Why do you care about songwriting as a craft and why do you care about building the TERRA Community? What does it all mean to you?

I care about song writing as a craft for the pure enjoyment of creating something. I enjoy sitting down and getting to attach some sounds and words to what’s going on in my mind or heart. It’s a solace for me. I really care so much about building the TERRA Community because I have watched time and time again a person start to trust themselves and their craft in a place that’s safe and they can let those pieces of themselves be exposed! There’s really nothing like it that I’ve seen! This community and creative space means so much to me. I feel like I’ve learned so much about trusting myself and doing something that’s very challenging for me (sharing and not taking myself or the craft ultra serious). It has altered my life!

Have you had a mentor in the past? How do you think that affects your perspective as a mentor?

I have had a mentor in the past - it’s always important to bounce life ponderings/creative endeavors/questions in general off of someone you have established a bit of trust with and who has perspective/life experience you have not had yet. It’s beautiful to watch your ideas flourish when someone else hears them and can offer guidance.

What are you proud of in your songwriting and how can that help others build the same strengths?

What I’m most proud of in my songwriting is that I’m still doing it. Pushing through fear and discouragement and I still enjoy it. I think another thing that I’m proud of, is that like I referenced above, I don’t hold onto it as preciously. Quantity produces quality. That phrase changed my writing.

What do you think your standout skills are for mentoring?

As a mentor, I think one of my standout skills would be intuitive listening. It requires not just hearing the words but tuning into the speaker's tone, body language, and essence - in other words, what is not said. I have been told I have a rare insight into others and I would hope to provide a space of encouragement and safety. To help you articulate what’s wanting to be said and getting that out!
Also, just showing up for yourself and doing it brave. Just because you told yourself you would!

What skills outside of songwriting would you like to share?

For me, my songwriting is primarily a hobby. I have recorded and released an EP that I’m proud of, but the reason I’m most proud of it is because I was raising young twin boys and had heard for as long as I had been a mom “ one day you’ll be able to be “you” again “ and I didn’t love that. I felt like I had an extremely supportive community and decided to just record an EP in the midst of raising kids and juggling all the life stuff. To this day it’s one of the things I’m most proud of!

How Much do you charge for an hour-long session?

$40