Meet Our 2023 Board of Directors
Susan Cochran
Susan is from Dallas, Texas, and lived there until her family moved to Tucson 23 years ago. She is married to Brian and they have a daughter Kathleen and son-in-law, Matt. A former public school teacher, Susan taught Special Education and third grade for 12 years in a Dallas suburb. More recently, she has taught adults the Bible for 8 years with the organization Bible Study Fellowship. Susan loves to travel (and is looking forward to doing so again soon), read, do needlework, and sing! She has been in AWC for many years and also sings in her church choir.
Elaine A. Powers
Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Elaine currently resides in Oro Valley. After earning degrees in science and music, she worked as a laboratory biologist while enjoying singing and theater. Elaine is now pursuing her dream of writing science-based children’s books and murder mysteries as well as continuing her work as a citizen scientist for international iguana conservation. Her website is www.elaineapowers.com and her videos are on YouTube (Elaine Powers, Curtis Curly-tail Speaks).
Lauri Latack
Lauri has been active in singing and dancing groups since childhood and has held leadership positions in both areas. Lauri received her MS in speech language pathology from the University of Michigan and ran a practice specializing in accent modification. She has also had careers in marketing and management, and she co-owned a designer lingerie firm. Her passions include travel, writing poetry, music, cooking, and all types of creative endeavors. Her two children live in NYC, which offers many opportunities for exploring her interests.
Carol Swanson
Carol lived in Colorado until she moved to Tucson in 1991. She worked as an environmental health sanitarian before embarking on a career as a pediatrician. She is passionate about treasuring each day, maintaining hope, learning, practicing tolerance, loving her family and others, and striving for the best. She enjoys reading, playing the piano, biking, doing needlepoint, and spending time with friends and family. Carol participates on the Casa de los Ninos board of directors, volunteers at The West, and loves to explore the outdoors.
Denise Cochran
A Minnesota native and snowbird, Denise currently sings in five choirs in Minnesota and two in Arizona. She credits her love of music to her grandmother, who sang to her when she was little. Denise retired as a school counselor, both in Minnesota and in international overseas schools. Her husband is also a retired educator and they have two Cardigan Welsh Corgis. When she’s not not singing, you can find her playing bad golf and even worse pickle ball. Denise uses her guitar and therapy dog when she volunteers at hospice organizations.
Els Duvigneau
Els was born and raised in the Netherlands. She retired from her nursing career in 2017 after having worked for 44 years in several different countries and in different specialties — the most satisfying of which was a long stent in oncology nursing. Besides singing and listening to music, Els loves to go to plays and movies, make jewelry, read, and spend time with her two granddaughters. She stays active by hiking, biking, practicing yoga, and swimming. Els is a board member at the local Rogue theater and volunteers at the Assistance League of Tucson.
Janelle White
Check back soon for Janelle’s bio.
Michael Melton
Michael has been active throughout his career as a conductor, singer, pianist, coach, and teacher. He retired from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, where he he served as Director of Choral Activities and Opera Conductor and taught voice, conducting, diction, and secondary methods. He continues his summer work in Chicago as score reader for video productions of Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts at the Ravinia Festival. He enjoys spending the winter months in Tucson.