About Us

Executive Team

Board of Directors:

Jonathan Hus
Founder and President

Hello, my name is Jonathan Hus, and welcome to Melodies as Medicine. I am a dual neuroscience and music concentrator at Brown University, passionate about music, medicine, positively serving and impacting my community, and neuroscience research, and guided by a mission to advance music as a healing modality in evidence based medical care. I established Melodies as Medicine as a global platform that intertwines these passions and encourages like minded service-oriented students to engage in the arts as a healing tool to support seniors living with neurodegenerative diseases through collaborative concerts, social media campaigns and fundraising efforts.

I enjoy exploring the interconnections between neurobiology, music,and global health/public policy. Melodies as Medicine bridges all of my passions - volunteering, community engagement, music, advocacy, and the field of medicine, specifically neuroscience.

Catherine Lee
President of East Coast Development and Liason to Senior Care Centers in China

Hi! I’m Catherine and I am a rising junior at Tenafly High School in New Jersey. I have been playing piano since kindergarten. I attends Manhattan School of Music in New York City and double-majoring in piano and voice. In serving as our President of East Coast Development I will support distribution of our music at nursing facilities in several cantons in China. I feels passionate about music therapy, giving back to my community, and thrilled to join Melodies as Medicine.

Ryan Zhang

Executive Director of Educaton and Outreach

Hi! My name is Ryan Zhang, and I am a rising senior at Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. I first played the piano in second grade and have fallen in love with it ever since. As a student, I believe that there is virtue in curiosity. I started my podcast, "The Missing Synapse," as a way to share my passion for neuroscience and learn something new every week.

Yuko Xiao

Virtual Concert Director and Lead Organizer

Hi! My name is Yuko Xiao, and I am a rising Junior in Vancouver, Canada. I play as a chamber and solo violinist and have been honored to win both national and provincial awards.To me, music transcends the limitations of words, offering a means to connect on a deep level that words often can't fully capture. My aspiration is that anyone who listens to my performances can experience this profound connection."

Catherine Lee

President of East Coast Development and Liason to China

Hi! I’m Catherine and I’m a freshman at New York University in New York City. I have been playing piano since kindergarten. In serving as our President of East Coast Development I will support distribution of our music at nursing facilities in several cantons in China. I feels passionate about music therapy, giving back to my community, and thrilled to join Melodies as Medicine.

Iris Tian

Outreach Liason - East Coast

Hi! My name is Iris and I’m a high school student in Boston! I developed a strong passion for music at a young age. I enjoy performing for others as both a solo violinist and in my local youth orchestra. I’m excited to join Melodies as Medicine and bring its mission to nursing homes in the greater Boston community!

Zachary Kopelman

Outreach Liason - Southeast

Hi! My name is Zachary and I’m a high school student in South Florida! I have a strong passion for musical theater and performing for audiences of all ages. I enjoy volunteering in my community and look forward to supporting Melodies as Medicine’s mission!

Jack Balciumas

Outreach Liaison - Mid-Atlantic

“Hi! My name is Jack and I’m a high school student in Maryland. I’ve always tried my best to help both the special-needs and elderly community. I believe that Melodies as Medicine will help many people with different needs. I am excited to bring Melodies as Medicine to Maryland and the senior and special-needs communities!”

Madison Zhan

Executive Director, North American Outreach

Hello! I am Madison Zhan, a rising junior at Stuyvesant High School in New York City. I am heavily involved in the non-profit sector, advocating for gender equality globally and ending elderly isolation. I regularly lead volunteers into several senior homes throughout New York City to offer companionship and conversation. Being a part of Melodies at Medicine is fulfilling and inspires me to find new people, connect with others, and foster genuine relationships with like-minded people.

Nathan Farber

Outreach Liason

Hi, my name is Nathan Farber and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida! I am a driven student with a love for microbiology and dentistry. I recognize the profound impact that music can have on individuals and I am a strong community advocate who embodies compassion. I love to actively contribute in creating a positive change within my community through service and with a strong academic drive, I am excited to promote Melodies as Medicine mission supporting seniors in my community !

Tiffany Wong

Outreach Liason

Hi, my name is Tiffany and I am a rising senior in Hong Kong dedicated to utilizing technology for the betterment of others. I am thrilled to be a part of Melodies as Medicine, an organization committed to spreading therapeutic music worldwide. As the Social Impact Director at Melodies as Medicine, I have the opportunity to contribute to the mission of enhancing the quality of life for the elderly in Hong Kong, Macau, and beyond.

In addition to my role with Melodies as Medicine, I also host an elderly hub website aimed at assisting senior citizens in finding valuable resources. This platform serves as a central hub where elderly individuals can access valuable information and support tailored to their needs.

Abe Effress

President of West Coast Development

Hi! My name is Abe Effress, and I’m a pianist in California! As a YoungArts winner in jazz composition, I’m passionate about creating music! When I visit seniors in assisted living communities and hand out small instruments to everyone, I experience through their eyes and ears the power of collective music-making. I’m excited to introduce the West Coast to Melodies as Medicine, a cause so close to my heart.