Harmony In Dementia

16/08/2025

Getting ready for my first week of grad school and already loving chapter 1 📚✨

One of the things I’m most excited about in this course is the chance to be paired with members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to build meaningful connections across generations.

I’ll be sharing insights, experiences, and reflections along the way—can’t wait to get started!

12/08/2025

11/08/2025

✅ Music connects—regardless of diagnosis, stage, or age

✅ I’ve witnessed new songs learned, instruments played, stories shared

✅ People living with dementia are STILL people

✅ It’s time to stop underestimating them

06/08/2025

It’s been a long time coming… but I’m so excited to share that I’ve been accepted into the Gerontology Master’s program at UNCW! 🎉 👩🏻‍🎓 🌊

Going back to school has been on my mind for at least the last 7 years, but the timing never quite felt right—until now.

Wilmington has welcomed me with open arms, both personally and professionally, and starting grad school here just feels like the natural next step.

That said… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous! I’m running a private practice and going back to school after almost 20 years 😬

Sooo—send me your best tips, tools, and words of wisdom for non-traditional students. I’m ready to dive in! 💪🏻💜

📢 Also a big shout out to my husband Ryan for always being in my corner 💙 🥰
UNCW Graduate School UNCW Gerontology Program

04/08/2025

More Than a Ticket Stub: A Backstage Pass to Musical Memories 🎶

Do you—or someone you care about—have a box of old concert ticket stubs? 🎟️

They can be more than just keepsakes. Pulling them out can spark powerful memories.

Try looking up the setlist from the show, revisiting the album from that tour, or just reminiscing about the experience of seeing live music.

Recently, I worked with a client who shared their incredible collection of ticket stubs—including a Beatles show from 1965!

We talked about where they were in life at the time, the music they loved, and the thrill of seeing those iconic artists in person.

Here are some of the legends they saw live:
🎶 Bob Dylan
🎶 The Beatles
🎶 Rod Stewart
🎶 Grand Funk Railroad
🎶 Johnny Winter
🎶 Mothers of Invention
🎶 Sly & the Family Stone
🎶 Carole King

Music holds so many memories—and sometimes, all it takes is a ticket stub, a story, and a song to bring them back.

31/07/2025

On a recent trip north, I made a quick stop in D.C.—my old stomping grounds. The DMV is where I started my private practice almost 11 years ago.

While I was there, I made it a point to drive by Forest Hills of DC to admire the public art installation by Art Against Ageism

This powerful piece helps shine a light on the people who live and work in older adult care settings.

I’d love to see more installations like this across the country—art that honors aging and challenges stereotypes.

If you know of similar public art projects or installations, drop them in the comments! ⬇️

30/07/2025

I officially upgraded my Telehealth setup—starting with a new guitar!

With more consistent Telehealth clients lately, I’ve been looking for a higher quality half-size guitar that’s easier to play while sitting at my desk, but still delivers a full, rich sound.

I already own two Breedlove Guitars and was so excited to find this one!

Bonus: it shipped from New Jersey (my home state 🥰) which felt like a sign it was meant to be.

I’m pumped to keep improving my setup and would love to hear from other MTs—what are your favorite tools or tips for Telehealth tech?

24/07/2025

Part 2 is here! 🎙️✨

I’m excited to share the second half of my conversation with on the Spark & Ignite Your Marketing Podcast!

In this episode, we dive deeper into my journey—navigating health challenges, growing a private practice, and the powerful role music has played in healing, entrepreneurship, and confidence.

It’s such a joy to be in spaces outside of aging and dementia care to share the heart behind my work. I hope it resonates with you. 💜

Take a listen and let me know what you think!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2295030/episodes/17316315

Listen to part 1 here!In the second part of our conversation with Tara Jenkins, board-certified music therapist and founder of Harmony in Dementia, we discuss what it really takes to build confidence in your business. From letting go of perfection...

24/07/2025

Part 2 is here! 🎙️✨

I’m excited to share the second half of my conversation with Beverly Cornell on the Spark & Ignite Your Marketing Podcast!

In this episode, we dive deeper into my journey—navigating health challenges, growing a private practice, and the powerful role music has played in healing, entrepreneurship, and confidence.

It’s such a joy to be in spaces outside of aging and dementia care to share the heart behind my work. I hope it resonates with you. 💜

Take a listen and let me know what you think!
🔗 in my bio ☺️

22/07/2025

One of my clients requested “Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight”—a goofy, light-hearted tune that had us both laughing.

After we finished, I asked why they chose this song and they replied:

“So silly… so much violence on the news… something silly where no one’s hurt… that’s what I like… to be silly.”

Music therapy doesn’t always have to be heavy or emotional. Sometimes, the power is in the lightness—in giving someone space to just be silly.

And honestly? That’s a lesson for all of us. 💜

What’s a silly song that lifts your spirits? 🎵

16/07/2025

What a joy to do something a little different from my usual music therapy offerings! 🥰

I recently collaborated with Cameron Art Museum’s Connections program—a beautiful initiative that invites people living with dementia and their carers to experience the museum in a calm, private setting while it’s closed to the public. 🖼️

They typically invite musicians to play, but as a music therapist, I thought: why not create music together, right there in the gallery? 🎶

I brought my guitar, tongue drums, and rain stick for spontaneous music-making—improvising in the moment, surrounded by art. ✨

In this clip, you’ll hear some of that in the audio—my singing and the gentle rhythms created by participants. 🎵

Programs like this are such a gift to Wilmington, and I’m grateful to be part of it. 💜