In this episode of Find Your Voice, host Sarah Van Waardhuizen interviews Miss Cynthia, a Central College dance professor, who shares her inspiring journey from late-start dancer to professional showgirl in Vegas and Europe. Cynthia opens up about her personal background, her passion for dance, and her experience with adoption, emphasizing the role of music and dance in creating bonds and fostering resilience in children. Sponsored by Dr. Mom Music and Central College, this episode is perfect for educators, musicians, and anyone interested in the transformative power of the arts.

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00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice

01:11 Meet Miss Cynthia: Dance Professor at Central College

02:22 Miss Cynthia's Dance Journey: From Late Starter to College

04:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Dance Education

06:12 The Impact of Teachers and Mentors

11:32 Miss Cynthia's European Connection and Family History

13:31 Life as a Vegas Showgirl

16:43 The Rigorous Audition Process

17:00 Challenges of Being a Dancer in Paris and Vegas

18:30 Safety and Work Conditions in Vegas Shows

19:24 Experiences on Broadway and Teaching Dance

22:02 Adoption Journey and Family Life

30:19 Music's Role in Family and Child Development

31:29 Current Music Interests and Trends

33:44 Conclusion and Credits

In this episode of Find Your Voice, we explore the challenges faced by nearly 6,000 Iowa kids in foster care and the shortage of available homes. We delve into research on stability and belonging, and how music and connection aid in healing. Host Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen [Dr. Mom Music] shares her personal journey from foster care to adoption, highlighting the crucial role of music. She introduces a special project, Together We'll Be, to support music education and foster care reform. Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable insights to make a difference in children's lives. https://dr-mom-music.kit.com/93d7aaef3a

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00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice

01:20 Highlighting Music Educators and Adoption

03:37 Personal Journey with Foster Care

06:21 Becoming a Foster Family

10:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Foster Care

14:12 Adoption and Family Life

23:48 Music Education Project

37:55 Foster Care Statistics and Call to Action

40:19 Conclusion and Credits

In this episode of 'Find Your Voice,' we sit down with Mrs. Susan Lyons, a high school science teacher and trombone enthusiast, to explore her journey in both music and education. Susan shares her passion for music, her experience raising funds for new band uniforms, and the unique ways she connects with her students through music and athletics. From small-town roots to her advocacy for music’s role in shaping well-rounded individuals, Susan provides insight into the importance of arts education and the profound impact it has on students. Join us to be inspired by her relentless support for music and hear the heartwarming stories that have endeared her to the Pella community.

00:00 Introduction to Find Your Voice Podcast

00:46 Meet Mrs. Susan Lyons

01:11 Susan's Musical Journey

01:42 Family and Music

03:21 The Importance of Music Education

04:29 Balancing Music and Athletics

06:30 Susan's Involvement with the Band

15:05 The #LetHerMarch Movement

18:43 The Viral Impact of Social Media

20:26 Fundraising for New Uniforms

21:43 The Power of Community Support

23:50 Creating and Editing Videos

25:17 Highlights and Personal Reflections

31:18 Advocating for Music Education

34:22 Gratitude and Final Words

Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com

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In this episode of “Find Your Voice,” host Dr. Mom sits down with Samantha Robilliard from Pella High School. Samantha shares her background in music education, her family's influence, and her experiences as a choir director. She also talks about her mission trips to Kenya and how they've impacted her teaching and personal growth. Listen to Samantha's journey of balancing family, education, and her passion for missions, and hear heartfelt words of gratitude from a former student whose life she has touched.

In this episode, Dr. Mom Music sits down with Professor Brad Lampe — longtime music educator from Clarke Community Schools in Osceola, Iowa and current Director of Bands at Central College in Pella, Iowa — to explore what it truly means to build community through music.

Brad’s approach to directing isn’t just about perfecting sound or preparing for the next concert. It’s about building relationships, fostering belonging, and creating a space where every student knows they matter.

Together, Dr. Mom Music and “Lampe” discuss how connection fuels musical excellence, how empathy strengthens leadership, and how cultivating a culture of care transforms an ensemble into a family. Enjoy hearing the Central College Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the baton of Professor Brad Lampe performing Central College sophomore Music Education major, Andrew Mahaffey’s work, “Dance of Leprechaun” throughout the podcast (played with permission by the composer).

Contact Dr. Mom: dr.mom.music4@gmail.com

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