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Tots with Tempo has an amazing team of dedicated teachers to serve our families. Click on a name to learn more about your music specialist.
Katie Kraft, Owner/Alexandria
Marina Cridge, Alexandria/MSA
Auro Allenbaugh, Alexandria/Arlington
Micah Fields, Kingstowne
Nicole Davis, AppleTree/LB
Meghan Herring, CCCC
Katie Kraft is the creator and primary instructor of Tots With Tempo. With a degree in Music from the University of Virginia, an Orff-Schulwerk Music Education pedagogy certification from Boston College, a K-12 teaching certification through Montclair University, and early childhood music training through Music Together in Bologna, Italy, Katie brings her passion and knowledge for music to every Tots With Tempo class.
Katie graduated from UVA in 2003 and started teaching general music, chorus, and piano/guitar lessons at a K-6 elementary school in New Jersey. There, she discovered what a powerful role music can play in a child's life.
In 2009 she moved back home to Virginia to pursue her true passion--early childhood music. In June of 2009, she started Accelerando Music, Tots with Tempo's parent company. Accelerando Music offers private piano, guitar, and voice lessons, and is still operating today!
It wasn't long before Accelerando Music and Tots with Tempo were making a name for themselves across the Northern Virginia and D.C. circuit, winning awards such as "The Most Awesome Music Class for Kids" and "The Most Magical Music Class for Kids" by Red Tricycle readers, as well as "Best for Families" by Washington Family magazine voters.
Today, Katie is married to Logan Kraft, a mechanial engineer by day and a rock star by night! Katie and Logan have an acoustic duo together that performs at weddings, private functions, and events around the D.C. area.
In April of 2014, they were thrilled to make their duo a trio, when they welcomed their son Holden to the world. In January of 2017, their trio became a quartet when their daughter, Jovie Rae, was born. Holden and Jovie are now not only the inspiration for many of Miss Katie's Tots with Tempo songs, but the guinea pigs, as well. So we can honestly say all Tots with Tempo material is kid-tested and approved!
Marina is a professional dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist from Indianapolis, IN. Marina recently graduated from The Indiana University in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Sustainability and a minor in Dance. During her time at Indiana University, Marina was an Artistic Director for Inmotion Dance Company, where she specialized in the production of contemporary, hip hop, and jazz performances.
Before her transition to higher education, Marina qualified for Level 10 status in Rhythmic Gymnastics in 2016. During her competitive career in rhythmic, Marina was part of USA Gymnastics prestigious Future Stars and Elite Squad Teams, where she received training from National Team coaches and Internationally renowned gymnasts at the Olympic Training Centers in Lake Placid, NY and Houston, TX.
In her free time, Marina enjoys singing and playing the ukulele, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family.
Marina aims to inspire and empower young artists to explore and nurture their creativity. Her passion for music and dance stems from the endless opportunities it provides to learn, create, and grow.
Green hair, pink hair, blue hair...you never know what color hair you might see with Auro Allenbaugh, but you can be sure you will always have kindness, gentleness, and tons of goofy, silly fun!
Auro Allenbaugh recently graduated as president of the advanced choir and GSA club. They have three younger siblings: Miyah, Andrew, and Ana that have brought them more joy than they’ve ever imagined. Being the eldest sibling sparked Auro’s passion for working with children- especially building their confidence and social emotional skills through artistic mediums.
Auro’s music endeavors began in middle school band when they learned to play the trumpet and read music. Since then, they have been a part of several musical theatre and vocal performances as well as played guitar for three years. In the future they would like to continue their education abroad.
In their free time Auro enjoys writing poetry, photography, creating music, journaling, nature walks and spending time with loved ones.
Auro believes teaching through music and artistic mediums makes learning a fun kid-friendly experience.
Micah Fields, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Comprehensive Music from Campbell University with a focus on vocal performance and piano, has a lifelong immersion in music nurtured by growing up in his mother's piano studio. With years of private and group teaching experience, Micah’s extensive musical background includes roles as the Assistant Studio Director at the Music Post and Music Instructor at the Dunn School of Music. During his time at Campbell, Micah performed with the University Choir, Opera Scenes, was on scholarship in both the Campbell University Pep Band (trumpet) and Campbell Voices. He also completed an independent study in pedagogy, while teaching voice and piano at the Dunn School of Music.
Micah has participated as both a student and adjudicator entering students in the National Guild of Piano Teachers, the National Federation of Music Clubs and statewide piano competitions. He also participated in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Musical Theatre and Classical auditions. As an Eagle scout, he has worked with scouting groups to complete merit badge requirements in music. His choral experience has taken him on tour to venues such as Honolulu, Hawaii and New York City with the Croatan High School Vocal Ensemble; National Anthem performance for the Yankees and Braves game with Campbell Voices; Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Maryland and a cross country concert tour in Ireland with the Campbell University Choir. In 2013, Micah studied music performance and history in the Mozart city of Salzburg, Austria.
Currently, Micah is a graduate student in Speech Language Pathology at the George Washington University and enjoys singing with the Washington Chorus.
His teaching philosophy is to motivate and create passionate performers and musicians, whether they are pursuing music as a lifelong career or hobby. "The skills one develops through the discipline of learning an instrument are transferrable to any area of life. If you can commit to practicing daily, you can take on life's challenges, the world, and have more fun!"
Nicole Davis is a passionate educator who has been nurturing children since 2011, working as a volunteer at The Boys and Girls Club of Westport Homes. In 2013, Nicole graduated with honors and a Bachelor’s in Public Relations from Morgan State University. Soon thereafter, Nicole began working with The Fishing School, an after-school program, serving as the programs and operations assistant. It was here she realized she wanted to work not just for the children, but with them.
Between 2017-2019, Nicole worked as a 2nd grade math teacher and Kindergarten reading teacher. During the pandemic, Nicole launched Little Leaders, an educational supplement that offers enrichment opportunities, 1:1 instruction and social/emotional learning. She has gained a wealth of knowledge over the last 7 years in the DC Public Charter System.
Not only is Nicole passionate about education but she has always had a love for music. Nicole grew up singing in the church choir, middle school chorus and was a dedicated member of the COLORS traveling troupe (a dynamic performing arts program). As a passionate singer/songwriter, Nicole joined the KIPPDC network as a music teacher, serving children in a variety of meaningful ways.
Nicole has a zest for music, learning and community. She believes the most vital component of a community is its youth, and her commitment to her community continues to drive her very important work. Nicole lives in Upper Marlboro, Maryland with her adorable Frenchie, R.Siddiq. Aside from music and education, Nicole cherishes her time with family and friends. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Nicole really loves to travel and has visited over 10 countries, she values new experiences and is always looking for her next adventure!
Meghan Herring is a Maryland Licensed and Board-Certified Music Therapist. Her love for music started at the age of 8, when she auditioned for her first community musical theater production. At age 11, she started taking private voice lessons and her love for music continued to grow.
Meghan realized she wanted to make a career out of her passion for music and helping people. She went on to study music therapy at Elizabethtown College and graduated in 2016. She has experience working with many populations including geriatric, hospice, developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, eating disorders and other psychiatric disorders, and early childhood.
Through her work she developed her own private practice and focused on working with children and teens with various diagnoses. She has seen how powerful and important music is for development and learning. She is very excited for this opportunity working with Tots with Tempo.
Meghan lives in Leonardtown, MD with her husband, three dogs, and her son, Hunter. Aside from music, she loves reading books, playing with her dogs, outdoor activities, and most importantly, watching her son grow and develop conservation!
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