Welcome
Welcome to Recycled Rhythm Inc
Percussion With A Purpose
1314 Oneida St Joliet, IL 60435
About Us
Our Mission
Welcome to Recycled Rhythm Inc! This nonprofit was founded by AJ, a then 16 year old diagnosed with ASD, possessing a love for all things percussion.
Our mission is to empower individuals with special needs through the accessible and engaging power of percussion, fostering a sense of community, building confidence, and promoting personal growth through musical expression and rhythmic exploration.
We are Recycled Rhythm Inc., Percussion With a Purpose. We are a registered 501c3 Nonprofit.
A message from our founder, AJ
I am grateful to have the resources and the love and support of my family so we can all be a blessing to the special needs community. I am inspired to find, repair, polish and bring new life into as many instruments as I can get my hands on; then find as many people as I possibly can to introduce them to the scientifically proven benefits of music therapy.
When I was 5 years old, I was diagnosed with ADHD, then, at age 16, I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I understood the diagnosis, and I was absolutely determined to let nothing hold me back. I pushed myself harder, I studied harder, I practiced harder.
Unless I tell you, you might not ever know that I have autism. This is and has been the case most of my life. I was relentlessly bullied (from young and old alike) almost daily at school since I was in 3rd grade. Instead of being resentful or retaliating, I chose to forgive and love harder. As a result of pressing harder I became an honor student, my talents as a musician steadily increased and I successfully completed Fire Academy and I am a firefighter. In addition to running Recycled Rhythm, I also volunteer on the Honor Guard at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, I serve on the praise team at my church and I am a member of the American Legion Band.
Percussion has been my comfort and my outlet, my heart's desire is simply to be a blessing and to make a difference in someone's life. Having first hand experience regarding the benefits music therapy has on children with autism, as well as children with special needs, I felt moved to help. I started Recycled Rhythm so that other children could have the same outlet that I have had.
Board Members
President: LeAnn Maland
LeAnn earned her degree in Nonprofit Management from Colorado Christian University. She possesses an Illinois parapro certificate and maintains an active Illinois educator identification number. With experience in inclusive classrooms from Pre-K through 8th grade, LeAnn has served as PTO President at three different schools and has also taken on leadership roles as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader.
Vice President/ Founder: Anthony Maland
Anthony is an alumnus of the Chief Shabonna Fire Academy and serves as a member of the Rockdale Fire Department. In addition to his firefighting duties, he is an accomplished drummer, performing with two different bands and is a member of the esteemed American Legion Band. Anthony also dedicates his time to volunteer as a member of the Honor Guard at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and participates in his church's praise team.
Board Member: Todd Maland
Todd brings extensive experience to his role, having served on various boards throughout his career. He has held positions on the executive boards of several neighborhood organizations and school boards, and he dedicated 19 years as the Recording Secretary for the Machinists Union. Currently, Todd is a member of the executive board of the American Italian Cultural Society. Additionally, he has participated in numerous PTO organizations and has taken on the role of Cub Scout leader.
Board Member: Jackson Maland
Jackson is the youngest member of our board. He is on the verge of graduating from Joliet West High School. In addition to his academic pursuits, Jackson dedicates his time to volunteering in the children's department at his church. He is actively involved in his school's band, bowling team, and fishing team. Furthermore, Jackson is a proud member of the American Italian Cultural Society.
Board Member: Cindy Orasco
Cindy brings over 30 years experience as a small business owner. She has held positions on various church boards and was Sunday School Superintendent for 7 years. Additionally, Cindy directed the children's holiday programs at her former church for 19 years and led the children's choir. Currently, she continues to volunteer in the children's department at her church.
Board Member: Kimberly Garrett
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Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.