Founder & President

Melody Eckert

As a trained classical pianist, Melody has been

using her musical skills over the past several years to bring relaxation, relief, positivity, and joy to her listeners in various performance settings. She is passionate about the intersection of music and medicine and values music’s ability to promote healing. Melody aims to use her creative knowledge and perspectives from her music background to

care for patients on her path of becoming a

health care professional and beyond.

Vice President

Jordan Eckert, M.D.

Physician by day and percussionist by night, Dr. Eckert has extensive experience in both the medical and musical worlds. The physician musician has

been drumming since third grade. For years,

he has performed with the Bartow Adult Concert Band, the Lakeland Philharmonia, and the

Sebring bands, the Skylarks, Groovus, and the Golden Era Band. You can find him on the drums, xylophone, vibraphone, chimes, bells, cymbals, steering wheel — you name it!

Board Director

Tracy Kawa

Tracy applies her twenty five years of experience in the coaching, professional development, and personal branding space to the development of a system and community of Coaches which support businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits. Brand Ambassador and Board Member for numerous organizations that support vulnerable populations, Tracy has a passion for building community and giving back, with an emphasis on compassion and non-complacency. As a philanthropic patron of the arts, Tracy believes wholeheartedly in the wonderful effects of art in healing and uplifting the spirit.

Board Director

Donna Gorell

A Lakeland native, Donna has remained active

in her local community for decades as a nurse

and an avid supporter of community welfare.

In addition to KEYS, she is involved with various

local and national charities, including the American Cancer Society, Kids Pack, National Giving Alliance, Samaritans Purse, and One More Child, and she

is an active church member of City Central Church. She is passionate about volunteering and giving

back to her beloved community, and she has

also played piano for years.

​

​

​

Board Director

Susan Lankin-Watts

Susan Hoffman Watts represents the youngest generation of an important klezmer dynasty that reaches back to the Jewish Ukraine of the 19th century, beginning with her great-grandfather, musician, composer, cornet-player, and poet,

Joseph Hoffman. Susan is the sole living purveyor

of the family’s traditional klezmer-style trumpet sounds which electrified audiences for decades.

​

Treasurer & Secretary

April

April is a wife and mother to a beautiful and

inspiring family. She is a physical therapist who has worked in the home health setting for approximately fifteen years. In addition, she enjoys volunteering her time to various local organizations and training her poodle through the Imperial Polk Obedience Center. When asked why she joined KEYS, she replied, “I love the mission of KEYS, to provide music programs for patients and seniors in resident facilities to enhance quality of life and to provide comfort.”

Social Media Manager

Alex

As someone who comes from a musically inclined family, Alex has always enjoyed dancing, singing,

and listening to music. “I feel the power of music

and how it is always there for me. On the good

days and bad, there is always a piece to connect

with and that understands me. Just as music heals and empowers me, I aim to do the same for others

in my future career as a health care professional.”

Website Developer & Technology Consultant

Zach Givarz

This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio.