Board of Directors

Ruthanna Metzgar, SongShine President and Founder

Terry Huff,
Vice President, Home Life Division, State Farm Insurance (Retired), SongShine Secretary / Treasurer

Christine Engelhardt, Speech Language Pathologist,
SongShine Director

Paul Barnes,
Chaplain, Covenant Village of Turlock,
SongShine Director

Ellie Smith,
Owner and Business Manager at Conrad Smith and Former Project Manager for Hughes Aircraft,
SongShine Director

Steve Hanson, 
Owner and General Manager of KLOG-AM and KUKN-FM Radio Stations (Retired),
SongShine Director

Consultants

Peter Harris, Director of SongShine Palm Desert / Coachella Valley, Director of SongShine Singers and Players, Teacher for ‘The Words are the Thing’, Certification Trainer for new SongShine instructors

Carroll Jorgensen, RN

Dr. Mark Jones, Neurologist

Welcome to the SongShine Foundation

I. MISSION STATEMENT
A. The mission of SongShine Foundation is to train and certify instructors to teach SongShine 
vocal therapy classes which are designed to strengthen voices damaged by Parkinson's Disease, stroke, other neurological disorders, or aging.
B. Present workshops to introduce SongShine vocal therapy methods.
C. Continue creating course material using music, speech, creative drama, and imagination.
 
II. THEORY
All SongShine's work is based on the science of neuroplasticity: the brain's ability to reorganize 
itself. Previous concepts concerning the brain, based on autopsies, provided limited technical data. Brains were considered mechanistic and fixed. If part of the brain was damaged through disease or trauma it was thought to be broken or irreparable. Today the advancement of magnetic resonance imaging allows researchers to study living brains. This technology has revolutionized the potential for post trauma treatment of the brain. Our program is designed around and affirms the body of knowledge which considers the human brain to be plastic; it is able to change.
 
III. PROCESS
SongShine classes offer a holistic approach to strengthening neurologically damaged and aging voices. An integration of body awareness and relaxation, breath management, music (vocalises and songs), speech (including diction and articulation), imagination, creative drama, playing a role (becoming another), and emotional engagement are combined to involve the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Classes are taught in an affirming atmosphere that gives participants an opportunity to take risks, be affirmed, and build community. Voices are strengthened, friendships are made, self-esteem is increased. As an integrated classroom that includes all age-related and neurological disorders, participants are focused on a common goal rather than a specific neurological disorder.
 
IV. RESULTS
SongShine Foundation’s vocal therapy classes offer a positive learning atmosphere in which:
A. Voices are strengthened
B. Spirits are lifted
C. Memories are released
D. Community is built
E. Self-esteem is increased

Donate!

SongShine Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your tax deductible donation in any amount is always welcome and appreciated.

Volunteer!
SongShine Foundation relies on volunteers to assist in our classrooms, help with administrative details, help with concerts, or become certified SongShine teachers and establish new satellites. If you would enjoy getting involved or just want some additional details please contact us.


SongShine Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit tax exempt public charity