Staff

Christopher Thornton

Co-Executive Director

Christopher graduated from West Chester University with a dual degree in Philosophy and Anthropology and has been teaching youth for over five years. Having worked with various nonprofits throughout Philadelphia, and a 9 year director with Beyond the Bars Chris is well versed in how to provide effective pedagogy in musical instruction as well as how to form useful and positive connections throughout the community to help guide their students throughout the city.

Matthew Kerr

Co-Executive Director

Matthew worked as a teacher throughout Philadelphia schools as both a history and a music teacher when he was asked by a student to come teach music at PICC. What started as a small once a week lesson has grown into a full program. Before and during his work with Beyond the Bars he performed in a variety of touring musical acts, worked at numerous nonprofits, taught at high schools and middle schools across Philadelphia and graduated from Temple University Summa Cum Laude with a degree in education.

Becca Graham

Program Director

Becca Graham (she/they) is a long-time member of the Philadelphia arts community. A graduate of Ithaca College’s James J. Whalen School of Music, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2010. Since living in Philadelphia, Becca has worked as a teaching artist and board member with Musicopia, faculty member and Site Director with Tune-Up Philly, and Program Lead with ArtistYear AmeriCorps. Becca continues to lead two music programs of their own design, Complaint Choir, and Love Notes Project, in addition to a solo music project where she performs under the stage name, Honeychile. As the Beyond the Bars Program Director, Becca brings their various skills to support the community to further cultivate artistry and connection.

Matthew Jernigan

Program Manager

A Graduate from Temple University’s jazz studies program Matthew is a skilled musician who organizes and leads Beyond the Bars External Program. Overseeing the creation of the curriculum and organization of the students and teachers, Matt works to provide a safe space where students in Beyond the Bars’ programming receive a holistic education. When he is not teaching, Matt is in high demand as a professional musician performing throughout the city.

Jade Walker

Student Coordinator

Jade is an incredibly talented producer from Denver, Colorado who has been a strong part of Philadelphia’s music community since they arrived. Being a “hardcore” DIY kid, they share the knowledge of creative freedom to the youth and that there are no limits to making music. Students consistently sing the praises of how much Jade helps them feel supported in making music and cared for in the creative process. They have further excelled in the role of Student Coordinator where they work to connect youth to programs throughout our Ecosystem and ensure that youth constant have access to supportive music communities.

Norman Green

Operations Manager/Lead Facilitator

Norman Green is a dedicated Operations Manager and Facilitator at Beyond the Bars, where he has played a pivotal role since October 2022. With a deep commitment to student success, Norman leverages his extensive experience in the music industry to create impactful, student-centered programming. His work with Beyond the Bars is characterized by his ability to connect with students, fostering an environment where they can heal, grow, and express themselves through music.

Beyond his contributions to Beyond the Bars, Norman is an accomplished producer, DJ, and songwriter, with over 20 years of experience. He has been the Chief Operations Officer of Funktar Records since 2017 and has worked as a mastering and recording engineer for even longer. As a member of the Recording Academy, Norman’s expertise and passion for music shine through in every aspect of his work, making him an invaluable asset to both his students and the organization.

Kayin Albright

Lead Facilitator

A trained audio engineer, Kayin Albright has recorded dozens of Philadelphia based acts over his years in the city. He has also taught with Beyond The Bars for over two years and helped to start the Practical Producers Program that takes place in both our internal and external programs. Whether it’s teaching Songwriting or showing students how to record in a studio, Kayin is always looking for new ways to make sure the students have their talents heard.

A’Jon jones (they/them)

Resource Connector / Lead Facilitator

A’Jon Jones (they/them) is a Philly-based music facilitator, multidisciplinary artist, and founder of WAU (We Ain’t Underground)—a movement centering the visibility, safety, and liberation of marginalized artists of color. With roots in vocal performance and production, A’Jon began their musical path at Duke Ellington School of the Arts and has since developed a signature sound that blends R&B, hip hop, acoustic, and neo-soul into lush, emotional landscapes. As a music facilitator and resource connector with Beyond the Bars, they guide young people through songwriting, performance, and leadership, while connecting them to opportunities that affirm their creativity and lived experiences. Through both WAU and their own work, A’Jon is committed to building spaces where Black and queer artists are heard, held, and honored.

Jack Impink

Resource and Operations Coordinator

A well accomplished professional audio engineer, Jack Impink became involved with Beyond The Bars when he first donated a piece of recording equipment. As he learned about the program, he began to volunteer as a teacher and took on more and more responsibilities and initiatives as time went by. Eventually he played a pivotal role in building our 45 lab ecosystem with his dedication to digital equity and youth leadership. His dedication is constantly apparent in his work and he currently serves as the Resource and Operations Coordinator where he helps to coordinate programs throughout Beyond the Bars’ Ecosystem. ¹

Amira Aro

Program Support and Administrative Coordinator

Amira joined the Beyond the Bars team in 2023, but has been a lifelong musician. Born in Kentucky, she’s been playing piano and singing for over 20 years. She taught privately before joining our team, with a focus on teaching music with a decolonized framework and disability centered praxis. Since moving to Philadelphia, she began songwriting and producing music in her free time. Eventually, her new musical explorations led her to start her academic journey at the Community College of Philadelphia to obtain degrees in Sound Recording & Music Tech, and Music Performance (Vocal).