Board of Directors

S. Elizabeth Hickey (Executive Director)

Elizabeth, an ethnographic researcher, is a retired Special Education teacher and former Teacher of the Deaf in the Ontario Provincial Schools Branch and in the Catholic District School Board for a combined over 30 years. She brings a lifetime of advocacy on behalf of children and families for whom she has served and is the key advocate for her own son who has autism. Elizabeth is a published ethnographic researcher having collaborated with Dr. Anita Small and published teacher research supported by the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training. Her musical experience is with piano, choir, and voice in her early years. She supports her son’s music journey in every way possible and takes her role seriously as advocate and educator in community engaged empowering musical experiences and documenting their impact.

Andrew Mahorn (Finance Director)

Andrew brings a wealth of experience to Wholly aMUSed. In addition to his Project Management (PMP) and accounting expertise, he recognizes and contributes thoughtfully towards building positive relationships with his teammates to draw out their best. His attention to and support of space for collective contributions is always appreciated. Andrew demonstrates a sincere commitment to community, and program development as he supports Wholly aMUSed to be its best. Andrew loves music and is also a member of the worship team at his church in Kitchener where he is a drummer.

James Truman (Legal Director)

James is a retired lawyer with the Office of the Attorney General, where he practiced for 20 years in the area of Victim Services. He brings extensive expertise as well as understanding and compassion for marginalized populations. He recognizes, acutely, the importance and significance of giving back to community. To that end, he manages to slip in time on stage with a Pink Floyd tribute band and says from experience that “Playing music feeds connection.”

Photo of Jim Duffield with saxophone

Jim Duffield  (Founder and CEO)

Jim is the former owner of Royal City Studios (RCS), and brings dynamic leadership as well as a lifetime thread of music expertise spanning 40+ years. As a professional saxophone player, his passion for music and commitment to community were the catalyst that moved he and his band, Eclectic Vinyl Orchestra, out of a basement space into a new practice space at Royal City Studios. Jim has also succeeded in the business world as a consultant and employee in IT and Business leadership roles for the past 2 decades.

Photo ©Tim Trevena