Meet Jillian.

It all started with quarantine.

As a parent to a 10-month-old and 2.5 year old, I was just trying to get through our days and reduce my own anxiety (which was at an all time high). I picked up my guitar and played on the floor, then the front porch, and then, in November 2020, moved into the park. Ten classes and two hundred families a week later, music with Grow Resilient Families is still the highlight of my week. I have also had the great honor to hire, collaborate, and perform with many other talented musicians in the pandemic—from high school students to fellow parents and professionals—bringing live, acoustic music to young children and families in a Covid-cautious, sensory-friendly environment.

I started my training in classical piano when I was four years old and went on to study music therapy and songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. My background only reinforces my belief that the best musical foundation we can give our children is inspirational exposure to live instruments, encouragement, and a vibrant community that loves music. Rooted in social justice, my greatest hope is that my music serves as an inclusive vehicle to connect new and growing families to themselves, one another, and the community at large.

In addition to my “Grow Resilient Families” offerings, I also teach for cities and organizations such as City Libraries, Parks, and Rec, The Root, Atlas of Motherhood, WarmLine Family Resource Center, Sacramento Children’s Home, Valley Hi Family Resource Center, crisis nurseries, preschools, and more. I am also the proud recipient of a 2021 “Individual Artist” Grant from the California Arts Council.