About us

At Musical Soulmates

Musical Soulmates thrives thanks to the heartfelt efforts and unwavering dedicated parents and community members who share our passion for making our programs accessible to all. To the listeners: You are the most important people in the room! We play for you.

Meet our Founder and Board of Directors

kate saphir alm headshot
kate saphir alm headshot
kate saphir alm headshot
Kate Saphir Alm

Founder, President /Artistic Director

A lifelong musician, I’ve been a devoted and dedicated performer, teacher, and producer in Santa Cruz since 1991.  I have been producing expansive Musical Soulmates events since 2019 and in this journey, I’ve not only integrated my training in different modalities of music but I have deepened and broadened my community ties. Musical Soulmates has moved forward with constant support and creative energy from my Soulmates performers and from my community. As Musical Soulmates becomes a nonprofit, I am overjoyed to literally transform from “I” to a “We” and to be a part of ensuring the legacy of our mission and  vision.

victoria theodore headshot
victoria theodore headshot
victoria theodore headshot
Victoria Theodore

Victoria Theodore is an acclaimed pianist who has performed with luminary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Ariana Debose. Victoria is also a composer, arranger and lyricist. She is co-composer for the new musicals “MARIAN” and “Co-Founders”, pianist for the Oscar-winning film “CODA”, an actor in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Tick, Tick…BOOM!”, an on-stage performer in the improvisational hip-hop show "Freestyle Love Supreme." She is a published author, has 2 Bachelor’s degrees from Oberlin College / Conservatory, a Masters degree from Stanford University, and is co-founder of her band, EnSPirits. Victoria is also a motivational speaker, yogi, dancer and polyglot.

Victoria is excited to bring her focus on being in service to music to Musical Soulmates.

Sonia Swain

Sonia is a passionate, community-focused supporter of arts, crafts, and music. As a board member of Musical Soulmates, Sonia intends to inspire and collaborate on ways to spread love, connection, and rhythm throughout Santa Cruz County.

alexandra montreal headshot
alexandra montreal headshot
alexandra montreal headshot
Alexandra Montreal

As a lifelong connoisseur of music, food, wine and arts, it is a privilege to support Musical Soulmates’ unique and purposeful endeavor.      

I intend to continue bringing ease to Musical Soulmates at their performances  and  look forward to being a strong and reliable teammate to the project and Board.

jessica heit headshot
jessica heit headshot
jessica heit headshot
Jessica Heit

Heit Family Dentistry DDS

I grew up listening to my dad play guitar and sing and I deeply appreciate the power of music to inspire, heal, celebrate, mourn and communicate parts of the human experience that words can’t fully express. In bringing my enthusiasm and reverence for art in a supportive role to the organization, I intend to  to enable our students and musicians to focus on their creativity and performance.

ana elizabeth headshot
ana elizabeth headshot
ana elizabeth headshot
Ana Elizabeth

SURETHING Productions

As a lifelong arts advocate, I look forward to bringing the vision and programs of Musical Soulmates to benefit as many in our community as possible.

Selam Woldetensaye headshot
Selam Woldetensaye headshot
Selam Woldetensaye headshot
Selam Woldetensaye

I am a lifelong learner, entrepreneur and practitioner with more than 15 years experience in the corporate and global development working with international and federal partners. I strive to contribute to the betterment of the world in all that I do. I have a deep love for music and the art, and I am honored to serve on the Musical Soulmates Board to help foster joy, healing and connection through music.

Informal In person meetup  of several Board members at Mariposa Café

Informal In person meetup  of several Board members at Mariposa Café
L-R: Salem, Alexandra, Kate, Victoria, Jessica

Informal In person meetup  of several Board members at Mariposa Café

Informal In person meetup  of several Board members at Mariposa Café
L-R: Salem, Alexandra, Kate, Victoria, Jessica

Introducing our Engagement team

Sarah Williams
Maya Hoffman

Social Media Intern

I’m Maya, a senior at schs. I’ve been playing piano since I was 6, and am excited to be a part of the Musical Soulmates team!

Sarah Williams
Maya Hoffman

Social Media Intern

I’m Maya, a senior at schs. I’ve been playing piano since I was 6, and am excited to be a part of the Musical Soulmates team!

Sarah Williams
Maya Hoffman

Social Media Intern

I’m Maya, a senior at schs. I’ve been playing piano since I was 6, and am excited to be a part of the Musical Soulmates team!

Sarah Williams
Gianna Smith

Graphics Artist

Gianna Smith is a Design Studies major at San José State University, focusing on Graphic Design and graduating in Fall 2025. She creates visuals that tell stories, spark curiosity, and connect people in meaningful ways.

Sarah Williams
Gianna Smith

Graphics Artist

Gianna Smith is a Design Studies major at San José State University, focusing on Graphic Design and graduating in Fall 2025. She creates visuals that tell stories, spark curiosity, and connect people in meaningful ways.

Sarah Williams
Gianna Smith

Graphics Artist

Gianna Smith is a Design Studies major at San José State University, focusing on Graphic Design and graduating in Fall 2025. She creates visuals that tell stories, spark curiosity, and connect people in meaningful ways.

heashot of samantha Bounkeua
Samantha Bounkeua

Assets Artist

Samantha Bounkeua (RogueViolin) is a queer violinist-composer-producer whose work amplifies queer/femme voices and explores identity and vulnerability.

headshot of samanthat boukeua
Samantha Bounkeua

Assets Artist

Samantha Bounkeua (RogueViolin) is a queer violinist-composer-producer whose work amplifies queer/femme voices and explores identity and vulnerability.

heashot of samantha Bounkeua
Samantha Bounkeua

Assets Artist

Samantha Bounkeua (RogueViolin) is a queer violinist-composer-producer whose work amplifies queer/femme voices and explores identity and vulnerability.

Introducing our 2025-2026 Corporate Level  Sponsors
For Let The Caged Bird Sing III–and beyond!

Jane Prough- Friend of Soulmates

Introducing our Small Business Level Sponsors for Let The Caged Bird Sing III: 

Sofie Salama and David Feldheim

Truly Toned Fitness

The William H Nadeau Fund: promoting and rewarding excellence in Jazz performance: Sponsoring Etienne Franc

If you’d like to see yourself or your business listed under either Small Business Level or Corporate Level, please contact us

Our program thrives thanks to the heartfelt efforts and unwavering dedication of our valued volunteers, talented musicians, and passionate performers. We are deeply grateful for the support we receive from our warm and devoted community members who share our passion for making accessible to all. Your involvement is what makes our musical family so special.

Join us in fulfilling our vision

Musical Soulmates is a nonprofit organization that is tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Contributions made to it are tax deductible, subject to the general limitations otherwise applicable to contributions for income tax reporting purposes. Musical Soulmates is also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests under Section 2055…: please inquire. Thank you for your attention, care, and support. We can’t do this without you!

Please send donations of any amount to: 

Musical Soulmates PO Box 145
Davenport, CA 95017

Venmo: @MusicalSoulmates

To donate through Square CLICK HERE