Meet the Drums in Recovery Team

President Marla Singleton is originally from Springfield, Massachusetts. She honorably served in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Environmental Systems Mechanic. In California, she pursued a career in the corporate world as a Senior Marketing Coordinator. In Maryland, she established several Music Together centers. In Florida, she continued establishing and directing Music Together centers for over 20 years. She became a HealthRhythms Facilitator and worked in memory care units and assisted living communities. She also works as a Behavioral Health Technician at Aspire Health Partners. In July, 2016, under the guidance of former Board Member, Carol Gann, Marla established the non- profit organization, Drums in Recovery, Inc. She is our Senior Drumbeat Facilitator. She has brought the Drumbeat program to women’s transitional sober living houses, women’s residential treatment centers, re-entry and substance abuse programs for correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, homeless children’s programs, victims of domestic violence programs, schools, churches, and she has established a drum team of recovering addicts and alcoholics that meet regularly and perform twice a year. Marla is a member of Journey Church, Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Director, Sonya Stewart, is a resident of Orlando, Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Fayetteville State University. Sonya currently enjoys working in one of downtown Orlando’s favorite family-owned restaurants and works part-time for a seniors' assisted living facility. Sonya has taken the Drumbeat course several times and believes the program helps her with communication as well as identifying her sense of self in a group setting. She enjoys what this program has to offer through fellowship, teamwork, as well as musical harmony in a performance setting. As a member of the Board of Directors, she looks for innovative ways for Drums in Recovery to grow and expand in the community.

Director Christina Efland graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2013 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She currently works in behavioral/psychiatric nursing and is most excited about helping others achieve the best version of themselves. Christina also worked in rehabilitative nursing for approximately 5 years. In this role, Christina assisted people who had lost limbs, had organ transplants, or had traumatic brain injuries. She is a compassionate and gentle nurse as she assists people through some of the worst times of their lives. Christina has been a member of Drums in Recovery for 2 years and recently joined the Board of Directors. She is passionate about the mission to “foster interpersonal skills and healthy lifestyles for people to regain self-esteem, social acceptance and healing from personal struggles.” Christina also serves the community in her personal life, often volunteering her time to the needs of others. It is her greatest desire to see people who are hurting find relief and solace physically, emotionally, spiritually and interpersonally as humans are multifaceted and need a well-rounded approach to healing.

Director Vivianne Nieves holds a Master’s degree in Teaching from Rollins College and currently serves as a Spanish teacher for Seminole County Public Schools. She is a Certified DRUMBEAT program facilitator with a strong commitment to education and service. In 2020, she received the Gilman Scholar Award and participated in a Global Leadership Immersion program in Uganda and Rwanda. In 2022, she served as a Global Volunteer at the Rosebud Lakota Reservation in South Dakota. Vivianne has also worked with Latinos in Action, helping to organize and attend LIA sponsored activities throughout the state of Florida.

Dr. Marién Peña holds a Ph.D. in Ecopsychology and Eco-Art Therapy and is currently completing her internship for a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Central Florida (UCF). She also holds a Master’s degree in Montessori Education and has served as Secretary for the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. Marién is a Registered Expressive Arts Consultant Educator and a Certified DRUMBEAT Facilitator. She is the founder of HEART Centered, where she offers expressive arts and eco-art therapy experiences for children, educators, and communities. In addition, she serves as a Montessori Instructor for a national Montessori training program, weaving together her expertise in education, expressive arts, ecopsychology, and therapeutic arts to support holistic development, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Lena possesses extensive expertise in leadership, team coordination, and human resources. With more than ten years of experience in office management, staff development, and client relations, she exemplifies professionalism. Additionally, she is a certified facilitator with Drums in Recovery. She has volunteered as a fundraising planner for nonprofit organizations, assisted in organizing food drives, contributed as a school volunteer, and even served as an umpire for youth sports. Her strong work ethic, commitment to community service, and welcoming demeanor make her a valuable asset to the DIR team.

DRUMBEAT Facilitator Kyle Broome is a certified DRUMBEAT facilitator and Yoga Nidra facilitator, classically trained upright bassist, and a versatile composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. With a deep passion for both music and healing, Kyle integrates their creative gifts with a commitment to spiritual growth and personal recovery. Kyle is devoted to sharing tools that support emotional resilience, self-discovery, and healing. Kyle brings lived experience, compassion, and authenticity to their work. Their recovery journey deeply informs their approach, allowing them to connect with others through music, mindfulness, and community.

Vice-President Anna Jones grew up with a passion for service and a desire to help people. She has spent part of her career in healthcare in the areas of cancer care and pharmacy, and part as a Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machinist. She took her first Drumbeat class in 2015 and loved the class’s unique approach to group therapy. She continued doing volunteer work for Drums in Recovery fundraisers and then joined the board in 2019 where she served as secretary until 2021. In 2022, she became Vice-President of the Board of Directors and in 2023, Anna became our administrative assistant and co-facilitator at one of our elementary school partners. She loves every day she goes to work for Drums in Recovery, knowing her work is making a difference in people’s lives.

Director Debra Dauven is a local businesswoman who has owned her own company for over ten years. She has found the time to commit to numerous community service projects including the organization of fundraisers for various non-profit organizations that specialize in recovery. She also operates a national networking site that unites teenage runaways with their families in cooperation with law enforcement. Additionally, she is a local radio personality involved with the production and promotion of musical and theatrical productions. Debra strongly believes in the power of music as a healing force, and its ability to contribute to a person’s physical, mental and spiritual health. In 2023, Debra earned her certification as a Drumbeat Facilitator and is sharing the program with students at an alternative high school and with a local recovery group.

Director Julius Higger is an Orlando businessman who excels in an environment that is both challenging and collaborative. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and has since gained extensive experience as a Business Development Manager and an Agency/Corporate Recruiter. Julius has been a valued supporter of Drums in Recovery from the very beginning. He attends events, volunteers, and is a trusted friend and business advisor. His technology, networking, and interpersonal skills make him an asset to the Board of Directors.

Billy Singleton is a dedicated business owner and Licensed Commercial Pool Contractor with over 40 years of experience in the swimming pool industry. As the owner and operator of Certified Pool Pros in Orlando, FL since 2013, he has built a reputation for excellence in custom pool construction, remodeling, maintenance, and repairs. Beyond his professional work, he is deeply committed to community service. He proudly serves as an honorary board member in Drums in Recovery.

Rebekah Stevenson is a high school teacher with a Master’s degree in Education from Rollins College and over two years of experience facilitating the DRUMBEAT program. She is passionate about creating safe, engaging spaces where young people can express themselves, build meaningful connections, and grow in confidence. Through rhythm, conversation, and intentional reflection, Rebekah supports youth in discovering their voice, developing resilience, and thriving both in and out of the classroom.

Deidre is a dedicated music educator with extensive expertise in both music and human resource management. She possesses a BSc in Human Resource Management and an Associate in Arts in Music Education. Certified in DRUMBEAT, she serves as a music teacher for Orange County Public Schools. Deidre provided music lessons in the Djembe Drum Group for students with Autism, using tailored strategies to accommodate different sensory needs and learning styles. Her experience includes leading performing arts clubs, coordinating school-wide music events, and teaching both congo drumming and Broadway-style musical performances.

Treasurer Carrie Bailey is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a BS in Accounting and an MS in Taxation. She is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Florida. She is a current member of both the Florida and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Beta Gamma Sigma. After fifteen years working for public accounting firms, Carrie opened her own practice in 2017. Her strong analytical and critical thinking skills ensure efficiency and compliance with accounting, tax and non‐profit regulations. Carrie is constantly updating her knowledge in the accounting industry, which translates into being able to provide the most current solution to any challenge. Her organizational and time management abilities are constantly put to the test by her eight‐year‐old little one. Her favorite activities are to sing, laugh, dance and play with her daughter. She is the past President of the Central FL Chapter of ISCEBS, has volunteered for DECA, and participated in numerous Pension Study Groups. Carrie currently volunteers at her daughter’s school in the food pantry. When Carrie began taking her baby daughter to music classes instructed by Ms. Marla, she had no idea where the connection and friendship with this teacher would lead. And now, as Treasurer of the Board of Directors, she is proud to help Drums in Recovery strive towards success in its mission.

Director Christina Kuchman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been in the field of Social Work for 20 years. She has been afforded the opportunity to work in various settings with a diverse population of all ages. Some of the settings she has worked in include Aspire Health Partners as an Outpatient Therapist in Children's Unit, Coalition for the Homeless as a Therapist/Child Advocate under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Program, Compass Counseling Services, LLC as Therapist/Clinical Director, Meridian Associates, LLC as Clinical Director and Accelerated Learning Solutions as a Family Support Specialist working with At-Risk Youth ages 16-21 years. Christina currently works in her own private practice Healing Pathways Counseling Services, LLC, and she is an Instructor with UCF School of Social Work. She became involved with Drums in Recovery and Drumbeat in Spring of 2022 after meeting Marla Stevenson and Debra Dauven at a Community Event for the opening of a local Recovery High School in Central Florida. The Drums in Recovery Program caught her eye right away and sounded truly inspiring. She was invited to attend the Drums in Recovery Group where she learned to play the djembe drum while growing in skills that strengthened her personally and professionally. She was then invited to join the Board in the Fall of 2022. She is truly honored to be a part of this amazing Team.

Director, Gina "Gigi" Bucci-Sheng, is a local Hair Artist, Musician, and Businesswomen, and has lived in the Orlando area since 2021. Gina is originally from Nyack, New York then transplanted to SW Florida in 2004. She studied Musical Theatre at Florida School of the Arts Conservatory and Florida Gulf Coast University. She was a part of the Naples players Theatre troupe at Sugden Community Theatre in Naples, Florida for many years. Experiencing love and connection to people through music has always been the center of her life. She also was active musician on the worship team at Elim Church with the Christian Missionary Alliance in her hometown of Nyack, New York. Gina has been a member of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous for years. While in recovery, Gina was also an active Chair Member of the Orlando Chapter of The Oxford House. She worked Directly with Oxford House Outreach workers and local Rehabs and Jails to help place men and women in beds within the Chapter. Gina has been a house President at Oxford House Hummingbird and volunteered at many fellowship events within the Oxford house Community. She has a deep love of service within the Recovery community. Gina believes that “Art and Music are the common thread that connects people from all walks of life.” She joined the Drums in Recovery Drum Team in 2021 and is so happy to give back the love that she was given in her first drum class. “Love, connection, and relationship building are some of the most important things for people in recovery. It is, without a doubt, the basis of what we learn in drum class. Drums in Recovery has changed my life exponentially.”

David Maldonado is a music teacher, drummer, and composer originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. He began playing music at the age of 16 and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Music from the Inter-American University Metropolitan Campus in San Juan, PR, and a Master’s in Performing Arts and Management/Music Business from Florida International University in Miami, FL. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and performing, David has had the opportunity to collaborate with both local and international artists. He is currently serving as an elementary music teacher in Orlando, FL. and is a DRUMBEAT Certified facilitator.

Monique Myers holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Minor in Music from San Francisco State University and an Associate of Arts in University Studies with an emphasis in Music from Grossmont College. She is also a Certified DRUMBEAT Facilitator. Monique is known for her strong interpersonal skills, leadership, and commitment to building inclusive and supportive environments. She is passionate about youth development, community engagement, and creating meaningful connections through rhythm, dialogue, and service. She currently serves as the Community Outreach Manager at St. John Episcopal/Jesus de Nazaret, where she leads initiatives that connect families, schools, and community organizations to foster stronger, healthier communities.

DRUMBEAT Facilitator Autumn Lloyd is a compassionate and dedicated mental health professional with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Memphis. Currently serving as a Registered Behavior Technician at Little Tesla Pediatrics and an intern at Drums in Recovery. Autumn brings hands-on experience in behavior analysis, juvenile justice, and patient-centered care. Certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid and trained in EPIC and EHR systems. Autumn is a certified DRUMBEAT facilitator committed to supporting individuals with developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges through culturally competent and trauma-informed care.