When Zoey Deel volunteered to cuddle babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at WellSpan York Hospital, she started humming and singing to them to provide an extra layer of comfort. The 20-year-old former NICU baby never imagined her singing would lead to an album as part of a new NICU music therapy program at the hospital – the same one that took care of her decades ago.

While she was comforting the babies, it turns out she was serenading the entire NICU team.

Susan Prevas, a retired lactation consultant and registered nurse from the NICU, heard Zoey’s voice and approached her with the idea of recording an album. Thanks to a grant from the WellSpan York Hospital Auxiliary, they were able to get to work. Susan knew Zoey’s voice was perfect for the project.

“I’ve had this idea in my head for a long time,” she says. “Zoey’s voice is just so angelic and beautiful – you can hear how happy she is when she’s singing. She also has the perfect higher-pitched voice, which is beneficial for babies to hear. Research shows that babies' brains light up on an MRI when they are exposed to a high-pitched voice during brain imaging.”

Zoey says she’s been singing since she was able to talk and has worked as a singer/songwriter and voiceover artist. She jokes that her friends say she sounds like a Disney princess.

Zoey Deel

Healing with music

Susan researched how music can be beneficial for babies’ development and wanted to make sure that the project embraced her findings.

“Music has been proven to have a positive impact on everyone, especially babies,” says Susan. “The things we need to do for babies in the NICU to help them aren’t always the best for brain development, since it can be a stressful environment. Music helps relieve that stress for them and their families. The babies may not remember the songs, but something in their brains will.”

The album features 40 songs from different genres, including kids’ music and classical selections.  The music will be played over the speakers in the unit in the near future.

From left, Beth Schwartz, assistant nurse manager in the NICU; Katherine Panagakos, Susan's aunt and piano player for the project; Zoey; Susan; Kim Duncan-Kupiec, nurse manager in the NICU; Dr. Michael Goodstein, neonatologist; and Peggy Kling, director of regional volunteer engagement. 

Susan hopes that their work brings some smiles and peace to babies and their families. Recently retired after 19 years of working in the NICU, she considers this project a gift to the department.

“It was such a joy to be a part of this team,” says Susan. “Their work is so important. We help babies survive and thrive shortly after entering the world. If this project can help bring a smile to babies or their family members just from a song – that itself is an amazing feeling.”

A special connection to the NICU

Zoey was excited to be offered the opportunity to sing for WellSpan York Hospital babies. While she was a NICU baby at the same hospital, she also grew up in York and the area holds a special place in her heart.

“I think the NICU is a really special place in a lot of different ways,” she says. “It was amazing to watch families come in and turn their attention to a new person and new beginning. Witnessing that transformation and knowing my voice can have an impact in that space is really special. At the end of the day, it’s not just a hospital, but a place of change and caring individuals who make sure you and your family are safe and healthy.”

Zoey returned to the WellSpan York Hospital NICU to sing to baby Charlotte, held by her mother, Hannah Dick. 

Over the last decade, the WellSpan York Hospital Auxiliary has committed nearly $2 million to a variety of children-focused programs, York hospital-based programs, the York Hospital Emergency Department renovation and the WellSpan York Cancer Center Capital Campaign. From 1958 – 2024, more than $7.8 million has been pledged and contributed. Find more information on how our hospital auxiliaries make a difference here.

Listen to Zoey record a song in a behind-the-scenes video below.