Jennifer Heitler-Klevans

“We never know how the ripples we make will affect others, but  it's always worth aspiring to do the right thing.”

Jennifer Heitler-Klevans is a musician, songwriter, performer, teacher, and mother. She runs a nonprofit called Pickleberry Pie that brings music to children in hospitals.  Jennifer and her husband David have been performing for about 30 years as the group "Two of a Kind." They perform for all ages, but especially for children. She has been singing and dancing all of her life and strongly believes in the power of the arts to transform people. Jennifer believes that groups of individuals can be brought together into a singing, smiling community and help a sick child feel better. She loves working with kids, helping them appreciate music, learn new concepts and have a good time. As a child she primarily thought of herself as a dancer, then as a poet. Learning to sing, harmonize, play instruments and interact with an audience has enriched her life enormously. Jennifer thinks that everyone can make music and everyone can make a difference in the world. 

What big ideas have propelled your career? What does leadership mean to you?

“I believe that everyone can make music and everyone can make a difference in the world. As a child I mainly thought of myself as a dancer, then as a poet. Learning to sing, harmonize, play instruments and interact with an audience have enriched my life enormously. I've always believed that we can each make the world better and I've strived to do that in my own life. We never know how the ripples we make will affect others, but it's always worth aspiring to do the right thing. Great leaders inspire others with their actions and with their compassion. They listen well, they think creatively, and their accomplishments improve the situation.”

Biography:

I am a musician, songwriter, performer, teacher, mother, and I run a nonprofit called Pickleberry Pie that brings music to children in the hospital. I have been performing with my husband David for about 30 years as the group "Two of a Kind." We perform for all ages, but especially for children. I have been singing and dancing all of my life and strongly believe in the power of the arts to transform people. We can bring a group of individuals into a singing, smiling community and help a sick child feel better. I love working with kids, helping them appreciate music, learn new concepts and have a good time.