Our Team
The HAAM staff is a group of passionate and diverse professionals who work very hard to meet the needs of our HAAM member musicians. HAAM Founder, Robin Shivers, had big dreams that the Austin community would come together to ensure that one of our most treasured resources - our musicians - would have access to affordable healthcare services. The HAAM staff still shares those dreams today.
The HAAM Board is comprised of well-respected musician, business, and community leaders who are committed to ensuring that Austin's low income, uninsured musicians have access to affordable healthcare. The HAAM Board volunteers countless hours overseeing the guidance and stewardship of the HAAM resources and assets in order to meet the needs of our musicians. HAAM is proud to have this board of distinguished leaders sharing their skills and talents with our organization.
Want to intern at HAAM? We'd love to hear from you! Send us an email at rikki@myhaam.org with your resume and what you're interested in.
Chief Executive Officer
Paul E. Scott
Paul joins HAAM from Vivent Health (previously AIDS Services of Austin) where he served since 2010, most recently as VP of Engagement and earlier as CEO and President of AIDS Services of Austin. A Native of Jackson Mississippi, Paul has a life long love of music and has been a member of the Austin Men’s Chorus in addition to being an avid piano player. During his 15 years in Central Texas Paul has established deep roots with both the local healthcare and nonprofit community.
Chief Operating Officer
Rachel Hanss Blair, LCSW-S
Rachel relies on her 20 years in healthcare and nonprofit leadership while overseeing HAAM’s strategic operations. Her background blends clinical experience in behavioral health with program direction, team management, and strategic partnerships.
HAPPY BEGINNINGS: Long before joining HAAM, Rachel saved her now-husband's career by referring him to the agency.
Chief Development Officer
Christopher Alberts
Christopher is a native Austinite with over 18 years of experience in nonprofit development, including over a decade as a fundraising leader with health based nonprofits here in Central Texas. Live music and healthcare access are passion points that connect Chirstopher daily to the mission and services of HAAM.
Finance Manager
Katie Adams
Katie Adams is HAAM's Finance Manager, interpreting HAAM's financial data to ensure productive budgeting, program administration, and organizational goal achievement. She loves using financial trends and data to maximize an organization's resources and create the best possible output. Katie's nonprofit background has prioritized program analysis and growth and she's excited to apply that lens to the many life-saving programs that HAAM operates.
Program Services Coordinator
Marcela Antonioli, LPC-I
Marcela is a bilingual LPC-I who coordinates a few Musician Services programs. She has experience in mental wellness and has worked for other non-profit and healthcare organizations. Marcela has a passion for helping and making others feel welcomed and part of HAAM. She enjoys talking to musicians to learn more about their success stories, challenges and needs.
FREE TIME: loves to travel and spend quality time with family and friends.
Special Events Manager
Jamie Bunch
Jamie is a native Austinite who has spent her career working with artists across the music industry, from television and music production to live entertainment and music publishing. She joined HAAM to utilize her production experience at special events to help support Austin musicians. A graduate of UT Austin Business School, Jamie worked in Los Angeles and New York before moving back to her hometown of Austin. In her spare time, she loves going to see live music, Austin FC, UT Football, and movies with her two kids and husband.
Program Services Associate
Jenny Cavazos
Jenny works on the Outreach Program, connecting musicians with HAAM and our services. She is passionate about active community participation, which is why she enjoys her role at HAAM as she is directly helping the artistic community. She is currently working on her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and French at the University of Texas at Austin.
BIRTH RIGHT: She is currently working on getting certified as a doula. No one should EVER birth alone!
Program Services Coordinator
Serena Cernosek, LCSW
Serena is a native Austinite and licensed clinical social worker. Prior to joining HAAM in 2020, her work included clinical and administrative background in hospital social work, healthcare navigation, insurance authorization, and inpatient and outpatient behavioral health. Serena manages the Dental Program, the LASIK program, and enjoys providing individualized healthcare guidance, education, and navigation to musicians. When she's not working, she spends time with her family and friends: hiking, trying new restaurants, seeing live music, and watching movies.
Public Relations
Katie Crowley
Katie is a skilled communicator with nearly 10 years of public relations experience and comes to HAAM after working with a broad spectrum of clients such as Williams-Sonoma, the Salvation Army, St. David’s HealthCare and Texas Mutual Insurance Company, among others. In her current role, she handles all media and PR related tasks for HAAM.
SOUTHERN CHARM: Katie is a proud Kentucky native and enjoys spending time with her husband and son, Covert.
Program Manager
Melissa Davis, LMSW
Melissa manages the Membership and Open Enrollment programs as well as overseeing all HAAM member communications. She enjoys teaching health literacy and working with aging musicians and those with chronic medical needs. Her role at HAAM allows her to combine her passion for helping people with a love for music.
FREE TIME FAVORITES: Kayaking, live music and traveling adventures.
Program & Data Coordinator
Emmet Duff
Emmet signs musicians up for HAAM and helps them navigate the health care system. He moved to Texas from Ohio, following rumors of a mystical city of music and sunshine, and fell in love with the Austin community.
OFF THE CLOCK: He's catching a flick or swimming at Barton Springs.
Program Services Coordinator
Emily Fredericks, LCSW
Emily is a bilingual social worker who develops member programming for our Central Health Premium Assistance, Navigation, Basic Needs and YMCA programs. Her experience in immigrant and refugee resettlement, foster care, and medical social work gives her the background to help musicians navigate the overwhelming healthcare system.
DOWNTIME PASSIONS: Traveling, roller skating, trying new foodie locales, and being outside with her little ones and partner.
VP of Donor Relations & Community Engagement
Rikki Hardy
Rikki manages HAAM's giving programs including individual gifts, major gifts, corporate partnerships, and HAAM's Pearl Society. She also serves as lead for fundraising for all of HAAM's signature events. A San Marcos native with a passion for music and nonprofits, Rikki started volunteering for HAAM in 2009 and has been connected to the organization ever since.
KEY MENTOR: Blues hero Clifford Antone.
Community Engagement Coordinator
Ally Keeper
Ally's commitment to local musicians, small business partnerships and community impact led her to HAAM in 2021, and the rest is history! Ally helps to oversee HAAM's Pearl Society program, Volunteer program, Community Led Events, Community Partnerships, HAAM's merchandise program, and she supports HAAM's Signature Events.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE: Ally is an herbalist, beer nerd, artist, and loves to be outdoors!
Signature Events Coordinator
Douglas Leveton
Born and raised Oregonian, Douglas has been a member of the Austin music community and (former) HAAM member since 2009. His love for producing events comes from his experience as a national and international touring musician (Black Joe Lewis, KP & the Boom Boom), talent buyer (Half Step, Oskar Blues), and stage manager (SXSW, ACL). When he's not playing drums, spinning vinyl at local clubs or attending concerts with his family, he can be found at the rink playing ice hockey, a childhood passion.
Office Manager
Lais Milburn
Lais manages administrative functions as HAAM's Office Manager. Her dedication to helping others as well as her admiration for the vibrant community of artists and musicians in Austin led her to join the HAAM team. In addition to human resources, bookkeeping, and clerical work, Lais loves making sure the HAAM staff has the resources they need to perform at their very best.
GETTING CULTURED: Lais' favorite art form is the Kabuki theater of Japan.
Special Events Manager
Leilani Perry
Leilani hails from northern California and graduated from UC, Davis with a degree in International Relations & Soviet Studies. Her 40ish-year career has taken her from event production with Livestrong to heading Marketing / Communications teams with the YMCA, locally and nationally. She was a rep for an educational publishing house and owned a sporting events production company. The long journey has suited her well for her best gig yet, at HAAM where she manages the annual production of HAAM Day. Leilani shares her life with her rockstar husband, Ron, and as many dogs as possible.
Administrative Assistant
Mia Saldana
Mia’s desire to learn more about the local music industry is what led her to HAAM. If you ever visit the HAAM office, Mia is most likely the person who will greet you at the door. In addition to welcoming visitors to the office, Mia assists with data entry and donor relations. When she is not working at HAAM, you can find Mia around town working at a concert or in another state working at a music festival.
YOU’VE BEEN GILMORED: Mia has watched the Gilmore Girls series in its entirety at least 20 times and is Team Logan forever!
Program Services Coordinator
Robin Selman
Robin joined HAAM in 2023 as a Program Services Coordinator. She grew up in Chicago and has lived in Philadelphia, Michigan and South Dakota. Austin has been her home since 2002. She has a background in training, education and taxes. She is helping to organize HAAM Loves You and community-building events for musicians. She enjoys providing support for HAAM musicians wherever she can.
Senior Director of Programs
Lisa Stuesser, LCSW-S
Lisa has over 30 years of Social Work experience and 20 years as an Acupuncturist and brings a holistic perspective to HAAM. Lisa supports all HAAM staff and programs in providing services and care to local musicians.
Outside of work: Lisa enjoys spending time with her two children and other family members, knitting and crocheting and reading.
Program Services Coordinator
Heidi Tso, LMSW
Heidi is a social worker who brings community development, adult education, resource referral and patient case management experience to her role at HAAM. She began as an MSW intern and was later hired on full time. Heidi oversees the AMPED (Austin Musician Prevention, Education and Direction) for Better Health program, and she assists with voice/vocal programming, basic needs, and Season for Caring.
Fun fact: If she hadn't pursued social work, Heidi considered becoming a funeral director.
Program Services Associate
David Winsman
David comes to HAAM with a background in business administration and multiple years nonprofit support. David loves the Austin music scene and is a long-time musician himself. His favorite artists are from older country and blues genres. Outside of HAAM, David works with his wife, who runs a nonprofit supporting children on Hospice services and their families.
Favorite Things: Spending time with his wife and two boys, playing guitar/listening to music, slowing down and taking care of his family's rose garden, pizza, Fender guitars and a good tube amp.
Board Members
Nikelle Meade – Board Chair
Partner, Husch Blackwell LLP
Becky Arreaga
Founder, MAKE Experience Group, Inc.
Lauren Baker
Vice President of Academic Integration & Chief of Staff, Ascension
Emmett Beliveau - Immediate Past Chair
Chief Operating Officer, C3 Presents
Ray Benson
Musician, Asleep at the Wheel
Olga Campos Benz
PR & Marketing, i-Media Strategies
Stephanie Bergara
Programming & Events Manager, Waterloo Greenway
Patrick Cantilo
Partner, Cantilo & Bennett, LLP
Clifford Chiu
Senior Advisor & External Corporate Director, Vista Equity Partners – Austin
Keith Donahoe
Regional President, Central Texas - Southside Bank
Soriya Estes, AuD
Managing Partner, Estes Audiology, P.A.
Julie Fitch
Community Volunteer
Joshua Gindele
Cellist/Senior Professor, Miró Quartet/UT Austin
Stephen Jeffrey – Treasurer
Austin Market Leader - PNC Private Bank
John T. Kunz
President/Owner, Waterloo Records & Video Inc.
Harold McMillan
Founder, CEO/President - East Austin Creative Collaborative
Luis Patino
Chief Executive Officer, Austin PBS
Tomas Salas
Theatre Productions Coordinator, Austin Community College
Tim Taylor
Partner, Jackson Walker LLP
Richard Topfer - Emeritus
Managing Director, Castletop Capital
Diana Resnik - Emeritus
Principal, Resnik Consulting
Edward Safady – Emeritus
President, Prosperity Bancshares Inc.