Ryan A. Leaver’s achievements reflect a unified life purpose: to educate, inspire, and heal through the integration of music, ministry, and human development. His work bridges the artistic, pedagogical, and spiritual dimensions of learning—grounded in faith, service, and the transformative power of creativity.

Professional Biography

Ryan A. Leaver is an educator, consultant, musician, and spiritual instructor whose work integrates education, creativity, leadership, and faith-based formation. He is the founder of Illuminated Principles LLC, a multidisciplinary practice providing educational consulting, curriculum design, professional development, music instruction, creative services, pastoral counseling, and public speaking for individuals and institutions.

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music and a Master of Arts in Modern American Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education and brings a research-informed, praxis-oriented approach to teaching and leadership. His professional focus includes curriculum development, assessment in music education, culturally responsive pedagogy, trauma-informed learning, and holistic educational design.

As a practicing music educator and improviser, Ryan has extensive experience in private instruction, ensemble coaching, and curriculum development across diverse educational settings. His work emphasizes creative agency, musicianship, and the integration of technical skill with expressive depth. Alongside his artistic practice, he supports educators and organizations in building sustainable, values-driven music and arts programs.

Ryan’s work is also shaped by his formation in Christian theology, spiritual formation, and pastoral counseling, informing his approach to life coaching, spiritual instruction, and faith-integrated education. He has been ordained and engages in teaching, mentoring, and public speaking that explores vocation, purpose, ethics, and leadership through a spiritually grounded lens.

Through Illuminated Principles LLC, Ryan partners with individuals, schools, churches, and organizations seeking thoughtful, principled guidance that honors the intellectual, creative, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of human development. His work is characterized by clarity, integrity, and a commitment to meaningful, transformative practice.

Credentials & Professional Certifications

I. Academic Degrees & Formal Education

· Ph.D. Music Education (In Progress) — Liberty University

‍ ‍National Board Certification Music (In Progress) — National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

· Master of Music, Modern American Music Performance (2006) — Longy School of Music of Bard College

· Bachelor of Music, Jazz Composition (2003) — Berklee College of Music

· Pennsylvania Teaching Certification, K–12 Music (2020) (Instructional I) — Immaculata University

· Coursework in Education, Psychology, & Business (1999–2009) — Montgomery County Community College
‍ ‍Dean’s Commendation List, 65+ earned credits

II. Teaching & Professional Certifications

· Orton–Gillingham Teacher Certification (2013) — Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc. / Marilyn Mathis M. Ed.,CALT-QI

Investment Foundations (2026) — Chartered Financial Analysts Institute (CFA Institute)
Human Subjects Research (HSR) Certification (Social & Behavioral) (2026) — CITI Program
Academy of Masonic Knowledge – Levels I–III Master Masonic Scholar (2023) — Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
III. Trauma-Informed, Psychological & Developmental Studies

Polyvagal Institute (2023–2024):
- Defeating Trauma – Polyvagal Enhanced Resilience Training
- A Paradigm Shift in Understanding Children’s Behavior
- Overview of Polyvagal Theory for the Newly Acquainted
- Polyvagal Theory and ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
- Replacing Stockholm Syndrome with a New Framework of Appeasement
- Polyvagal Theory: Principles and Practice for Individuals
- Polyvagal Theory in Architecture
- Pre- and Post-Birth Trauma for Adoptive Parents

Additional Training:

- Putting Polyvagal Theory into Practice: Nervous System exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma & More — PESI / Deb Dana LCSW LICSW (2026)
- Healing Trauma & Addiction for Individuals and Families — Dr. Gabor Maté (2023)
- Integrated Attachment Family Therapy (IAFT) — Trauma Research Foundation / Dafna Lender, LCSW (2023)
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Levels 1 & 2 — The Gottman Institute (2023–2025)
- Masterclass for Healers — Dr. Gabor Mate, (2026) - Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory with Stephen Porges, PhD: Trauma, Attachment, Self-Regulation & Emotions — PESI (2026) - Integrating IFS and Polyvagal Theory: Healing Through Compassionate Connection — PESI / Alexia Rothman, PhD (2026)

Iris Center, Peabody College — Vanderbilt University (2026):

Universal Design for Learning: Designing Learning Experiences That Engage and Challenge All Students. Autism (Part I) An Overview for Educators Autism Spectrum Disorder (Part 2): Evidence-Based Practices Behavioral Principles: The Basics of Understanding Student Behavior Behavioral Intervention Plans (Elementary): Developing a Plan to Address Student Behavior Behavioral Intervention Plans (Secondary): Developing a Plan to Address Student Behavior RTI (Part I) An Overview RTI (Part 2): Assessment

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) — Learning Lab (2024-2026):

- DAP & the Nine Principles of Child Development and Learning - Context: Understanding the Child, Educator, and Program - Culturally Appropriate Positive Guidance - Developmentally Appropriate Practice: What Do Higher Education Faculty Need To Know

IV. Ordination, Ministry & Spiritual Service

· Reverend, Ordained Minister of the Most High God (2022) — Church of Illumination

o Authorized to perform sacraments and spiritual counseling

o Guest preacher and lecturer at regional and interfaith churches

o Teaches on illumination, moral development, and divine wisdom

V. Holistic Health & Wellness

· Ayurveda Fundamentals, Tongue Analysis, and Marma Therapy (2015–2016) / Ojas Ayurveda Wellness Center

Lessons & Lectures on Ayureda — The Ayuvedic Institute (2015) / Robert Svoboda

· Yoga Alliance RYT–200 (2017) — Moyo: A Soulful Destination / Maureen Priest

· Usui Reiki Master, Third Degree (2018) — Greenshire Institute for Holistic Studies / Dr. Arlene Rose Curley, Ph.D.

· Golandsky Institute Summer Piano Symposium (2016) — Princeton University

VI. Academic Honors & Awards

· Dean’s List — Immaculata University (2020)

· Dean’s Commendation List — Montgomery County Community College (2008–2009)

Dean’s List — Longy School of Music (2004-2006)

· Wolcott Foundation Recognition for Civic Service (2014)

· National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS - 2020)

· Omega Nu Lambda Honor Society - Liberty University (2025)

VII. Professional & Community Service

· Clinician & Performer — GetJazzED On The Road, Berks Jazz Fest (2024)

· Music Educator — Kimberton Waldorf School (2017–Present)

· Faculty & Clinician — Community Music School, Trappe, PA (2012–Present)

· Director & Instructor — Private Music Studio (2005–Present)

Adjunct Professor — Northampton Community College, Monroe Township (2009-2010)

· Reverend & Guest Speaker — Church of Illumination and Interfaith Communities (2022–Present)

VIII. Memberships & Affiliations

· Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania

· Theosophical Society in America

· Church of Illumination

Phylaxis Society

The Ayurvedic Institute

Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge

IX. Physical Disciplines & Personal Development

· Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt — Gracie University (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Phoenixville) / Kyle Carruthers (2024)

· The Handbook for a Better Life — Personal Development School / Thais Gibson (2023)