BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF

FOUNDER

 The Rev. Dr. Joyce Blair Buekers graduated from Claremont School of Theology and was ordained in Phoenix at the Church of the Beatitudes in 1998 after a successful marketing career with IBM Corporation.  Joyce’s second career in healthcare ministry was inspired by her experience as an Integrative Therapies Coordinator with Hospice of the Valley (HOV) where Joyce founded the Therapeutic Harp Foundation (THF) in 2000.  

​Joyce’s passion to clinically prove the efficacy of the spiritual side of Healthcare has led her to pursue her doctorate in Integrative Therapies with an emphasis on the Electromagnetic Brain at Emerson Theological Seminary through Creative Living Fellowship.  Her studies demonstrate that we have the power to heal from within. The model of “Living Medicine” and Joyce’s passion for holistic medicine is to enhance life itself through the use of disciplines like therapeutic harp, meditation and spiritual mind treatment.

 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PRESIDENT 

VICE PRESIDENT

My love for music has always been there but when I learned about the healing powers of the harp instrument, I was even more intrigued. That is why I became involved with THF.

I have been in the promotional marketing arena for over 30 years, and spreading the word about our organization is paramount to its continued success.  It has been an absolute privilege to be a Board Member since 2021. 

SECRETARY / ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Sarah has been involved with the Therapeutic Harp Foundation since 2015. She brings over 10 years experience in administration and networking in the music realm. Known for her passion for music, attention to detail and organizational skills, she is dedicated to maintaining high governance and reporting standards to further the mission and vision of the Foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s of Piano from Grand Canyon University and is an active member of the American Management Association with certifications in Music Pedagogy and Data Analysis. 

BOARD MEMBER

NORTHERN ARIZONA

 I started my musical journey taking piano lessons from a dear friend of the family.  I studied at and graduated from St. Olaf College with a general music degree; flute and voice were my focus of study.  After college, I sang semi-professionally, directed small choirs, and eventually learned to play the pipe organ in order to play for worship.  I started learning to play the lever harp 10 plus years ago, and it has been amazing to see the impact the harp has on peoples' lives.   

BOARD MEMBER

NORTHERN ARIZONA

 I started my musical journey taking piano lessons from a dear friend of the family.  I studied at and graduated from St. Olaf College with a general music degree; flute and voice were my focus of study.  After college, I sang semi-professionally, directed small choirs, and eventually learned to play the pipe organ in order to play for worship.  I started learning to play the lever harp 10 plus years ago, and it has been amazing to see the impact the harp has on peoples' lives.   

BOARD MEMBER

Harp for all occasions! Emma is a highly accomplished professional orchestral harpist for over 25 years. Classically trained, Emma is a substitute principal harpist for every orchestra in AZ. Trained in Usui Reiki and guided with intention, Emma has expanded to include sound healing to her extensive repertoire. Through creating captivating music and leading therapeutic sound healing sessions (similar to Yoga Nidra), she shares her passion with others. To facilitate healing, she calls upon ancient gongs and soothing singing bowls, which she combines with mystical acoustic and modern electric harps. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and promotes healing. Emma finds fulfillment in providing a unique and grounding experience each time Reiki energy is transmuted into sound.