Owning the Mess, Growing Together
Another fun backstory? My friend Renae.
You may already know her as one of Harmony Garden’s board-certified music therapists, but before that, we met when she was still in college for music therapy. We ended up in the theatre world together - the kind of shows where you sing, dance, and stay up way too late at rehearsal. One of those was at the Bon Ton Room, a performance space we both still miss to this day.
Back then, I’ll be honest, I kept Renae a little at arm’s length. I was in my mid-twenties, trying to get my professional footing, building relationships with her professors, and figuring out who I was in this field. I worried that if she saw too much of my silly, after-hours life, it would undercut the professional side I was trying so hard to build. It was a balancing act - and not always a fair one. Looking back, I realize now that it’s more human to own the truth, apologize for any moments I may have made her feel unwanted, and keep growing forward.
Fast forward to today: Renae is not only a music therapy colleague but a friend.
She is an incredible performer, a compassionate human being, and one of the most genuine connectors I know. She sings, she creates, she uses music with intention for connection, and she shows up for others with her whole heart. And beyond her work, she is also a single mom - raising her beautiful daughter with such love, intention, and connection that it’s inspiring to witness.
I’m grateful every day that our paths didn’t just cross back then but stayed connected.
Our friendship has grown right alongside us, shifting with the seasons of life, and reminding me that real community is built on honesty, forgiveness, and persistence.
That’s the magic of The Village Collective.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being human. Owning the messy parts. Celebrating each other’s gifts. And creating a space where stories like Renae’s - full of resilience, love, and grace - remind us we’re all stronger together.
