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, and a Mentor. 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.

  • Operations & Outreach Manager

    Toccara Joyce moved to New Haven, CT at a young age and discovered a strong passion for music and dance. She danced with the New Haven Ballet Company and then attended Betsy Ross Arts Magnet School for middle school and Wilbur Cross High School where she continued in the arts, cheerleading, and softball, but also developed a love for cooking and baking in her Home Economics class. Toccara attended Southern Connecticut State University and studied Child Psychology, pursuing her passion for helping children. Her son has been a Music Haven violinist since 2017. In her spare time, Toccara continues to dance at Tia Russell Dance Studio, and shares a cupcake business with her step-daughter called Snacks by Snackz. She joined the Music Haven team in 2021 because of her desire to help make a change in our community and to continue spreading her love for children and the arts.

  • Choir Director

    Emerson (they/them) is a graduate of The Hartt School, where they earned a Master of Music in Cello Performance. Currently, they are a Harmony Fellow with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra while also teaching and directing strings at both  Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School and KEYS in Bridgeport. They have been invited to perform at Lincoln Center, the Wadsworth Atheneum, the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, and Space Ballroom. Jillian is excited to join Music Haven in 2025.

  • Administrative & Student Support 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, 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.

  • Choir Director

    Miles Wilson-Toliver is a bass-baritone and voice pedagogue recognized for his original role in Blind Injustice, which was GRAMMY-considered. He is dedicated to nurturing vocal talent, building choral communities, and advocating for the arts in partnership with marginalized communities. Miles is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Yale University. 

  • 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.

  • Director of Development and Community Engagement

    Lygia holds a BA in International Studies with a minor in Studies of Progressive American Social Movements from Trinity College, a M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. She has worked in the private and public sectors of education for more than a decade. As a teacher and former program assistant for Horizons at Foote School, Lygia has worked diligently to produce successful, inclusive, learning experiences for students of New Haven Public Schools. Music Haven has served as a second home to Lygia and her family for over five years as a parent to several Music Haven students. She also served for two years as a member of the Board of Directors. Lygia’s vested interest and passion for Music Haven stems from a deep appreciation for the arts, and the vision to empower children with opportunity, exposure, and the ability to grow through music.

  • 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.