Mission
To provide an authentic musical experience in which the gifts of unique artists can be professionally nurtured and through which the artists can be given an opportunity to belong, believe and inspire.
Vision
To be a contributing and appreciated constant of the arts culture in Niagara and beyond while continuing to provide learning and performance opportunities for persons with a developmental disability in a responsible, safe and innovative manner.
Momentum Choir is a registered, Canadian not-for-profit organization that serves over 100 choir members, their families and caregivers in the Niagara Region and the City of Hamilton in the province of Ontario.
Momentum Choir is a unique professional ensemble, exclusively consisting of adult artists living with a physical, emotional or intellectual disability.
Founded in 2007, Momentum Choir was born out of musical therapist Mendelt Hoekstra’s desire to enrich the lives of those living with disabilities through music and community involvement.
Our programs focus on nurturing musical talents, fostering inclusivity, and breaking down societal stigmas. Through professional training, dedication and teamwork, choir members discover a sense of accomplishment, pride, and self-worth.
Momentum Choir nurtures and promotes the talents of these unique artists by providing an opportunity to follow our Momentum Choir motto; belong. believe. inspire.
Executive and Artistic Director
Mendelt Hoekstra, Executive and Artistic Director
With a BA in Music Therapy, Mendelt Hoekstra recognized the importance this programming plays with regards to creating opportunities for community involvement and social participation and, more importantly, the subsequent benefits they provide with respect to an individual’s overall health and well-being. Specifically, he recognized the difference music and performance made to people with disabilities.
It improved their lives by allowing them to overcome societal obstacles, improved their confidence and social skills, and also allowed members to tangibly give back to the community. He envisioned a solution that could make a more inclusive society while filling an important societal gap.
Mendelt serves as the Executive and Artistic Director for the Momentum Choir..
board of directors
Charlene Green – Chair
Charlene Green was born and raised in St. Catharines with her older sister, Corinne, who has been a member of Momentum Choir since 2010. Charlene currently works for the federal public service having over 20 years of extensive experience in leading diverse groups of people, as well as drafting and implementing public policy. Charlene joined the Board of Directors in 2011 as Secretary to be actively involved in Momentum Choir with her sister. Charlene remained Secretary until 2014, at which point she became Chair of the Board of Directors. Charlene was recognized in 2017 by the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise for her volunteer work with Momentum Choir, receiving their highest honor, the Paul Harris Fellow Award.
Shelly Pelletier – Treasurer
Shelly Pelletier grew up in Niagara Falls and now has made her home in St. Catharines. Shelly started her working career as an Early Childhood Educator at the YMCA. After furthering her education Shelly worked in the accounting department for a global publisher of children’s books, she now works in the finance department for a prominent Niagara-on-the-lake Resort Hotel & Spa. Shelly is a volunteer with West Niagara Special Olympics. You will find Shelly working with the athletes as a lane coach for 5-pin bowling in the winter and as team manager for bocce in the summer. Before joining the Momentum Choir Board of Directors, Shelly enjoyed attending many Momentum Choir performances and has developed friendships with a couple of the choir members through her involvement with Special Olympics.
When the position of Treasurer became available, it was a perfect fit with her volunteer experience and career path.
Kelly Vlaar – Secretary
A PR-turned-HR professional, Kelly has spent the last 30 years wearing agency, corporate, public and non-profit hats. A highly motivated and compassionate leader with proven expertise building and engaging internal talent while strengthening the organization’s culture, Kelly has designed and facilitated programs focused on organizational effectiveness, strategic communications, risk management, and continuous improvement. Kelly takes great pride in transforming services and programs that positively impact clients, employees and volunteers, while bringing the broader community together. Kelly is passionate about serving her community and has done so in many tangible ways over the years. Perhaps she saved the best for last – Kelly is very grateful to have recently joined Momentum as Board Secretary! She is excited to learn and grow with the organization, while helping to deliver on its strategic vision and operational goals. And, perhaps her first song request is….drum roll please…..”I Have a Dream” by ABBA!
Mark Jenkins – Member at Large
Mark Jenkins was born and raised in beautiful Port Dalhousie. Mark, as a post secondary student earned university degrees in Economics, Business (Accounting) and a Masters of Education. Mark started his working career in accounting firms before entering the teaching profession where he served for 31 years. Interacting with the secondary school special needs students was definitely a highlight. Mark and his wife Pat have enjoyed being “behind the scenes” helpers with Momentum for ten years. Their son Justin is a member of the choir and older son Jordan an ardent supporter.
Carol Phillips – Member at Large
Carol Phillips was born in St. Eustache, Quebec, and has spent nearly all her life living in St. Catharines. Four years ago, Carol moved to Fonthill with her two daughters and her husband, two cats and a dog. Carol has worked at Niagara College for the past 20 years, and is currently the Dean of the Community Services, Justice and Fitness Division. Prior to that, she enjoyed a decade at St. Catharines Association for Community Living as the Therapeutic Support Coordinator. Carol enjoys outdoor activities, and any time spent with friends and family.
Mark Wanders – Member at Large
A challenging question often asked of any one of Mark’s 7 children is, “So what’s your dad doing these days?” They’re not always sure what to say. “He’s busy with a few things.” Because it’s slightly complicated. Mark sold the bulk of his 35-year landscape company to his oldest son, but then still works with him regularly. He’s also a landlord, helps out on their hobby farm, has a pruning side hustle and a camping side hustle, does some woodworking, teaches high-school part-time, does marriage enrichment and mentoring with his wife Joanne of 32 years, blogs regularly at The Artisan Post, and is a foster dad. He and his family have always been involved with people with developmental disabilities, and, combined with Mark’s love for music, Momentum was a natural fit. He was asked to join the board in early 2023.
Maybe the hobby farm and folks connected to Momentum could overlap? Like some visits with a little singing?
And if you come, you’ll probably find Mark outside in the sunshine, either on a machine, in the garden, or by the pool side. Nothing like being around a little dirt, a little greenery, and some water, to clear the mind and revive the soul.