I wear a lot of hats as Aoede! I create and record fantasy musicals on audiobooks for young adults and all “kids at heart” and adapt them to musical theater. I am also a quirky folk pop artist, author, voice actor, playwright, filmmaker and disabled artist advocate. If you are a fan of Ingrid Michaelson, Meiko or Regina Spektor, you may also like my quirky soprano voice and songs.
Living with a chronic illness for 15 years, I’ve discovered music and art are my lifelines; I cannot stop creating! I use my arts and music to give a voice to, elevate and empower those with chronic illnesses and disabilities to improve their mental health and wellness, grieve and thrive. Telling stories, creating recordings and turning them into theater productions makes me feel most alive, purposeful and deeply connected to others. My memoir: “A Light in the Darkness: Transcending Chronic Illness through the Power of Art and Attitude” (2018), is intended to inspire and encourage those battling chronic illness, disability, or life challenges (and those who love them).
I have been honored with more than 100 accolades and awards for songwriting, audiobooks, films, stage plays, voiceover and books plays since 2012. Highlights include: Independent Music Awards Vox Pop Winner 2014; International Songwriting Competition 2013, 2012 Winner; John Lennon Songwriting Contest 2013, 2012 Finalist.
“Do You Believe In Magic?” (MAGIC) (Aug 2015) is my third award-winning original fantasy musical for young adults and kids at heart. Think Harry Potter and Percy Jackson meet Into The Woods! MAGIC audiobook is the recipient of six Children’s awards, an endorsement from KIDS FIRST! and was considered for Best Musical Theater Album in the 58th Grammy Awards. I adapted MAGIC to a musical stage play, directed staged readings Dec 2016 and May 2015, and received several stage play awards. I hope you will check out my new musical, my new website, and my other acclaimed musical albums such as the award-winning “What Are Dreams Made Of?” (Sep 2013).
I’m currently focused on helping others living with chronic illness to thrive, and created and ran virtual summit JULY 2020, attended by 1,800 participants! I also started a Facebook group where you can join to connect with others. Please also check out my newest audiobook-The Grieving Project-a powerful spoken word musical audiobook that sets that stages of grief to music, which I am adapting to a stage musical intended to bring live theater experiences virtually to chronic illness and disabled communities.