Myles Dudley

Vice-President, Creative LEAPS, Inc.

Trumpeter, Multi-Instrumentalist, Program Facilitator

Myles has been involved in improvisational and classical performance  on trumpet and other brass and woodwind instruments since 2000. He is well-versed in all areas of music including theory, history, arrangement, instruction, and composition. He completed his Associate’s degree in Music at St. Petersburg College and is currently enrolledat the University of South Florida’s Jazz Studies program. Myles has also attended the College of Central Florida’s music program.

Myles continues to pursue his passion for music with local bands and ensembles, and has dedicated his time to understanding first-hand the Music Therapy process by participating and aiding in the Music Therapy programs provided at creative LEAPS, Inc. Myles unabashedly shares his passion and knowledge of music with individuals of all walks of life and all abilities. He continues to write and arrange music, and has experience teaching the creative process of music to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Myles joined the CreativeLEAPS, Inc. team to assist in the creative building process, and to help people find focus through music, art, and dance. He is a strong believer in connecting the mind and the body with the use of musical instruments.

His deep passion for music has resonated with him since childhood. Sounds and rhythms are everywhere, and musical composition can be brought to life no matter the location.

Personally, music has given Myles focus, with the purpose to educate and show others how to develop their creative process and bring what they hear to reality. Music is a constant stable source of growth, to share, to educate, and to bring people together.

Chris Romeo, M.M.

Officer, Creative Leaps, Inc.

Program Facilitator

Chris completed his Music Therapy education at St. Mary of the Woods College, in Indiana. He began his undergraduate Pre-Med studies at the University of South Florida but quickly came to the conclusion he could not give up his passion for music so, instead, he completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Vocal Performance at USF’s School of Music, focusing on Opera and Classical Cross-over.

He has had the opportunity to perform internationally and continues to perform regularly for the St. Petersburg Opera Company and St. Mary Lady of Grace Church. He also performs in other ensembles and bands, and as a solo performer.

Chris has been working with various clinical populations including individuals with Parkinson’s disease, children with exceptional needs, and adults with mental health diagnoses. He is proficient in various musical instruments including the piano, guitar, ukulele, hand percussion, trumpet, and world instruments.

Monica Velandia, A.A. 

Visual Artist, Program Facilitator

Monica studied Visual Arts  at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Monica enjoys working as an exceptional program facilitator at Creative LEAPS, Inc.. She has an Associates degree in Art from Hillsborough Community College.

She has volunteered in many organizations in the Tampa Bay community, including Metropolitan Ministries, TherAbilities Performing Arts Center, Autism Walk, PFLAG Tampa, and Tabernaculo de Dios Church. She has worked as a counselor at Sulphur Springs YMCA’s after school program and as Coordinator of a Specialty Class for the YMCA Summer Program at Springhill Community Center. After spending many years in Corporate America, Monica re-evaluated her life and realized that her passion has always been painting and working with children and the elderly.

Monica would like to continue having a positive effect on the lives of children and adults within the Autism Spectrum as well as individuals diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress. She loves seeing the smiles on children’s faces and the parents’ proud reaction upon seeing the joy making art brings to their day.

Alex Montalvo

Officer, Creative LEAPS

Percussionist and Marketing Director

Alex works behind the scenes on everything social media and search engine related. He assists in making sure our website is performing to its highest potential and ensures our social media content hits home with our target audience.

Alex joined creative leaps to support its mission in providing growth and development in individuals by giving them the opportunity to participate in the arts.

Alex has been a professional drummer all his life and has a personal connection to music and the arts. He plays a crucial role in making creative LEAPS, Inc. programs possible through his work and by sharing his expertise as an altruistic effort to help our community.Program Facilitator