In this second episode of a two-part series, we highlight personal journeys with music and healing. Local musicians Amy Stacey Curtis and Lauren Crosby each share how their musical journeys are intertwined with their life challenges, and how the power of music can provide restoration and community.

TW: sexual abuse; domestic abuse; suicide; suicidal ideation; psychosis

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Amy Stacey Curtis Website
• Lauren Crosby Website

Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

In this first episode of a two-part series, CCSM Policy Advocate Kerri Pitts, and Music Therapists Hailey Ward and Dan Wenger join us to talk about music therapy, how music builds connection, alternative approaches to mental health care, and some of the barriers and even myths to accessing music therapy.

TW: End of life discussion

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Songbird Services- Hailey Ward
• Pen Bay Music Therapy- Dan Wenger
• Study mentioned with Dan
• Maine Music Therapy Association

Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

In this SPECIAL EPISODE we will explore the annual Maine HOPE Conference. This year we were there to talk to attendees, presenters and committee members to explore this beloved annual conference that brings peers together to learn, connect, grow, and celebrate the journey.

Interviews Recorded: May and July 2026

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Maine HOPE Conference website
• Maine HOPE Conference Facebook

Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.