our Staff
Robert Shoup, Founding Artistic Director
Mr. Shoup also serves as Director of Music at Second Presbyterian Church, as well as Chorus Master and Staff Conductor for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. For more than two decades he has led a wide variety of amateur and professional choirs, and has been featured in commercial recordings, television broadcasts, and large scale events like the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown, the Virginia International Tattoo, and many collaborations with the Virginia Arts Festival and other arts organizations. “It is a privilege to work with our NSC singers each week… while I hope to teach them something of singing and telling their stories, they teach me every week about hope and perseverance.”
Stephanie Van Leeuwen, Executive Director and Outreach Coordinator
Stephanie oversees both the administrative aspects of the NSCP and its various service-related aspects including our breakfast and shower trailer programs, as well as coordination with our many service partners from the City, including the Community Services Board, EVMS Street Health, Ghent Area Ministry, Freemason Street Baptist Church’s Clothing Closet and New Life Church. She is also active photographing/posting activities of the Choir and Art Programs. Stephanie’s heart for our community experiencing homelessness led her to complete training and work with city officials to process clients seeking assistance for housing and other services.
Matthew Bernier, EVMS Art Therapy Program Faculty
Matthew is working with us in cooperation with EVMS where he works with students who are earning degrees in Art Therapy. Matthew was a key contributor to the launch of our Expressive Arts program in the fall of 2020 when our choir was unable to sing due to the Covid 19 pandemic, overseeing the graduate students who created and operated the program in its first year. Matthew joins us more directly in 2021 to run the program in collaboration with our staff, bringing many years of passionate work in Community Arts work to bear. Matthew has created programs in theater for individuals who have experienced incarceration, and is passionate about the art of puppetry!
Patrick McCleese, Operations Manager
Patrick is the newest member of the NSCP Staff, and brings a great deal of experience to his role which includes supporting the overall operations of our many programs. Patrick has been a presence with us for some time as a part of the shower trailer team, and his new position as part of our staff extends his work to include engagement throughout our operations. We are very excited to include Patrick and his kind-hearted, thoughtful presence to our staff!
Steve Kolb, Street Choir Accompanist
Steve is a familiar face in the music community of Hampton Roads, having performed and taught throughout the region in a variety of capacities. Equally at ease playing classical, jazz, or popular styles, Steve brings a passion for teaching and sharing to his role with the Street Choir, and - aside from lending musical support - helps to create an atmosphere of joy and laughter to rehearsals (often musically!).
Carl Warren, Chorus and Food Manager
Carl’s unique blend of experience and skills allows him to serve two very important roles in our programs. As Food Manager, he prepares and oversees the kitchen and volunteers for weekly breakfast service to our community, and prepares food for NSC singers when special events take place near meal times. As Chorus Manager, Carl processes singers’ check-in and check-out every Friday, distributes bus passes and other items, and supports logistics for concert and other special events at which the NSCP has a presence. “I am grateful to have experienced the growth of the NSC from its modest beginning to the success it has become. Each of our members have unique gifts and talents that they give to create a positive community experience.”