Board of Directors
Tony Barnes Founder and President
Tony Barnes founded Peace Thru Music in 2002 in response to the endless budget cuts that have left so many schools, especially those in low-income areas, with no funding or resources for music programs. At a young age, Barnes discovered music and found it to be a natural form of self-expression and a vital emotional and creative outlet. Recognizing the positive affect music had on his life, and how one special teacher changed the direction of his life, through music, Barnes became an elementary school teacher himself and incorporated music into his daily lesson plan. He witnessed firsthand the impact music had on his students both in academics, and in building self-esteem.
Barnes earned his BA in sociology from California State University, Northridge and has an extensive background in the field of human services. Prior to starting Peace thru Music, Barnes worked and volunteered for nonprofit organizations and senior care homes using music as a creative outlet. He is a songwriter and musician and enjoys performing both in and out of schools. He plays several instruments including trumpet, French horn, cello, guitar, piano, bass and drums. He resides in Ventura and is the father of two very talented sons.
It is his continued dedication and commitment to help children develop through the infinite realm of music that remains the driving force behind Peace Thru Music.
John Dwyer Vice President
John Dwyer joined the board of Peace Thru Music in June of 2007, after the sale of his successful Internet business 20/20 Software, Inc., an international leader in enterprise software marketing. Since the sale of the company, Dwyer has funded various enterprises in technology, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and music. He brings a business perspective and vision to Peace Thru Music and is excited to help children develop their minds and character through music education. Dwyer holds a BA in Computer Science from UC Santa Cruz.
Heather Mackinga Executive Director
Heather Mackinga joined the board of Peace Thru Music in June of 2007, after meeting Peace Thru Music founder Tony Barnes and becoming immersed in his passion to help children through music. A native of Great Britain, Mackinga recently ended her 12-year tenure at Amgen, the world’s leading Biotechnology company to devote her administrative expertise and background in event management fulltime to Peace Thru Music. A current resident of Ventura County, Mackinga has two young boys and has observed firsthand the impact that music can have on young lives.
Jim Rice Director
Natalie Joy Siman Director
Natalie Joy Siman is a successful business owner of two boutiques and art galleries in historic downtown Ventura, Calif., where she has long been involved in her local community. A strong supporter of Tony Barnes and Peace Thru Music’s mission, she joined the organization’s board in June 2007. Siman has several years of experience in public relations and the non-profit sector, where she worked for an organization that taught awareness in public safety, through local schools, the dangers of fireworks. In addition she helped raise money to start summer camps for children who were disfigured from fireworks and other burn-related injuries. Siman, who is married with three children, writes music and poetry, loves people and brings a genuine, energetic and creative perspective to Peace Thru Music.