Distinguished leaders in gerontology, youth development, and social innovation who help guide our mission and amplify our impact.
The Melody Project's advisory board brings together scholars, practitioners, and advocates whose work spans intergenerational connection, aging policy, and youth leadership. Their guidance shapes how we grow, measure impact, and stay grounded in evidence.
Director, Center on Aging · Professor, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health
Jordan Lewis, PhD, MSW, CPG is Aleut and Sugpiaq and has worked with American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities to identify characteristics that enable Alaska Native Elders to age successfully — or age in a good way. Using the lessons and experiences of AIAN Elders, Dr. Lewis' research develops generative-based approaches to improve the health of all generations.
Indigenous Elder Health & Intergenerational Research View full profilePostdoctoral Associate · Center for One Health Research
Dr. Thompson holds a PhD in Community and Behavioral Health (University of Iowa College of Public Health) and an MPH. Her research employs mixed methods to apply behavioral health theory to culturally-adapted interventions. She specializes in qualitative methodology with Alaska Native Elders, with expertise in dementia caregiving and designing community-based health programs.
Culturally-Adapted Interventions & Alaska Native Health View full profileEvery program element draws on peer-reviewed findings in music therapy, intergenerational connection, and aging science — not just intuition.
Our advisory board includes leading researchers and field experts who bring decades of real-world experience working directly with elder communities.
Chapters track and document outcomes across sessions, building a growing body of evidence that this model works — and can scale.
We welcome researchers, practitioners, and advocates who share our belief in the power of intergenerational connection.