Meet Our Team
Elizabeth Grimshaw
Founder and Executive Director
Liz earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Utah, where she studied violin with Ralph Matson, the concertmaster of the Utah Symphony. As a student, Liz won numerous awards, including a full tuition scholarship and a concerto performance with the University's top orchestra. After earning a law degree and practicing as an attorney for several years, Liz began teaching violin lessons again and rediscovered her love of music and working with young people. Liz founded Crescendo Phoenixville because every child who wants to learn an instrument should be able to do so. She's excited to help make that happen in Phoenixville! Liz designs the music curriculum, supervises classroom music teachers and student mentors, and teaches in the afterschool and summer programs. Liz was selected as one of 62 teaching artists from across the country to participate the Teaching Artist Training Institute's program in 2022. She most recently completed the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute's training at Bryn Mawr in 2024.
Kellina Holt
President & Director
Kellina Holt is a seasoned office administrator and marketing professional who has helped several companies promote unique brands and exceed their sales goals & online visibility. She is currently the Brokerage Administrator of Iron Valley Real Estate Exton, where she assists more than 15 agents, manages profit and loss and compliance, and coordinates marketing and recruiting events. As a former marketing coordinator/event planner for two local Phoenixville businesses, she spent a great deal of time in the heart of the community and established a reputation as a dedicated professional who is always willing to lend a hand.
Kellina holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish from West Chester University. As a vocalist, Kellina has been performing on stage in various theatre & music groups for over 30 years. She performs currently with Tuk & the Big Brass Ones, a versatile brass ensemble out of Kennett Square, and The Holts, a local band she fronts alongside her husband, Chris. With The Holts, she continues to hone her skills performing for countless community events, including the Dogwood Festival, Mayor Peter Urscheler's birthday celebration and WMMR’s Preston & Steve’s Campout for Hunger Kickoff. In their spare time, Chris & Kellina also volunteer performances for many local senior living communities, VA hospitals & other non-profit organizations, including Crescendo Phoenixville!
This is her first foray into a non-profit board, but her professional duties performed in various organizations will lend well to furthering Crescendo's mission. Kellina believes school music & theatre programs had a significant influence on her, and that every young person should have the opportunity to explore music at whatever level they can.
Stephanie Mullen
Board Member &
Treasurer
Stephanie is an active member of the community and proud parent of one of Crescendo's inaugural students. Stephanie has extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations and brings to Crescendo Phoenixville her know-how in coordinating volunteers and donors to meet our goals and amplify community spirit. Stephanie serves as Treasurer of Crescendo Phoenixville.
Matt Cummins
Board Member
Matt Cummins is a teacher in the Phoenixville Area School District and a local musician. Matt has been involved with Crescendo since 2019 and has performed for and with the Crescendo kids on multiple occasions, including most recently singing Viva La Vida with the Crescendo kids.
Gus Spector
Board Member
Gus graduated from Temple University and Temple Medical School. He received all of his surgical and urological training at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. He was in practice in Phoenixville as head of the department of urology for 35 years and has been retired for 8 years.
Gus has been playing violin for 70 years. He studied at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia and played in the first violin section of the Pottstown Symphony for 10 years. He soloed with them on two occasions. He continues to take violin lessons and play in string quartets.
Gus volunteers in Crescendo's classes as a violin coach and a beloved mentor.
Lucy Marroquin
Board Member
Candace Ferrandino
Board Member