Guiding the Musical Memories Foundation Mission

Sheryl gracefully blends her HR and business prowess with a profound passion for music and people.

Her illustrious career includes working with Fortune 500 companies and successful tech startups.

As a distinguished professional singer, Sheryl is deeply committed to forging a new path that combines her executive expertise with her verve for positive impact, enriching the lives of the aging population and talented musicians.

Ben Cooper is a lifelong music enthusiast and multi-instrumentalist.

Starting with drums, his musical journey has explored numerous instruments and genres. Witnessing firsthand the joy music brought to seniors in care facilities, particularly his own mother, Ben conceived the idea for a non-profit dedicated to serving seniors through music. He shared his vision with Sheryl, and she brought it to life.

Beyond his passion for music, Ben serves as a Sr. Marketing Manager at Benetech, a non-profit focused on ensuring that all learning materials are accessible for everyone. He holds both an MBA and a BS in Business with a Music Business emphasis from the University of the Pacific.

As a seasoned finance executive, Bridgett Thurston combines a wealth of experience with a passion for innovation in her role at Musical Memories, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors through the power of music.

With a career spanning over twenty years, Bridgett has led strategic initiatives within corporate institutions, driving growth and implementing operational strategies that align financial stewardship with meaningful community impact.

At Musical Memories, Bridgett leverages her extensive background to oversee financial sustainability and resource allocation, ensuring the organization continues delivering transformative musical experiences to seniors. Recognizing the profound impact of music on cognitive and emotional well-being, she is committed to securing the funding and partnerships necessary to help seniors create and cherish new musical memories in life’s later stages.

In an era where financial constraints often limit access to enrichment programs, Bridgett strives to use her expertise to expand opportunities, enriching the lives of seniors one melody at a time.

Ryan Andre is the Director of Portfolio Reporting and FP&A within the Portfolio Operations Group of Sunstone Partners, a PE firm based out of San Mateo, CA.

Ryan works closely with management teams of all portfolio companies on initiatives that seek to deliver sustained excellence and operational best practices.

Prior to joining Sunstone Partners in 2020, Ryan held FP&A roles at high-growth SaaS companies, including JFrog and Green Bits. In addition, Ryan has over four years of experience in Accounting Manager roles.

Raised in Napa, CA, Ryan earned a BS in Accounting and Economics from the University of Oregon.

Eric Thompson is the Director of Marketing for Adeia, where he leverages his extensive experience in the tech industry to elevate the company’s brand presence.

A seasoned communications professional, Eric brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. Beyond his work in technology, Eric is a dedicated non-profit leader, serving on the board of directors for the Musical Memories Foundation and serving on the California State PTA Board of Directors as the Vice President for Communications. A Bay Area native, Eric’s roots in the region run deep. He pursued his education at Purdue University, where he earned a B.A. in Professional Writing, honing the communication skills he now utilizes in both his professional and philanthropic endeavors.

Jacqueline Synder is a family and juvenile law attorney with over 15 years of experience, having practiced since 2008.

She is a graduate of Empire College School of Law and the University of the Pacific. A dedicated advocate for families and children, Jacqueline is also passionate about  music connection with seniors, a cause close to her heart as her mother lives with dementia in a senior care facility.