultant with Ingenuity, an arts education research and advocacy organization in partnership with Chicago Public Schools.

    All of Lindsay’s work is grounded in her varied experience as a music educator. After serving as a public school teacher in north Philadelphia, she co-founded and directed South Side Suzuki in Chicago, teaching group classes, parent education workshops, and a private violin studio. As a conductor, she has held positions with the Elgin Youth Symphony, UW Madison’s Summer Music Clinic, and the Hyde Park Youth Symphony, where she later served as Executive Director. Lindsay has also trained music teachers in various settings—most recently, she has led a series of pedagogy workshops for Teaching Artists with Yale’s Music in Schools Initiative.

    Lindsay’s training includes BAs in African American studies and Music, a MEd in Multicultural Education, a K-12 teaching certification, and a PhD in musicology. She has completed trainings in the Suzuki Method as well as O’Connor’s American School of String Playing. As a violinist (and aspiring violist), Lindsay has performed in a variety of contexts, but particularly loves reading chamber music with friends.

  • Administrative and Community Engagement

    Magaly Cajigas is from New Haven, CT – born and raised in the city’s Hill neighborhood.

    Magaly’s pathway to community service started by watching her mom as a bilingual HeadStart teacher – her mom was a teacher for 32 years before retiring from the New Haven HeadStart program. Magaly also learned service from her father and observed how he always extended his hand to those individuals who were new to the New Haven area, a retired master painter for General Dynamics Electric Boat.

    Magaly attended Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY and then transferred to Southern CT State University and majored in Corporate Communications, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Science Degree. A few weeks after finishing her last final exam, she was hired by the LEAP program, a children and youth serving non-profit group in New Haven where her non-profit career started. Here she learned the importance of raising money to help support a worthy cause, in this case our youth in Connecticut. Since then, she earned her Master’s in Public Administration and has worn many hats – Institutional Advancement Officer at Housatonic Community College Foundation, Operations Manager for Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, Development Manager United Way of Greater New Haven, Patient Relations Coordinator Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, Development Manager for the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and recently was the Connecticut State Director for the Hispanic Federation office in Hartford.

    Magaly cares deeply about creating positive change for individuals and the community, she has been active in several community organizations such as Puerto Ricans United, Inc., New Haven Hispanic Firefighters Association,

    Commissioner and Chair for the Arts and Cultural Affairs of the City of New Haven and Chair of the Arts Council for Greater New Haven.

    Her other passions are her family – husband Eddie and daughter Alanna and dog Lucy. She also loves anything arts – photography, crafts, theater, and most of all music!