Our Team

Co-Founders

Eric and Sheryl Kolb – Building on lessons learned during their own experience caring for Sheryl’s mom, Trish, Eric and Sheryl started Songs & Smiles to help other families navigate the challenges of the Alzheimer’s journey. The couple met and got married during college in Illinois. They have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1994.

Board of Directors

Sheryl Kolb, President – Sheryl serves as the President of our board of directors. She is a former corporate meeting planner and also has worked as the receptionist at the home office of The Container Store. Sheryl loves creating memorable events for family and friends. In 2017, she created the first Songs & Smiles event as part of a family gathering celebrating her mom’s 78th birthday.

Melanie McGee, Treasurer – Melanie is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Chartered Global Management Accountant. She and her husband, Dr. Jeff McGee, developed and led the MBA Study Abroad Program for The University of Texas Arlington.

Stacey VanBeek, Secretary – Stacy is a former corporate accounting professional now working as a public school administrator. She lives with her husband, Kelly, and their daughters, Grace and Sydney, in Brookings, South Dakota.

John Ponder, Board Member – John is a successful manager and sales representative. He lives with his wife, Nancy, in Dallas, where they have raised four children: daughter Anna and sons Joe, Mike, and Chris. John’s favorite meeting place is the golf course.

Staff

Eric Kolb, Executive Director (also known as Director of Songs) – Eric oversees day-to-day operations. He loves singing and sharing with people living with dementia, helping them connect with joy-filled memories. He worked for many years in public relations and publishing, including positions at the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and ClubCorp. He enjoys reading and taking long walks with Sheryl.

Brad Newton, Director of Smiles – Brad is a professional photographer (bnphoto.com) and a talented improvisational comedian. He assists Songs & Smiles with family photo sessions and caregiver workshops.

Singalong Leaders – Location Served

John D’Amore – Flower Mound, Texas

Gail Griffith – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Terri Hollingsworth – Plano and Frisco, Texas

Tom Larsen – Bothell, Washington

Carolyn O’Neal – Deerfield, New Hampshire

Jen Robison – La Grange, Illinois

Senior Music Connections (multiple people) – Dayton, Ohio area

Lila Williams – Garland, Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth area)

Volunteers

Magazine Review Team

Magazine Distribution Team

Singalong Show Engagement Team

Special Event Team