“I have been involved with music since I was four years old. When I was 12, I knew music was what I wanted to dedicate my life to,” Santhia explains. “However, I don’t consider myself a musician. Rather, someone who uses music as a tool to help people.”
Throughout her life, Santhia has immersed herself in jobs that allowed her to tap into her musical passion – holding positions such as a church pianist, a choir director for a special needs program, and the Minister of Worship & Arts at White Rock Methodist Church. It was her former pastor at White Rock United Methodist Church who, after recognizing her strong desire to increase her musical contributions to the community, introduced her to Metrocare.
“I was looking for a place I could go weekly to donate my time and efforts,” Santhia begins. “I missed working with the special needs community, too. In my experience, they are one of the many segments of the population that don’t often get a chance to feel good about themselves a lot.”
Santhia reached out to Metrocare’s Career Design & Development Services at Owenwood Farm. This day-habilitation program helps people with disabilities and special health care needs develop skills and build social connections. While Santhia is still in the onboarding process, that hasn’t stopped her from finding other ways to support Metrocare in the interim. She connected with Raquel Orozco, Metrocare’s Philanthropy Associate, who provided her with ways she could support the individuals we serve at our many mental health clinics.
Last June, Santhia held two music classes for the children, adolescents, and adults receiving treatment at our Samuel Mental Health clinics. She then attended Metrocare’s annual Back-to-School event, where she provided musical entertainment for event attendees.
“When I was at Metrocare’s Samuel clinic, I loved it,” Santhia begins. “I love being able to engage with them, encourage them, and show people they have value through music. At first, it was just the children participating, but then some of the parents got involved too!”
Santhia’s musical therapy classes typically blend rhythmic exercises with simple, choreographed movements to help participants become comfortable and engaged. She guides them through a selection of songs, encouraging self-expression with instruments such as rhythm sticks, hand bells, and vibrant scarves. It didn’t take long after the first song began for Santhia’s infectious, joyful spirit to envelop the entire class.
“Volunteers like Santhia don’t often realize the profound impact they have on our organization and the people we serve,” says Raquel Orozco. “Our staff encounter many clients daily who are facing significant challenges or difficult times. The dedication of our volunteers—whether through their time, effort, or financial support—can truly brighten the lives of those we help.”
True to her nature, Santhia dedicates much of her time outside of work and volunteering to music. Whether she’s with her grandkids or going about her daily activities, she strives to weave music into every aspect of her life.
“Music and rhythm are a part of us, whether we like it or not. Our hearts beat in rhythm. It’s not just a part of our physical bodies, it speaks to us mentally as well,” Santhia says. “My mission is to ensure that music resonates deeply with someone’s soul. I do this entirely voluntarily—it’s the way I’ve always wanted it to be.”
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