Today we’d like to introduce you to Tryn Rose Seley.
Hi Tryn Rose, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
How I started / how I got to where I am today
I’ve always been interested in people; what makes them tick, what inspires them, how to connect with them. From an early age with my brother with special needs, my family members learned how to tune in and provide what a person needs to feel comfortable, and to thrive. We see the person’s essential self beyond the layers of outward struggle. I led music for all ages at a family church camp as a teenager and into adulthood, where I invite people into leadership who might otherwise be overlooked: with autism, Down Syndrome, or someone needing a boost of confidence to shine their light. I pursued an Elementary Education degree at Michigan State with a focus on music, which has served me well in various careers: engaging society around me with music from preschool and toddler age in Kindermusik family classes to elders in care communities with dementia, it’s an inspiring life that gets me up in the morning, ready to serve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
From my Christian faith background, I’ve been taught and believe in looking for the angel within each person. It’s easy with small children, who are purely connected to God, and need the adults around them to create a safe and productive environment for them to learn about life and become the angel they’re meant to be. When we age, our bodies may betray us, but the essential self inside remains intact and beautiful. Seeing humanity like this allows me to seek out and encourage the best in people, and to value them when they need support for all the ways they’ve given to their families, work colleagues, community members, and knowing my goal is to bring out the best in them through music, storytelling, and art creating experiences is a joy and a privilege. In the healthcare industry, there is the temptation to see people as numbers, or someone with ‘behaviors’ to ‘manage,’ losing sight of personhood. When we spend time singing, telling life stories, and creating art, the true person shines through, feels able and energized, and from family sharing, continue to feel more present and content for several days after the sessions. It’s my goal through my work that each unique person is seen for who they are, and their family members and friends create positive memories together. It’s working well!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What do I do / specailize in / known for / most proud of / what sets me apart from others: working from the perspective of an intact personhood / choose better words
My sessions are called Mindful Art, specializing in engagement and inspiration during each class. It’s a 3 – part experience: 1) We sing to the accompaniment of my guitar or mountain dulcimer, reading lyrics from well-known songs; 2) we tell stories on holiday or seasonal topics like family around the thanksgiving table, boating in the summertime, or traveling in the springtime; and 3) we paint or draw or add color to artworks on this theme. It’s a 90 minute experience, and participants socialize and encourage each other during these sessions, and take home materials to continue the engagement at home. I create an environment to bond between mothers and daughters, brothers and sisters, married partners. Some have said, “…That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that story about my partner’s life! Thank you!”
I’ve written a caregiver book called “15 Minutes of Fame: One Photo Does Wonders” and contributed chapters to other books on effective, respectful dementia care. One is called “Dementia-Friendly Worship” for chaplains and worship leaders to understand and appreciate what kind of religious experience a person might like at home if they can no longer attend spiritual services, or to bring to the care community where they live. My books are found on my website, caregiverheart.com.
We all want to be seen and appreciated for who we are, feel that our contributions make a difference to those around us. Those struggling with dementia can feel confusion, distress, fear. My work is to create an inviting, accepting environment where people with dementia and their caregivers thrive.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Modeling a respectful approach to people with dementia affects the community at large. Mindful Art sessions are held in senior centers, care communities and hospital settings, and are increasingly becoming the norm for direct care needs, rather than an optional program. Seeing a person’s gifts through the layers of dementia is a gift to the person delivering care, and creates an authentic friendship that enhances healing and happiness. Anyone who provides a respectful, creative environment for elders is a good mentor indeed.
Pricing:
- Mindful Art Sessions: Group or 1:1: $200/session
- Music Performances: Community Engagement: $300-$600 depending on # of performers
- Mindful Art, Preschools/Elementary Schools: $300
- Staff Trainings: $300
- Irish Band Performances: $300-$600 depending on number of performers
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caregiverheart.com
- Instagram: rosehiptea
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/trynrose
- LinkedIn: https://LinkedIn.com/in/trynrose
Image Credits
The Black River Barn Band: An Irish group who performs with grace and style, and engages audiences delightfully!
Michael Baxter, Tom Braatelin, Harry Zulch, Carolyn Allenby, Tryn Rose Seley, Mary Larson, and Patrick Shaw
