Biography
My experience in parent training, family literacy programming and teacher training in child development as a School Social Worker has led me to my present day work as a drum circle facilitator. My work was focused on parent involvement. I created interesting workshops and activities geared to get parents more involved in their children’s learning. One workshop per month in each school, 8-15 schools per year.
Upon my retirement , a teacher and friend who had been inspired by one of my workshops suggested we attend a drum circle together. I was hooked. I took lessons on djembe, got drums, went to retreats, circles, so much fun.
I wondered what a healing drum circle would entail. As a Social Worker, it seemed a natural connection.
I had heard drumming is healing. What makes it so?
I took several courses at The Expressive Therapies Summit on drum circle facilitation with Mary Knysh of Music for People, John Fitzgerald, Remo Health Rhythms, and Ping Ho creator of the Beat The Odds program. They all reinforce the power and value community drumming. I found out that drumming makes you feel good, we are connected in a special way when we make music together; that is healing.
Then I found “The Way of the Drum” book with cd and played along to the healing grooves of Russell Buddy Helm. Helm is one of the innovators of the popular drum circle from the 1980’s
He had found a way to play relaxing grooves and use verbal affirmations. Simply put, slow grooves allow the words to directly access the limbic system; as does Havening, and Tapping therapies. I am a certified Helmtone Drum Therapist.
I currently run an online and live Women's drum group called Drumbirds Long Island Women’s Social Drumming Group; it is found on Facebook. My group is based on the family room style of creating relaxed and social connections and providing room for expression through drumming and chat.
I am a forever student of the drum , currently taking conga classes with Carolyn Brandy and kit classes with Buddy Helm.
In June 2023, I have had the honor and pleasure to play publicly with Jack Licitra and his Waterfall band at Charlottes Speakeasy in Farmingdale, NY as the guest conga player and percussionist. There I enjoyed a four hour stint, confirming my enduring love for percussion performance.
The first musician I had the honor to play with was the esteemed music therapist,author, professor and harpist ,now passed, Gillian Langdon . It was a joy to jam as a guest in her solo shows 2019-2022.
Most recently I rung in the 2024 New Year with the Days of Wild band at Arties in City Island, NYC.
Currently I play in a duo with for a special Horton jazz class at Fluid Power Barre Fitness. We co-created rhythms based on the progression and techniques of the Horton dance class.
Though I have had a variety of experiences in performing and facilitation they are all connected in the joy of playing together.
