Board of Directors
Alexandra Burke, Chair
Alexandra has several years of experience working with non-profit organizations. She received her B.A in International Studies and went on to receive her M.A in International Relations and Human Rights, both at the University of Denver. Alexandra previously worked for the international organizations, World Wildlife Fund, as well as The School For Field studies. Alexandra is currently assistant manager of Walter Burke Catering, a long-time supporter of the SFYSA. Alexandra is also an alumni of the SFYSA orchestras program.
Sam Ritter, Member, Vice Chair
Sam, a former violinist with the Connecticut Youth Symphony, graduated from Carleton College, in Northfield, MN, with a Bachelor's degree in history and religion before moving to Santa Fe, where he worked for the organization Citizen Schools at De Vargas Middle School. Since 2012, Sam has been a director of Breakthrough Santa Fe and a teacher at Santa Fe Prep. He also has a Master’s Degree in Education from Lesley University in Boston, MA. Outside of the classroom, Sam likes to play music and enjoy the great outdoors.
Richard M. Sanders, Treasurer
Mr. Sanders, has served since August, 2009 as a General Partner of Phase One Ventures, LLC, a Venture Capital firm which focuses on nanotechnology and biotechnology start-up opportunities in New Mexico and surrounding states. A native of Minneapolis, MN, Mr. Sanders earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN and an MBA from Washington University is St. Louis, MO. He is a 2011 Honoree of Who’s Who in NM Technology, serves on the boards of 22nd Century Group, Inc., Minnesota Resources, Aqua Membranes Inc., and U.S. Retail Centers and is past chair of the SFNTC Foundation, vice-chair of Santa Fe Economic Development, Inc. and chair of Santa Fe Futures. Mr. Sanders is also an active private placement investor and a member of the New Mexico Angels.
Susan Steffy, Secretary
Susan joined the board in 1999 after her son, Jesse, graduated the Youth Symphony Orchestra after participating in the orchestra its first five years. Her first task as a new board member was to help launch the “Little Mozart” (now Elementary Strings) string instruction program in the public schools and was excited to see the students’ enthusiasm for this opportunity. Watching the students develop into skilled musicians and mature young people continues to thrill her and brings meaning to her commitment to the work of SFYSA. She has lived in the Santa Fe area since 1976 working both as a fine art photographer and as a massage therapist.
Sarah Christensen, Member
Sarah teaches general music and choir at Acequia Madre Elementary School in Santa Fe. Two of her children, Claire and Nathan both play in the Intermezzo String Orchestra on viola and cello, whilst her youngest, William, watches and waits for his turn to start taking lessons! Sarah received a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Eastern New Mexico University and is passionate about music education for children. She has fond memories of the music programs and teachers that influenced her as a youth, and hopes that in turn she can help nurture a love for music making in her own students.
Andrea Hamilton, Member
Andreaʼs background is in public service and independent education. Her professional experience includes positions with the Museum of New Mexico/Laboratory of Anthropology, the Santa Fe Waldorf School, and the Santa Fe Public School District. Her husband, Steve, and she were part of the founding group of parents of the Waldorf School. She later was a SFWS faculty member and co-administrator and served on the Board of Trustees. Her roles within SFPS were coordinator of elementary staffing, assistant principal, and principal. As a SFYSA Board member, Andrea is particularly appreciative of the broad representation of young musicians from both public and independent schools. Never a performer, but always an eager student, she plays the cello and recorder with her family joining in on the piano, violin, and tin whistle.
Mark Murdock, Treasurer
Mark is a software developer working in the Information Technology division of Santa Fe County. Mark has two children: his daughter Cameron played cello for the Santa Fe Youth Symphony for several years, and recently graduated from Lawrence University in Wisconsin where she majored in music, while his son Ben is taking classes (wood working, pottery, and others) at the Santa Fe Community College. Mark is musically challenged, but holds musicians in high esteem, as he recognizes the hard work and determination it takes to learn the skills that are necessary to play music. Mark enjoys supporting his favorite sports teams and taking his dog on walks.
Alexandra has several years of experience working with non-profit organizations. She received her B.A in International Studies and went on to receive her M.A in International Relations and Human Rights, both at the University of Denver. Alexandra previously worked for the international organizations, World Wildlife Fund, as well as The School For Field studies. Alexandra is currently assistant manager of Walter Burke Catering, a long-time supporter of the SFYSA. Alexandra is also an alumni of the SFYSA orchestras program.
Sam Ritter, Member, Vice Chair
Sam, a former violinist with the Connecticut Youth Symphony, graduated from Carleton College, in Northfield, MN, with a Bachelor's degree in history and religion before moving to Santa Fe, where he worked for the organization Citizen Schools at De Vargas Middle School. Since 2012, Sam has been a director of Breakthrough Santa Fe and a teacher at Santa Fe Prep. He also has a Master’s Degree in Education from Lesley University in Boston, MA. Outside of the classroom, Sam likes to play music and enjoy the great outdoors.
Richard M. Sanders, Treasurer
Mr. Sanders, has served since August, 2009 as a General Partner of Phase One Ventures, LLC, a Venture Capital firm which focuses on nanotechnology and biotechnology start-up opportunities in New Mexico and surrounding states. A native of Minneapolis, MN, Mr. Sanders earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN and an MBA from Washington University is St. Louis, MO. He is a 2011 Honoree of Who’s Who in NM Technology, serves on the boards of 22nd Century Group, Inc., Minnesota Resources, Aqua Membranes Inc., and U.S. Retail Centers and is past chair of the SFNTC Foundation, vice-chair of Santa Fe Economic Development, Inc. and chair of Santa Fe Futures. Mr. Sanders is also an active private placement investor and a member of the New Mexico Angels.
Susan Steffy, Secretary
Susan joined the board in 1999 after her son, Jesse, graduated the Youth Symphony Orchestra after participating in the orchestra its first five years. Her first task as a new board member was to help launch the “Little Mozart” (now Elementary Strings) string instruction program in the public schools and was excited to see the students’ enthusiasm for this opportunity. Watching the students develop into skilled musicians and mature young people continues to thrill her and brings meaning to her commitment to the work of SFYSA. She has lived in the Santa Fe area since 1976 working both as a fine art photographer and as a massage therapist.
Sarah Christensen, Member
Sarah teaches general music and choir at Acequia Madre Elementary School in Santa Fe. Two of her children, Claire and Nathan both play in the Intermezzo String Orchestra on viola and cello, whilst her youngest, William, watches and waits for his turn to start taking lessons! Sarah received a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Eastern New Mexico University and is passionate about music education for children. She has fond memories of the music programs and teachers that influenced her as a youth, and hopes that in turn she can help nurture a love for music making in her own students.
Andrea Hamilton, Member
Andreaʼs background is in public service and independent education. Her professional experience includes positions with the Museum of New Mexico/Laboratory of Anthropology, the Santa Fe Waldorf School, and the Santa Fe Public School District. Her husband, Steve, and she were part of the founding group of parents of the Waldorf School. She later was a SFWS faculty member and co-administrator and served on the Board of Trustees. Her roles within SFPS were coordinator of elementary staffing, assistant principal, and principal. As a SFYSA Board member, Andrea is particularly appreciative of the broad representation of young musicians from both public and independent schools. Never a performer, but always an eager student, she plays the cello and recorder with her family joining in on the piano, violin, and tin whistle.
Mark Murdock, Treasurer
Mark is a software developer working in the Information Technology division of Santa Fe County. Mark has two children: his daughter Cameron played cello for the Santa Fe Youth Symphony for several years, and recently graduated from Lawrence University in Wisconsin where she majored in music, while his son Ben is taking classes (wood working, pottery, and others) at the Santa Fe Community College. Mark is musically challenged, but holds musicians in high esteem, as he recognizes the hard work and determination it takes to learn the skills that are necessary to play music. Mark enjoys supporting his favorite sports teams and taking his dog on walks.
