Kelly Gebhardt

Kelly Gebhardt is an accomplished music educator, theatre director, and classically trained vocalist with a career spanning nearly three decades in performance, higher education, and K–12 education. She currently serves as Lecturer in Music and Coordinator of Cue & Curtain Theatre at Immaculata University, where she teaches courses in applied voice, vocal pedagogy, lyric diction, and music for exceptional learners. She also serves as Director of Performance Arts at Stratford Friends School, a Quaker institution dedicated to supporting neurodiverse students through a strengths-based educational approach.

With a strong foundation as a professional musician, Kelly has performed as a classically trained singer and brings extensive performance experience to her teaching and leadership roles. Before transitioning primarily into education, she performed with organizations including the San Diego Opera and later focused her career on developing inclusive music and theatre programs. At Stratford Friends School, she has spent more than a decade creating opportunities for students with learning differences and disabilities to explore music, theatre, and creative expression. Her work emphasizes confidence, self-advocacy, and the belief that every student has unique talents to share.

Kelly holds a Doctorate in Music with a focus on Voice Performance from Stony Brook University and a Master’s degree in Music from Temple University. She attributes her success to hard work, perseverance, collaboration, and the support of talented individuals who have shaped her journey. Passionate about service and mentorship, Kelly continues to inspire students and colleagues through her dedication to the arts, inclusive education, and the belief that meaningful connections and consistent effort can create lasting impact.