Welcome to Upstream, where empowerment, leadership, and resilience converge to drive positive change in individuals and organizations. At Upstream, we believe in the transformative power of holistic development, and our mission is to equip leaders, businesses, and individuals with the skills and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic landscape.
Empowering leaders through holistic development and support, fostering mental resilience, and driving business growth for a thriving, supportive professional community.
Meet the visionary creator behind Upstream, Melanie Schwarz.
Dave Nordel’s journey is a testament to dedication and valor. Retiring as a United States Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant after over 30 years of service, Dave’s career spans across the globe, from Saudi Arabia to Korea, demonstrating leadership in the most challenging environments.
Rooted in rural Northern California, Dave’s upbringing in a dairy farming family instilled values of hard work and commitment. Rising through the enlisted ranks, he became the senior enlisted leader for all nuclear missile forces in the United States.
Dave’s leadership extends beyond the military, managing small teams to large organizations and leading city government activities during crises such as COVID. An international best-selling author and subject matter expert on moral injury, Dave’s recent publication in the Air and Space Power Journal underscores his commitment to sharing insights from his journey.
Under Max Fab Consulting, Dave offers keynote leadership, organizational growth, and strategic guidance. As a mentor, he is dedicated to nurturing young leaders, drawing from his battle with PTSD to support transitioning veterans and trauma victims on their path to healing.
Melanie Schwarz brings a wealth of experience as an advocate for families grappling with addiction. Currently serving as the Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at a regional substance use and mental health treatment center in Montana, Melanie is actively involved in developing innovative programs to support families facing addiction.
With a 25+ year career in marketing, public relations, and development, Melanie’s dedication to building a new “family care” program reflects her commitment to helping families support their loved ones in the journey to recovery. LifeJackets, Melanie’s dream project, is set to launch, allowing her to travel the country and connect with families experiencing addiction.
Melanie embodies the spirit of Upstream, offering a unique blend of leadership, resilience, and compassion to empower individuals, organizations, and communities. Join us on this transformative journey of holistic development, mental resilience, and business growth.
From workshops and seminars to e-learning courses and personalized coaching, we equip leaders with the skills and insights needed for success.