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 jazz 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.

Comprehensive Credentials & Professional Certifications

I. Academic Degrees & Formal Education

· Ph.D. in 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

· High School Diploma (1998) — Perkiomen Valley High School

· Coursework in Education, Psychology & Music (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.

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

·      Ayurveda Fundamentals, Tongue Analysis, and Marma Therapy (2015–2016) — Ojas Ayurveda Wellness Center
·      Usui Reiki Master, Third Degree (2018) — Dr. Arlene Rose Curley, Ph.D.
·      Pennsylvania State Teaching Certification K-12 Music (2020–Present) — Immaculata University
·      Ordination: Reverend, Minister of the Most High God (2022–Present) — Church of Illumination

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:
- Healing Trauma & Addiction for Individuals and Families — Dr. Gabor Maté, Wholehearted.org (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)
- DAP & the Nine Principles of Child Development and Learning — NAEYC Learning Lab (2024)