Today we’d like to introduce you to Carly Stacey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always had a love for music and the arts. It gives power to those that struggle to express themselves and provides a safe community to be a part of. I was a musical theatre kid growing up, but I dabbled in other art forms like painting and writing. I was very blessed to have two very supportive parents who allowed me to lean into my creative side and foster these talents. They both have deep roots in San Diego, and through them and my own experiences, I was welcomed into many amazing communities here. Right out of high school I became involved with a very diverse and talented community theatre group where I got my first introduction to neurodiverse student actors, dancers, and singers. I became very close with this group– learning from those more experienced than me and passing down their wisdom to the next generation of students. One of these students I mentored tragically and suddenly passed away, and my life and perspective of the arts was changed forever. My purpose was now clear. I wanted to find a way to use my specific set of skills to support the neurodivergent community in their journey of discovering ways to express themselves through music. This led me to Banding Together– a nonprofit that does exactly that! Their Jam Session program is a social music group for teens and young adults living with neurodiversity or developmental delays, giving them a safe community to express themselves and feel like rock stars! My life and my heart feels full, knowing that with each Jam Session I plan I am honoring the student I lost, and giving others the chance that time never granted him.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t a smooth road in the slightest, mainly because grief is rocky and a winding path at best. Sometimes, in grief, you feel like you’re in darkness and your flashlight ran out of battery. I was terrified to go on stage again (I never had stage fright before), and a once dormant anxiety disorder reared it’s ugly head. Therapy and my loyal support system of friends and family brought me out of the darkness. They handed me metaphorical batteries so I could use my flashlight again, and light my own path. I let go of the idea of “going back to normal” and instead, tried to figure out what my new normal would be. I explored new paths, and cultivated many of my other talents while I put a pause on the stage. Grief never left me, but I grew around it. I got back on stage again eventually, but this time, I stepped out with a new appreciation for mental health, therapy, and conversations surrounding it. I wrote my first one act play about depression to bring awareness, and it was put on by my college’s play festival. My final act in college involved a performance I dedicated to the passed student, bringing me a form of closure. It felt right then, to close the chapter on theatre and the stage.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
There’s a lot of aspects to what I do, and the team affectionately refers to me as “The Chaos Manager.” They also use the saying “wearer of many hats” to describe my many skills, and the ability to step into multiple different roles at any given moment. I could be whipping up a spreadsheet, and then filling in for a guest musician. As Operations Coordinator, I am the primary onsite office manager, keeping the office maintained and in working order all while overseeing the programs and events Banding Together hosts in community venues throughout San Diego county. I cover so many details from tracking supplies, making sure all the equipment is loaded and in tip-top shape for Jam Sessions, to managing social media and volunteer/participant registration forms. I’m the main point of contact for the Jammer’s families, and for the volunteers as well. I attend events and school fairs to advocate for our mission, and coordinate events and opportunities for the Jammers. I’m sure I’m missing a few things, but that’s the gist of it all! I’m known for keeping a positive attitude amongst the chaos, and finding creative solutions when problems arise. I am most proud of all the relationships I’ve formed, and all the little metaphorical fires I put out before the team can even notice. I’m known for thinking on my feet and being able to problem solve under pressure. What sets me apart from my team is that, most times, I am the only admin around! This allows me to offer a unique perspective in any given situation. Staff always knows where to find me, and I’m able to collaborate often. I can see a broader picture of the company as it functions.
What does success mean to you?
Defining success cannot have the word “perfect” in it. Success is when things went better than it did last time. Successful people are always looking for opportunities to learn and improve, so I strive to do that too!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bandingtogethersd.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banding_together/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bandingtogethersd/
Image Credits
Brandin C. Johnson, David Ornelas, Carlos Huerta Padilla
