About the Board of Directors
President:
Shing Palagano
Shing is a passionate “Lady Bass” who sings alto in the Lakeland Choral Society. Shing is also a pianist and percussionist.
Shing is the proud mom of Emmalee, her toddler daughter, and devoted wife to Bobby. She has been a Lakelander since north Lakeland was covered in orange groves and Publix sold their cookies in a 4-dozen variety pack.
Shing has served as an educator with Polk County Public Schools for over 17 years. Her education background includes being a former Director or Choirs, piano teacher & high school assistant band director, ESE teacher, social studies teacher, District Behavior Specialist, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and District MTSS/PBIS Facilitator. Shing’s musical honors include being a 2017 quarterfinalist for The Grammy Foundation’s Music Educator of the Year, and when she was a Choral Director, taking her choirs to perform at Disney, different National Conferences and many community events. She is a proud member of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.
Shing earned her Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from The Florida State University, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Collaborative Teaching & Learning from Florida Southern College, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) Degree from the University of West Florida in Curriculum & Instruction.
In addition to singing, Shing enjoys time with her family, being a foodie, cooking, traveling the world, cheering on The Florida State Seminoles and game nights with friends.
Shing Palagano
Shing is a passionate “Lady Bass” who sings alto in the Lakeland Choral Society. Shing is also a pianist and percussionist.
Shing is the proud mom of Emmalee, her toddler daughter, and devoted wife to Bobby. She has been a Lakelander since north Lakeland was covered in orange groves and Publix sold their cookies in a 4-dozen variety pack.
Shing has served as an educator with Polk County Public Schools for over 17 years. Her education background includes being a former Director or Choirs, piano teacher & high school assistant band director, ESE teacher, social studies teacher, District Behavior Specialist, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and District MTSS/PBIS Facilitator. Shing’s musical honors include being a 2017 quarterfinalist for The Grammy Foundation’s Music Educator of the Year, and when she was a Choral Director, taking her choirs to perform at Disney, different National Conferences and many community events. She is a proud member of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.
Shing earned her Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from The Florida State University, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Collaborative Teaching & Learning from Florida Southern College, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) Degree from the University of West Florida in Curriculum & Instruction.
In addition to singing, Shing enjoys time with her family, being a foodie, cooking, traveling the world, cheering on The Florida State Seminoles and game nights with friends.
Vice President:
Daphne Tarango
Daphne Tarango has been an alto singer for over 9 years in the Lakeland Choral Society. Her sweet personality makes her a joy to sing with! She began her musical experience by singing in her church.
She is a Senior Recruiting Strategist for Kelly Services. Daphne earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication from Lee University and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mass Communication and Marketing Research from the University of Florida. She is currently enrolled in a doctorate program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Liberty University!
Her hobbies and joys include fishing, nature, dancing, singing, spending time with her family, friends and her fur babies (3 dogs and 4 cats). Daphne also enjoys writing and is a published author! Additionally, Daphne speaks at twelve-step recovery events.
Although she has lived in Lakeland for more than 18 years, an interesting fact about Daphne is that she cannot swim!
She is married to her husband Luis, and is a member of City Central Church in Lakeland.
Daphne Tarango
Daphne Tarango has been an alto singer for over 9 years in the Lakeland Choral Society. Her sweet personality makes her a joy to sing with! She began her musical experience by singing in her church.
She is a Senior Recruiting Strategist for Kelly Services. Daphne earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication from Lee University and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mass Communication and Marketing Research from the University of Florida. She is currently enrolled in a doctorate program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Liberty University!
Her hobbies and joys include fishing, nature, dancing, singing, spending time with her family, friends and her fur babies (3 dogs and 4 cats). Daphne also enjoys writing and is a published author! Additionally, Daphne speaks at twelve-step recovery events.
Although she has lived in Lakeland for more than 18 years, an interesting fact about Daphne is that she cannot swim!
She is married to her husband Luis, and is a member of City Central Church in Lakeland.
Treasurer:
Ann Batts
Ann Batts was born in Kankakee, IL and has 5 siblings. She attended St. Teresa Catholic and St. Anne Academy prior to moving to Florida with her family in 1960.
She attended Lakeland Junior High and graduated from Kathleen High School in 1965.
Growing up, Ann sung throughout the country, on the radio and on TV alongside her brother and sister! They were accompanied by their music teacher (and arranger), Peggy Clark (Burr).
After high school, Ann began her career with the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant. In 2003, Ann began her Publix career in the Public Corporate Environmental & Sustainability Department, from which she retired in 2017.
Ann married her husband in 1969 and they have 5 grown children!
Ann is a sweet and positive member who sings tenor with the Lakeland Choral Society, is on the Board of Directors and serves as the organization's treasurer.
Ann Batts
Ann Batts was born in Kankakee, IL and has 5 siblings. She attended St. Teresa Catholic and St. Anne Academy prior to moving to Florida with her family in 1960.
She attended Lakeland Junior High and graduated from Kathleen High School in 1965.
Growing up, Ann sung throughout the country, on the radio and on TV alongside her brother and sister! They were accompanied by their music teacher (and arranger), Peggy Clark (Burr).
After high school, Ann began her career with the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant. In 2003, Ann began her Publix career in the Public Corporate Environmental & Sustainability Department, from which she retired in 2017.
Ann married her husband in 1969 and they have 5 grown children!
Ann is a sweet and positive member who sings tenor with the Lakeland Choral Society, is on the Board of Directors and serves as the organization's treasurer.
Secretary:
Angela Guira
Angela Guira teaches Choir and Piano at Bartow High School in Bartow, Florida. Prior to joining the Bartow
High School Music Department, Mrs. Guira served as Director of Choirs, Piano and Guitar at Southwest Middle
School in Lakeland from 2015 until 2018. From 2011-2014, Mrs. Guira taught elementary music at Purcell Elementary in Mulberry, Florida. She also was an itinerant adaptive music teacher in the ESE center schools.
Mrs. Guira earned her Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Florida Southern College and her Masters of
Education Degree from Florida Southern College. She has served as the District Chair of District 12 for the Florida
Vocal Association. She is also a certified adjudicator for the Florida Elementary Music Educators Association and
the Florida Vocal Association. She is a Board Member for the Lakeland Choral Society, as well as an active
Participant. Mrs. Guira has had choirs perform on National Television, at sporting events, for community events,
and most recently at the Candlelight Processional at Disney World.
In Mrs. Guira’s free time, she enjoys baking and spending time with her husband, six-year-old daughter, and puppy. She is an active member in FVA, FMEA, NAfME, FEMEA.
Angela Guira
Angela Guira teaches Choir and Piano at Bartow High School in Bartow, Florida. Prior to joining the Bartow
High School Music Department, Mrs. Guira served as Director of Choirs, Piano and Guitar at Southwest Middle
School in Lakeland from 2015 until 2018. From 2011-2014, Mrs. Guira taught elementary music at Purcell Elementary in Mulberry, Florida. She also was an itinerant adaptive music teacher in the ESE center schools.
Mrs. Guira earned her Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Florida Southern College and her Masters of
Education Degree from Florida Southern College. She has served as the District Chair of District 12 for the Florida
Vocal Association. She is also a certified adjudicator for the Florida Elementary Music Educators Association and
the Florida Vocal Association. She is a Board Member for the Lakeland Choral Society, as well as an active
Participant. Mrs. Guira has had choirs perform on National Television, at sporting events, for community events,
and most recently at the Candlelight Processional at Disney World.
In Mrs. Guira’s free time, she enjoys baking and spending time with her husband, six-year-old daughter, and puppy. She is an active member in FVA, FMEA, NAfME, FEMEA.
Heather Barlow - Publicity Chair
Heather studied at Polk State College under John Anderson and Michelle Manzi. She currently works for State Farm claims.
She has participated in choirs since elementary school, participated in All-County choirs, state choirs and symposium choirs throughout her musical experience. Heather has also been involved in several different community theatre musical productions and was the assistant director for a Musical with Plant City High School a few years ago.
A Christian, she has been leading worship since middle school and is one of the main worship team members at Haven Worship Center in Winter Haven. She has also recorded with Haven Made Music and they released an album in 2023.
Heather studied at Polk State College under John Anderson and Michelle Manzi. She currently works for State Farm claims.
She has participated in choirs since elementary school, participated in All-County choirs, state choirs and symposium choirs throughout her musical experience. Heather has also been involved in several different community theatre musical productions and was the assistant director for a Musical with Plant City High School a few years ago.
A Christian, she has been leading worship since middle school and is one of the main worship team members at Haven Worship Center in Winter Haven. She has also recorded with Haven Made Music and they released an album in 2023.
Mick Burns - Membership Chair
Mick Burns received his B.M.E. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2009. He currently teaches elementary music to 700 students in Polk County, where his school was named a Florida Arts Model School from 2017-2022. He’s taught after school orff, chorus, and folk dancing groups, as well as clinics to fellow music teachers throughout Polk County. On his off time, Mick enjoys cooking, gardening, theatre, video games, and his pet cats. Mick has sung as part of the Lakeland Choral Society since 2017 as a tenor and has been a board member since 2020, serving as vice president for a year.
Mick Burns received his B.M.E. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2009. He currently teaches elementary music to 700 students in Polk County, where his school was named a Florida Arts Model School from 2017-2022. He’s taught after school orff, chorus, and folk dancing groups, as well as clinics to fellow music teachers throughout Polk County. On his off time, Mick enjoys cooking, gardening, theatre, video games, and his pet cats. Mick has sung as part of the Lakeland Choral Society since 2017 as a tenor and has been a board member since 2020, serving as vice president for a year.
Mary Flekke - Librarian and Finance Chair
Mary has been a member of the Lakeland Choral Society since 2000. She sings Soprano. She currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Vice President and Archivist/Music Librarian. Her musical experiences began with organ lessons over 62 years ago!
She graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History and English. She also earned a Masters of Science (M.S.) in Library Science.
Mary has lived in Lakeland for over 41 years and spent 29 dedicated years at Florida Southern College as the Reference Librarian where she assisted thousands of students during her career. Her hobbies includes photography, reading and needlework! She is a member of the Florida Library Association, Florida Archivists and the Ridge Art Association.
Mary has been a member of the Lakeland Choral Society since 2000. She sings Soprano. She currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Vice President and Archivist/Music Librarian. Her musical experiences began with organ lessons over 62 years ago!
She graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History and English. She also earned a Masters of Science (M.S.) in Library Science.
Mary has lived in Lakeland for over 41 years and spent 29 dedicated years at Florida Southern College as the Reference Librarian where she assisted thousands of students during her career. Her hobbies includes photography, reading and needlework! She is a member of the Florida Library Association, Florida Archivists and the Ridge Art Association.
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Cynthia Hall - Engagement Chair
Cynthia, a music lover, has participated in choirs since she was in Elementary school. She was a choir student of John Anderson in High School and her passion for choir in high school was literally the reason why she remained in school. As an adult, she promised herself that one day when her children were grown, she would get back to her passion for choir and music. She joined the Lakeland Choral Society in 2023 and is so excited to have the opportunity to serve as a board member. |
Jordan Mistretta
Jordan graduated in 2023 from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Professional Education. She is currenly employed as a Forensics Report Writer at Grindley Williams Engineering. In her spare time, Jordan volunteers for Cornerstone Hospice & the Winter Haven Youth Soccer Association.
Prior to attending UNF, she was a member of the choir program at Harrison School for the Arts, participated in the Florida Southern Women's Choir, Theatre Winter Haven and took years of private vocal and piano lessons. Jordan has also participated in the National American miss Pageant and won the title of Miss Jacksonville and Miss Florida Talent!
Jordan graduated in 2023 from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Professional Education. She is currenly employed as a Forensics Report Writer at Grindley Williams Engineering. In her spare time, Jordan volunteers for Cornerstone Hospice & the Winter Haven Youth Soccer Association.
Prior to attending UNF, she was a member of the choir program at Harrison School for the Arts, participated in the Florida Southern Women's Choir, Theatre Winter Haven and took years of private vocal and piano lessons. Jordan has also participated in the National American miss Pageant and won the title of Miss Jacksonville and Miss Florida Talent!
James Neal III
James Neal is a long-time member of the Lakeland Choral Society. His amazing deep bass voice contributes wonderfully to the choir's balance. James has been the first to greet new members, welcoming them into the organization and his positivity and insight is highly valued by all!
James is an educator for Polk County Schools and teaches at Gause Academy in Bartow.
James Neal is a long-time member of the Lakeland Choral Society. His amazing deep bass voice contributes wonderfully to the choir's balance. James has been the first to greet new members, welcoming them into the organization and his positivity and insight is highly valued by all!
James is an educator for Polk County Schools and teaches at Gause Academy in Bartow.
Katie Webb
Katie is a creative individual that finds joy in making and sharing art of all kinds. Making spaces for creativity is vital to our humanity and being part of that endeavor is something she is passionate about.
She grew up singing and music was a large part of her life. She was able to experience being a member of the All-county and All-State choirs, Solo & Ensembles and different musical theatre performances. She studied Theater at The Florida State University.
Katie and her husband own their own design business where they specialize in Interior Design and Brand Identity for businesses. She is also a part of a local networking group here in Lakeland where she collaborates and grows with other local small businesses and entrepreneurs.
She joined the Lakeland Choral Society during the Fall 2023 season.
Katie is a creative individual that finds joy in making and sharing art of all kinds. Making spaces for creativity is vital to our humanity and being part of that endeavor is something she is passionate about.
She grew up singing and music was a large part of her life. She was able to experience being a member of the All-county and All-State choirs, Solo & Ensembles and different musical theatre performances. She studied Theater at The Florida State University.
Katie and her husband own their own design business where they specialize in Interior Design and Brand Identity for businesses. She is also a part of a local networking group here in Lakeland where she collaborates and grows with other local small businesses and entrepreneurs.
She joined the Lakeland Choral Society during the Fall 2023 season.
John Wineland - Scholarship Chair
Dr. John Wineland is currently a Professor of History and Archaeology at the University of the Cumberlands. A lover of learning and knowledge, he holds a Ph.D. and Masters (M.A.) in History from Miami University, two additional Master degrees (M.A & M.Div) in Near Eastern Antiquities and Theology from Cincinnati Christian University, in addition to a Bachelor degree in Biology from Valparaiso University.
His archaeology experience includes being an excavator, area supervisor, assistant director and director of various excavations in Jordan, Israel, the United Kingdom, in addition to sites in the United States. He is also a Special Interest and Destination speaker on various cruise lines (RCL, Princess, Celebrity), and most recently Viking Ocean Cruises where he serves as the Viking Resident Historian (VRH).
Musically, John began singing in Elementary school and continued through college, including being a member of the University Choral at Valparaiso, Schola Cantorum and the Cincinnati Christian University Choir.
He is a seasoned singer with the Lakeland Choral Society.
Dr. John Wineland is currently a Professor of History and Archaeology at the University of the Cumberlands. A lover of learning and knowledge, he holds a Ph.D. and Masters (M.A.) in History from Miami University, two additional Master degrees (M.A & M.Div) in Near Eastern Antiquities and Theology from Cincinnati Christian University, in addition to a Bachelor degree in Biology from Valparaiso University.
His archaeology experience includes being an excavator, area supervisor, assistant director and director of various excavations in Jordan, Israel, the United Kingdom, in addition to sites in the United States. He is also a Special Interest and Destination speaker on various cruise lines (RCL, Princess, Celebrity), and most recently Viking Ocean Cruises where he serves as the Viking Resident Historian (VRH).
Musically, John began singing in Elementary school and continued through college, including being a member of the University Choral at Valparaiso, Schola Cantorum and the Cincinnati Christian University Choir.
He is a seasoned singer with the Lakeland Choral Society.
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Tom Wright
Tom was a member of the Harrison School for the Arts choir program and attended both Polk State College for music and Hillsborough Community College for IT administration. He currently works from home for Home Depot and their customer service department. Tom's other musical experiences include playing for various church's worship team. |
Sacha Thomas - 2025 Board of Directors - Elect
Sacha has sung with the Lakeland Choral Society since 2021. She currently works full time as a floral designer and part-time as a sewist. She is a mom to three kids and music plays a big role in her family. Her oldest is a vocal performance major at Georgia Southern University. Her middle child is a flautist at Harrison School of the Arts and her youngest child is a choir student at Lake Alfred Polytech Academy. Sacha enjoys playing instruments and singing whenever she is able to. She is also a volunteer with Polk County Public Schools, serves on the PTA for both Harrison and LAP and is a co-leader and volunteer for the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. She thoroughly enjoys all aspects of music and looks forward to serving on the Board of Directors!
Sacha has sung with the Lakeland Choral Society since 2021. She currently works full time as a floral designer and part-time as a sewist. She is a mom to three kids and music plays a big role in her family. Her oldest is a vocal performance major at Georgia Southern University. Her middle child is a flautist at Harrison School of the Arts and her youngest child is a choir student at Lake Alfred Polytech Academy. Sacha enjoys playing instruments and singing whenever she is able to. She is also a volunteer with Polk County Public Schools, serves on the PTA for both Harrison and LAP and is a co-leader and volunteer for the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. She thoroughly enjoys all aspects of music and looks forward to serving on the Board of Directors!
Amy Somers - 2025 Board of Directors - Elect
Amy has been a Lakeland resident since 2021 and has sung in the Choral Society since Spring 2024. She grew up in Wisconsin in a musically inclined family and is the youngest of 5 siblings. Her mom was a member of an all women's singing group that traveled around the state doing concerts and ministry. As the youngest, she was her mom's shadow and attended most of her mom's rehearsals. Amy was in band and choir all through school and into college. She works in the field of account and data management for a medical diagnosis company and loves what she does! In her spare time, she also enjoys gardening, reading, baking and spending quality time with her husband and golden retriever!
Amy has been a Lakeland resident since 2021 and has sung in the Choral Society since Spring 2024. She grew up in Wisconsin in a musically inclined family and is the youngest of 5 siblings. Her mom was a member of an all women's singing group that traveled around the state doing concerts and ministry. As the youngest, she was her mom's shadow and attended most of her mom's rehearsals. Amy was in band and choir all through school and into college. She works in the field of account and data management for a medical diagnosis company and loves what she does! In her spare time, she also enjoys gardening, reading, baking and spending quality time with her husband and golden retriever!
Joy Wright - 2025 Board of Directors - Elect
Joy has worked at Summit for 35 years and is currently in the field of business systems projects. She has been volunteering with the General Federation of Women's Clubs for 28 years (United Women's Club). Joy has been married for 41 years with 3 "adorable and grown up" children - including Tom, another member of the Lakeland Choral Society! Joy loves to read and is a part of a couple of different book clubs. She has sung with the Lakeland Choral Society since 2023. She loves the music, the challenge and the feeling of belonging that the Choral Society provides!
Joy has worked at Summit for 35 years and is currently in the field of business systems projects. She has been volunteering with the General Federation of Women's Clubs for 28 years (United Women's Club). Joy has been married for 41 years with 3 "adorable and grown up" children - including Tom, another member of the Lakeland Choral Society! Joy loves to read and is a part of a couple of different book clubs. She has sung with the Lakeland Choral Society since 2023. She loves the music, the challenge and the feeling of belonging that the Choral Society provides!
Immediate Past-President
Nick Geraci
Nick Geraci is a retired educator who spent 34 years as a teacher, school counselor and school district administrator. He is a devoted husband and father to a family filled with educators (his wife, daughter and son-in-law are all educators)! Nick earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Education from State University of New York. Nick then went on to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Education in Special Education from Adelphi University, a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Counseling Psychology, a Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree in School District Administration and a Professional Degree (P.D.) in School District Administration all from Long Island University.
A passionate musician, Nick began singing as a child. He was a member of his high school choice, St. John the Baptist High School, and sang in his All-County and All-State Choirs. While in Geneseo, he was a member of the Geneseo Chamber Singers and recorded with the Rochester Philharmonic. He was a member of his church choirs, St. Anne’s and St. John’s prior to moving to Lakeland. As a resident of Lakeland, he joined the Lakeland Choral Society over five years ago.
Outside of the time he dedicates to the Lakeland Choral Society, he loves to write – in fact he has written 2 fictional books under the name “A.C. Nicholas”. Additionally, Nick loves to garden and cook – his eggplant lasagna is a work of art and enjoyed by all who have had it!
Nick Geraci
Nick Geraci is a retired educator who spent 34 years as a teacher, school counselor and school district administrator. He is a devoted husband and father to a family filled with educators (his wife, daughter and son-in-law are all educators)! Nick earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Education from State University of New York. Nick then went on to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Education in Special Education from Adelphi University, a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Counseling Psychology, a Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree in School District Administration and a Professional Degree (P.D.) in School District Administration all from Long Island University.
A passionate musician, Nick began singing as a child. He was a member of his high school choice, St. John the Baptist High School, and sang in his All-County and All-State Choirs. While in Geneseo, he was a member of the Geneseo Chamber Singers and recorded with the Rochester Philharmonic. He was a member of his church choirs, St. Anne’s and St. John’s prior to moving to Lakeland. As a resident of Lakeland, he joined the Lakeland Choral Society over five years ago.
Outside of the time he dedicates to the Lakeland Choral Society, he loves to write – in fact he has written 2 fictional books under the name “A.C. Nicholas”. Additionally, Nick loves to garden and cook – his eggplant lasagna is a work of art and enjoyed by all who have had it!