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

Acting Executive Director &
Rural Outreach Program Director

Megan (she/they) 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. 

Fyre Killsright Daway

Instrument Manager and Summer Camp Director

Fyre (they/them) 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.

Estacada Thorsen

Finance and Operations Specialist

Cada (she/her) 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.

Lauren Coons

Program Director

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lauren (she/her) moved to Portland in 2024. She received her Masters in Music Theory & Composition and Musicology from the University of New Mexico where she specialized in improvisation, community engagement, American Experimentalism, and the intersection of arts and health. As an intermedia composer with a background in dance and creative writing, she has composed numerous works for national and international performers and community ensembles while also serving as an educator and artist-in-medicine. Lauren is dedicated to fostering the wellbeing of individuals and communities by promoting equitable access to participation in the arts. 

Liz Harper

Admissions Coordinator

Born in Nashville, TN, raised in Austin, TX, and Portland resident since 2018, Liz (they/them) has had a passion for music their whole life. Since moving to Portland, Liz has completed a degree in Music Education from Portland State University and been an active member in the Portland music scene. At Ethos, you can find Liz at the front desk or singing in a spare classroom on their breaks. In their free time, Liz loves to sew, do crafts, write, and hang out with their partner and their four pets.

Maya Brown

Instrument Program Intern

Maya Brown (she/her) is a multi-instrumentalist and band teacher at Ethos Music Center, as well as an active member of the Portland area music scene as both a musician and a sound engineer. Maya loves teaching and playing all types of music, and specializes in music for screens like video games and movies. After complete the Sonic Art and Music Production program at Portland State University, Maya transferred to Portland Community College to start the Electric Engineering Technology program with a focus on instrument and gear repair. She is a piano teacher, bass guitar teacher, guitar teacher and vocal instructor at Ethos.

Adrian Leyva

Community Engagement Consultant

Adrian (he/they) 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.

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

Lauren Weisskirk

Ethos Parent & Owner/Principal Consultant of Gladiolus, LLC.

Sarah Clarke

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

Anneliese Davis

Ethos Parent, Nonprofit Leader, & Project Manager

Jill Scoby, Secretary

Director, Legal at Lam Research

Susan Daigle

Director of Philanthropy, Nature Conservancy

Ralph Austin