Levi Ware

Founder and Conceptual Developer of the MELODIC CARING PROJECT. Levi has a background in business management and marketing as well as 20+ years experience in the music industry as an established singer/songwriter and 8+ years experience in live production and video streaming. Levi’s heart and passion for the project along with his extensive knowledge in production, songwriting, press, radio and live performance is a valuable asset to furthering the cause and mission of Melodic.

Stephanie Ware

CFO, Founder and Conceptual Developer of the MELODIC CARING PROJECT, Stephanie holds a BA in Business Administration with a focus in accounting and marketing. Stephanie encompasses a diverse and seasoned skill set in management, marketing, accounting, event design & planning, video production and promotions. She is driven, organized and passionate about living intentionally, leaving a legacy of good and furthering MCP’s mission to support people in need.

Christina Ebersole MT-BC

Christian Ebersole is a compassionate and dedicated certified Music Therapist with over 10 years of experience helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds unlock the healing potential of music. With a background in piano performance and Music Therapy, Christina utilizes a client-centered approach to support emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being through music.

Christina is also an advocate for the power of music as a universal language, believing that it can bridge gaps and foster resilience in even the most challenging circumstances. Inspired by MCP’s mission, she is thrilled to be a part of MCP’s team to utilize her therapeutic knowledge and clinical experience to expand the therapeutic programming at MCP by connecting more patients & families to the healing power of music.

Vincent Chiabai

Vincent Chiabai is a hard-working and inspired editor with experience in editing for many formats such as streaming, large LED screens, and broadcast. With a background in live production and broadcast, music, and working with kids, Vincent approaches his editing with a story that is parallel to Melodic Caring Project.

Vincent is currently in his senior year of college, working on his Bachelor’s in Film and Production at Grand Canyon University online. When he isn’t busy with editing or school, he enjoys making music and spending time with family.

Maria Malafronte

Maria Malafronte, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist with over five years of experience providing client-centered, evidence-based music therapy services across healthcare and community settings.

She completed her clinical internship at the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, where she gained specialized experience supporting patients through the therapeutic use of music in medical settings. Coming from a background in the live music industry, Maria brings a deep appreciation for the power of music to connect, inspire, and build community. She is passionate about fostering emotional well-being, personal growth, and meaningful relationships through individualized, strengths-based music therapy, creating engaging musical experiences that empower clients of all ages and abilities.

Maria is thrilled to join the Melodic Caring Project and looks forward to advancing its mission of bringing compassionate, high-quality music therapy to individuals and communities in need. Outside of work, Maria enjoys hiking with her dog, trying new recipes in the kitchen and writing original music! 

Stephanie Ware

CFO, Founder and Conceptual Developer of the MELODIC CARING PROJECT, Stephanie holds a BA in Business Administration with a focus in accounting and marketing. Stephanie encompasses a diverse and seasoned skill set in management, marketing, accounting, event design & planning, video production and promotions. She is driven, organized and passionate about living intentionally, leaving a legacy of good and furthering MCP’s mission to support people in need.

Jody McKinley

Jody has worked in music, entertainment and digital media for twenty years and is a consummate student of the industry. Jody is the Principal at the1175, an agency specializing in strategy, planning, business development and content licensing. the1175’s clients range from consumer brands, hardware manufacturers, application developers, subscription services and digital media companies. Prior to founding the1175, Jody worked as an executive for Rhapsody International (the parent company of popular streaming music services Rhapsody and Napster) and at PlayNetwork, a Redmond, Washington-based b2b digital entertainment media provider. Jody also serves as Chair of the Seattle Music Commission.

Amanda Chomyszak

Amanda is an Advisor Consultant with New York Life Investments working with wealth advisors in the greater Washington area to share economic and investment insight. She has been a speaker at a number of industry events on topics ranging from investment outlook to practice management strategies.

She is originally from Syracuse, New York and lived on the east coast prior to moving to Seattle. She has been active in supporting nonprofits like the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation over the past few years and is thrilled to be more involved with the Melodic Caring Project. Amanda is a member of The Washington Athletic Club and enjoys staying active. In her free time she travels to the east coast to visit family and friends including her niece. She lives in Seattle with her two dogs Piper and Scout.

Christopher F. Bien

From directing network television series for ABC, CBS and NBC to pioneering digital marketing for Microsoft, Emmy award-winning Producer/Director Christopher Bien has the depth and breadth of experience to successfully tackle the most challenging of projects.

Chris first worked as studio and location crew for WHA-TV (PBS) in Madison, Wisconsin quickly working his way up to Director. He left Madison for New York City establishing CFBien Productions, shortly directing and producing for shows like GERALDO, the CBS MORNING PROGRAM, and INSIDE EDITION. After relocating on to Los Angeles FOX, Disney, NBC, ABC, and CBS became steady clients with shows such as EXTRA, VITAL SIGNS, TOTALLY HIDDEN VIDEO, CHANGE OF HEART, ABC SPORTS and GENERAL HOSPITAL.

Eventually Chris moved to Seattle, WA and became a full time Senior Producer for Microsoft. He quickly moved to a management role, heading the production management team. In addition he executive produced numerous television and web series and cable pilots for Microsoft including music specials with Janet Jackson, Alanis Morissette, and David Byrne.
In parallel to Microsoft, he become the Lead Instructor for the University of Washington Extension’s “Film and Video Production Certificate Program.”

In 2010, Chris left Microsoft to re-kindle CFBien Productions in order to pursue independent projects, specializing in Live or As Live Virtual Productions and Broadcasts.

Elise Brueske

Elise Brueske was born in Drammen, Norway, and spent her formative years on the eastside of Seattle, where she currently resides with her husband Alex, their two children, Jack and Scottie, and their two dogs. She finds joy in sunshine, staying active, and live music. Elise earned her BA in Global Health from Pacific Lutheran University, where she played on the Women’s soccer team for two years and was a member of the University’s A capella group, HERmonic.

With a background in executive marketing and extensive experience organizing high-touch “C-Suite” executive and partner events for corporations such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Expedia, Elise transitioned from the corporate world to focus on raising her young children. She now contributes her talents to the non-profit sector and serves as the committee chair and organizer of the Annual Birdies for Brock Charity Golf Tournament.

Elise embraces the philosophy that “the meaning of life is to find your gift, and the purpose of life is to give it away.” She is excited about her involvement with the Melodic Caring Project, where she contributes to advancing their purpose-driven mission.

James Chapple

James Chapple is an award winning composer based in Seattle, who is best known for his work in children’s animation.

Originally from Canada, James studied recording engineering before co-founding Voodoo Highway Music in 2000. For the past 24 years James has been writing music for film/TV, most notably as a composer for PAW PATROL, DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD and the TOTAL DRAMA franchise.

James is passionate about MCP’s mission and excited to use his platform in the children’s music space to advance the impact and reach of the Melodic Caring Project.

Like any true Canadian, James is an avid hockey fan, and enjoys coaching his son’s baseball and soccer teams.

Dan Reinharz

Dan is the Associate Director of Operations for the Seattle Theatre Group and overseas the operations of the Moore & Neptune Theatres. He has been with the Seattle Theatre Group for the last 10 years (not including a brief stint in the late ‘90s) and on behalf of STG, Dan has led the production efforts on hundreds of live music performances.

Through his work he has seen the awesome power of music to both comfort and bring people together. Dan came to Seattle in the early ‘90s by way of San Diego and originally Westchester, NY. After a 5-year stint as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, he settled into life in Seattle. Dan held the position of House Manager for the Paramount & Moore Theatres (for STG) from 1996-2000. He then left STG to open two restaurant / nightclubs in both Seattle & Portland, OR. After operating both businesses between 2001-2013, Dan then returned to work for STG in 2014 and has been there since.

Over the last ten years & by way of his position with STG, Dan has enjoyed the privilege of working with the Melodic Caring Project on various live stream events as well as the annual MCP Gala. He is looking forward to both continuing and expanding on those efforts going forward.

Abe Claiborne

With over 20 years in the music industry, Abe Claiborne is a premiere leader in the entertainment business working with top-tier companies such as Universal and Geffen.

Abe has a lifelong passion for music and has worn nearly every hat in the industry from booking tours to artist management, to licensing, marketing, and sales.

John Waller

John Waller is an attorney with 14 years of experience providing building and running compliance programs at major financial and technology companies. He currently is a Sr. Manager at Amazon managing the Economic Development Policy Compliance team. He is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, and loves music, plays the guitar, and attends as many concerts as he can. He is a lifelong lover of the performing arts, especially music and theater. He graduated with a B.S. in Theater, and guitar has been his hobby since 14. He loves the Seattle area and its music scene.

After attending a MCP Gala, and witnessing firsthand the impact that Melodic Caring Project has had on children going through illnesses that can isolate them from their friends and family, it inspired him to do what he could by contributing skills, time, and effort to help Melodic Caring Project achieve its mission of providing love, encouragement, and healing through music.

Dr. Jonah Essers

Originally from Washington D.C., Dr. Jonah Essers completed his medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He then moved back to his home town for his pediatric residency at Children’s National Medical Center. He went on to complete a pediatric gastroenterology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Essers also obtained a Master’s in Public Health degree at Harvard University during his in Boston. At Harvard, Dr. Essers began studying the genetic underpinnings for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) under the mentorship of Dr. Mark Daly at the Broad Institute. He received the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) Research Fellowship Award as a senior fellow. This funding that helped Dr. Essers secure a faculty position at Boston Children’s, and allowed him to focus his efforts on his research. Dr. Essers spent four years working on understanding how genes play a role in dictating clinical behaviors in IBD.

Dr. Essers joined the staff at Mary Bridge Children’s in 2025, and currently practices as a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist specializing in a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. He is proud to be a part of the IBD Center at Swedish and particularly enjoys the challenging but very successful IBD transition program where older children with IBD transition to an adult gastroenterologist for the next phase of their life. In the Northwest, Dr. Essers is a member of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Medical Advisory Committee. He is a regular speaker at Foundation-sponsored events. He also loves volunteering at Camp Oasis, a summer camp for children with IBD. Dr. Essers was named a Seattle ‘Top Doctor’ for the last five years by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine.

Mark Stendal

Experienced digital content creator and Emmy award-winning television producer. Mark served as a producer on MSN’s Tech & Gadgets online series, Gear Daddy and has spent over 10 years creating branded entertainment doing an immense amount of work for brands such as Microsoft, Skype, Slingbox, Lipton Tea, Proctor and Gamble, Ray Ban as well as producing primetime specials for MTV/VH-1, The Travel Channel, ABC, NBC and TLC. Mark has overseen production of over 2,000 television episodes earning top honors in media including the coveted Peabody Award, International Telly and Monitor Awards as well as multiple Emmy’s. Mark offers decades of experience working in television and film and has an intimate knowledge of how to position the MELODIC CARING PROJECT within the industry.

Kaelyn

Kaelyn experienced her first concert through MCP more than five years ago. Since then, she’s grown passionate about the Melodic Caring Project’s mission, and Kaelyn looks forward to spreading the word about MCP as a rockSTAR Ambassador!

Learn More about Kaelyn’s story (click here).

Paige

Paige is passionate about being a part of the Melodic Caring Project (MCP) family and loves sharing the organization’s mission with others. As a dedicated rockSTAR Ambassador, Paige is excited to help spread the word about Melodic and share its values of hope and connections.

In addition to her work with MCP, Paige worked as a camp counselor, providing support to campers with serious illnesses and helping them have fun and just be kids. Having faced her own journey with chronic illness since the age of 15, Paige can deeply relate to the challenges our rockSTARS face and is committed to making a positive impact in their lives.

Gabby

Gabby is excited to be a Melodic Caring Project ambassador as a way to give back after all the support she’s received from MCP. Living with chronic illness and disability herself, she understands how challenging that journey can be. That’s why she’s committed to spreading the word about Melodic Caring—so the MCP family can continue to grow, and more people can experience the same sense of support and connection that means so much to Gabby.

Ellie

Ellie has been a part of our MCP family for the last 3 years and has experienced first-hand the hope and connection it brings. She lives with chronic illness herself and understands how hard and lonely it can be. She’s excited to help the MCP family grow and bring the same support and community to others in need.

Rob Drabkin

Rob Drabkin studied biochemistry, intending to become a doctor. But after a trip to New York City, he dropped science and dedicated himself to becoming a singer. Rob’s song “It’s A Beautiful Day” was recently featured in ads across Europe, propelling it to the #1 song in Greece. On tour in Rwanda and Uganda, he played to crowds of 26,000 people as part of the iKnow Concert Series and Tour Du Rwanda. Rob believes that love is ever-present. We can create it in the smallest, most unassuming moments of our lives, and share it through laughter, smiles, and sympathy. All we can do is keep being kind and have the courage to choose love in every decision we make.

www.robdrabkin.com  |  Spotify Apple Music   |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  YouTube

Michaela Watson

Michaela Watson is a 22 year old singer/songwriter, voice actor, and music teacher from Austin, Texas and she’s been singing ever since she could talk. Known for her soulful voice, creative style and fascinating spirit, Michaela finds a way to mix her vintage influence with a modern and fresh sound.

In the fall of 2020, she had the opportunity to work closely with Blue October’s own Matt Novesky. Discovering a new sound and style that fits her so well and creating music even more authentic than before. With 6 singles and a music video under her belt, she looks forward to releasing an album in the future. 

https://www.michaelawatson.com

Lucie Kim

Lucie Kim, age 16, is an eleventh grader in the Pianist Program Conservatory at Orange County School of the Arts. Lucie began taking piano lessons at age six and made her Carnegie Hall debut at age nine. 

Lucie has won top prizes in numerous piano competitions, including First Prize at the Elvin Samuel McGaughey Music Foundation Glendale Competition, Gold Medal at the Southern California Junior Bach Competition, First Prize at the San Jose International Piano Competition along with the “Most Promising Young Talent Award,” First Prize at the Steinway Junior Piano Competition, and First Prize in the Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition. She is a two time First Prize winner at the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition, and was a Silver Medalist at the quadrennial Virginia Waring International Junior Solo Competition. More recently, she received First Prize at the LISMA International Music Competition and First Prize at the Four Notes International Competition. 

At the age of 12, Lucie independently organized and performed in a full solo benefit concert for Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Since then, she has been actively using her passion for music by attending and performing at fundraising events to support the hospital as a CHOC ambassador.

Lucie also gave a Tedx Talk titled “Music Begins with a New Breath.” She talks about how breathing affects music performance, and can influence the quality, mood and level of audience engagement. 

In her spare time, Lucie loves to play golf with her friends and family.

JD Eicher

An artist who tours extensively in the US and abroad, JD Eicher is known for indie and alt-pop music with expressive vocals and carefully-crafted lyrics. With several albums to his credit, JD was enlisted to create the soundtrack to author Nicholas Sparks’s (The Notebook, A Walk To Remember) 20th book, Two By Two. He has shared billing with a wide range of well-known acts, including Coldplay, Maroon 5, Train, The Fray, and more, and his music has been used in national ad campaigns and television shows.

You can find JD on Spotify and Apple Music, or visit:

JDeicher.com  |  Instagram  |  Youtube  |  Spotify

Michael Pedrosa

Michael Pedrosa is an artist and producer located just north of Seattle in the Skagit Valley. Michael has been writing, performing, and producing since his teens and has toured and played in bands ranging from contemporary rock to hard rock. Michael currently enjoys playing music at his local church and produces film/music out of his home studio. Michael is happily married with 2 children, and you can find his music and more about Michael on the following platforms:

Apple Music   |   Spotify   |   Instagram   |   YouTube

Naomi Wachira

Naomi Wachira is a Seattle-based singer-songwriter known for her soulful and powerful vocals, poignant lyrics, and captivating live performances. Born and raised in Kenya, Naomi draws inspiration from her African roots and her experiences as a mother, woman, and immigrant. Infused with her authentic and raw storytelling, she combines folk, soul, and world music to sing songs that are a head-on approach to life’s struggles and triumphs, as well as a call to love and unity in an increasingly divided world.