Our Team — Ethos Music Center

We’re on a mission.

Ethos staff, instructors, and volunteers represent a wide variety of backgrounds, just like the students we serve. We were all drawn to Ethos because of our love for music and our shared belief that music can transform people and communities.

Megan Moran

Rural Outreach Program Director

Megan has recently returned to Ethos in her capacity as Ethos AmeriCorps Rural Outreach Program Director. Megan has been part of the Ethos team as an AmeriCorps music facilitator, program coordinator, and program director at various points since 2007. Throughout her time with Ethos and other organizations, Megan has been dedicated to helping provide access to music for youth while building community, with gratitude for all those who have supported her along her path. As a freelance violinist, Megan performs with regional orchestras, folk and jazz ensembles, as well as projects with friends.

Adrian Leyva

Community Engagement Program Director

Adrian joined the Ethos team in May 2022 coordinating group classes at PPS SUN schools around the city. He oversees Music Corps, Pass the Mic, and other community engagement projects. While new to the team, Adrian has been quick to make connections in and out of Ethos and continues to play in local groups as a saxophonist.

Born and raised in Houston TX, Adrian did his undergraduate studies in Music Education at Baylor University and the University of Houston. While he pursued other ventures outside of music, Adrian still kept it a part of his life by participating in a number of community groups in Houston, Minneapolis, and now in Portland. He has served as Vice President of the Board for the Houston Pride Band and as the Assistant Artistic Director for the Minnesota State Band, as well as the City of Lakes Community Band.

Griffin O’Connor

Admissions Coordinator

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Griffin came to Portland in 2019 after a brief stint living in Pennsylvania. At Ethos, Griffin can be found at the front desk, teaching guitar, or raiding the tea cabinet. In the outside world he is an avid lover of music and performance and plays around town with his local Americana band, Father Four. Also a big fan of overalls and getting outdoors!

Fyre Killsright Daway (they/them)

Instrument Manager and Summer Camp Director

Fyre is from Hillsboro but moved to Portland in their late teens. They are self-taught in piano and started learning other instruments while doing an instrument internship with the Artist Mentorship Program.

They accepted an internship with Ethos in 2018, becoming Instrument Manager about a year later. Fyre also teaches Ukulele for Ethos. Outside of Ethos they enjoy flying their drone, biking, and participating in circus arts.

Joel Nelson

Interim Music Lessons for Kids Program Director

Joel Nelson, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, and now based in Portland, Oregon, is a collaborative musician with a unique approach to solo guitar. His debut album redefines the instrument, exploring new sonic possibilities by stripping away its history.

Influenced by legends like Fred Frith and Davey Williams, Nelson's work stands out as a fresh voice in the avant-guitar lineage. Joel actively participated in the improv music scenes of the Bay Area and Birmingham, Alabama, and Portland. Joel received a Masters in Music Performance from Mills College.

Estacada Thorsen

Finance and Operations Specialist

Cada joined Ethos as an employee in August 2023, but she has been involved with the Ethos community, as a student and volunteer since 2009. Cada now works part time at Ethos helping with Financial and Operational tasks, as well as being a full time Accounting student at Portland State University. In her spare time, Cada likes to cook, look at pictures of capybaras, and spend time with her pet Guinea pigs.

Paul Floding

Development Coordinator

Born and raised in Klamath Falls, Paul is a third generation Oregonian. He has been the Development Coordinator at Ethos since April of 2022. Paul has an MFA in Acting from UC Davis and has performed in many musicals over the years. He grew up in a house filled with the music of artists like Tony Bennet and Rosemary Clooney, singing the Standards. This made Paul the perfect candidate for the Loungecore movement of the 90s. His band The Schoolyard Quintet performed all over Portland, back in the day. Paul brings a lifetime of experiences to the Development Coordinator role. He has worked extensively educating young people, over the years, including intensives in Shakespeare, play production and more. Paul worked in job development for people with intellectual disabilities for several years, as well. He was also an original founder and Artistic Director for Portland’s Theatre Vertigo. While there, he wore many other hats that included marketing, script selection, and box office (you name it!). Also, growing up a little different in a small town, Paul understands the importance of the arts, and music in particular, for young people. He is proud to be a part of the Ethos mission.

Ethos Board of Directors

Harmon Laurin, Treasurer

Senior Vice President, Mercer Advisors

Brian Dueltgen, President

Architect, LRS Architects

Keri Kuper

Ethos Parent & Customer Service, Regence Medicare

Mark Schuessler

Sarah Clarke

Vocalist / Songwriter / Performer at            Sarah Clarke Music
Founder / President at Musicians In Solidarity
Co-Director of LEAP at MusicPortland