Josh Okun is twenty-three years old and lives in

Rensselaer, NY.  His career at Music Mobile began in 2003 when he worked as a summer program staffer and

seasonal office assistant during college vacations. 

In 2006, Josh graduated from the State University of New York at Oneonta with a B.A. in Music Industry.  Through various business and music courses, he developed skills in marketing, management, business law, and communications as well as music theory, composition, and recording engineering. 

Prior to graduation, Josh completed an internship in New York City at StarPolish

Management, a company that promotes and develops the careers of new and established musicians.  His responsibilities included tour research, analysis, marketing, and promotion for the artists, and office support for the company.

 Josh Okun is an avid guitarist and songwriter, and is a member of 1/2 Step Down, a local Albany band blending original melodies and rich harmonies through rock, pop, and acoustic musical styles.  1/2 Step Down hosts the Muddy Cup Open Mic Night on Mondays at the Muddy Cup Coffee House in Albany.
 

Deborah Chapin is a doctoral student in the Educational Psychology program at the University at Albany/SUNY.  She has a Masters of Arts degree in Community

Psychology, and her interests are in multicultural

education, cultural psychology, and minority achievement.

Deb has been involved with Music Mobile for eleven years.  She has worked at Music Mobile’s summer programs, after-school programs, and has written technical manuals and helped with many community building projects.

About Deb’s work with Music Mobile, she says:

 “I have worked with Ruth Pelham and Music Mobile for eleven years because I am inspired by the message in her work, the courage of her vision, and the hope in her music.  I think that Music Mobile uniquely fulfills a need in our schools and communities and I am grateful to be part of an effort so distinctive at a time when our children need optimism and possibility in their lives.”

Lavon Watson has been on staff for five years and has been coming to Music Mobile since he was five years old.  At 25 years of age, Lavon brings his buoyant acting and song leading skills to Music Mobile, helps oversee the preparation of our supplies and materials, and provides continuity to our vision.  When he’s not working at Music Mobile or at his other job at a local business, he is pioneering a community food site where he sells home-baked cakes and pies, grilled burgers, and fresh iced tea and lemonade for kids and families throughout his neighborhood.