Our mission is to empower every student to find joy in music.  We strive to cultivate not only technical proficiency and musical literacy but also confidence, discipline, and a deep, lifelong appreciation for music, ensuring the learning experience is nurturing, rewarding, and creatively fulfilling.

Leigh Anne Bleichner

Leigh Anne Bleichner is a classically trained pianist and vocalist who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Berry College.  She has a wide range of performance experiences across the United States and England, including appearances with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus.  With over 20 years of teaching experience, she can adapt to any musical style and welcomes students ranging in age from 6 to 96.  Her lessons heavily emphasize the importance of music theory and music history alongside performance skills.

Leigh Anne Bleichner is an active board member of the Cobb County Music Teachers Association, Georgia Music Teachers Association, and National Association of Teachers of Music.

Joey Jacques

Joey Jacques believes music has the power to enrich every life it touches. With a background in both Piano (Kennesaw State) and Business (CU Boulder), she has dedicated her career to sharing that gift through teaching and performance.

Her mission is to ensure my students—no matter their age—feel empowered to learn, grow, and find joy in making music. Whether she’s playing an organ solo for a local congregation, accompanying a professional vocalist, or working with preschoolers at Orphan Pianos Academy, her goal is the same: to create a connection.

When Joey is not practicing or teaching, you can usually find her outdoors—hiking, exploring local farmer’s markets, or recharging by the water.

Joey Jacques is president of the Cobb County Music Teachers Association.

Gilliane Conklin

Gilliane Conklin is a lyrical soprano well-versed in classical art song, opera, musical theatre, choir singing, and even pop/contemporary. She graduated from Reinhardt University with a bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in voice.

Gilliane first developed a love for music at the age of 9, when she was introduced to playing the piano. Two years later, she began taking voice lessons at age 11. Ever since, Gilliane has had a passion for voice and can never stop singing. Throughout middle school and high school, she participated in many plays and musicals. Going into college, Gilliane had developed a love for classical singing and believed it was the foundation of the voice.

Whenever Gilliane isn’t performing, she loves going for walks, reading, and listening to lots and lots of music.

Sandra Trenary Hipps

Sandra Trenary Hipps joins the Board of Orphan Pianos with over five decades of dedication to education and the arts. A graduate of California State College, Sandra earned her degree in Elementary Education with a specialized focus in Music. Her professional teaching career spans multiple states, including impactful years in the classroom across Memphis, Tennessee; Sacramento, California; and Georgia.

Beyond her work in the classroom, Sandra brings valuable leadership experience from her time in management with American Greetings. Currently, she remains an active pillar of her community in Peachtree City, dedicating her time to local non-profit work. As the mother of Orphan Pianos’ founder, Leigh Anne, Sandra has had the unique privilege of witnessing the organization’s mission grow from a lifelong passion into a thriving business. She is honored to lend her educational expertise and her deep-seated belief in the power of music to the Orphan Pianos board.

Kelly Miears

Kelly Miears Anderson currently works in the communications and marketing field and brings valuable experience in children’s ministry and preschool education, giving her a unique perspective on the role of music in early childhood development. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, with a minor in Computer Information Sciences, from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

A lifelong supporter of the arts, Kelly studied piano for ten years and has actively encouraged her children in their own musical pursuits. She believes that early access to music education fosters creativity and confidence while strengthening cognitive skills with clear connections to STEM learning.

As a dedicated advocate for the arts, Kelly is committed to supporting programs that inspire creativity and academic success within the community.

Text: (770) 363-3466

Email: orphanpianos@gmail.com