Jerilynn Payne is a Baltimore, Maryland native whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to service, education, and community leadership. She pursued formal music training at the Eastman School of Music Preparatory School, Frederick Douglass High School, and the Peabody Conservatory Preparatory School, earning a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree as a bassoonist from Shenandoah College & Conservatory of Music, now Shenandoah University. Jerilynn later expanded her expertise through advanced training in fire science, emergency medical services, and public safety, and earned a Master of Social Work with an Aging Specialization from the University of Maryland School of Social Work.
Her professional experience spans roles as a musician, music therapist, firefighter, critical care technician, EMS supervisor, instructor, educator, and social worker. A dedicated advocate and volunteer, she has led support groups, engaged in housing and voting rights advocacy, disaster response, and veterans’ services. In June 2022, Jerilynn formally embraced Jewish life as a Jew by Choice, taking the Hebrew name Elisheva Margalit.