Today we’d like to introduce you to Arianna Monge.
Arianna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been singing as long as I can remember. Music is and always has been my greatest coping skill. I taught myself to play instruments–the piano, guitar, eventually ukulele and some percussion.
I had a passion for Psychology, English, Education and Science, but my heart was always in the arts. As a junior in high school, I learned of music therapy. I was inspired by medical music therapists who worked with trauma patients. Particularly, the work of Meaghan Morrow, the board-certified music therapist and certified brain injury specialist. Morrow’s application of Music Therapy helped Congresswoman Gabby Giffords relearn how to talk after a bullet to her brain-damaged the language pathways in her left hemisphere.
From that moment on, I was set on a path to become a board-certified music therapist myself. The path to my dream job had several steps—the first of which required relocation from my hometown of San Diego to land of dreams, Los Angeles.
I found myself in the Valley at Cal State Northridge (Go Matadors!) to study music therapy.
I’ve had so many amazing opportunities unfold since I came to LA. I recorded at Capitol Records with my best friends and did some acting work in film and television (because Hollywood, right?). I am a singer & percussionist in Los Angeles’ only Zimbabwean Marimba band, Masanga. Last September we had the honor of opening for Neil Young, Father John Misty and Norah Jones.
After completing my undergraduate coursework at CSUN, I began my 1000+ hr requirement as a clinical intern. I’ve worked with people of all ages from birth to end-of-life. I’ve worked in medical, mental health and substance abuse, hospice and memory care, with people experiencing homelessness, as well as with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I also provide wellness for frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19.
I am now preparing to sit for my board-certification exam and start building up my caseload of clients. I’m looking forward to making impact as a new professional.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all!
Life is full of obstacles and my path has been no exception. I always say, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. In order to help others, I had to learn to help myself first. As a therapist, my job is to facilitate experiences that aid my clients on their journey to personal healing. But therapists are real people with real problems. We need therapy too.
I’ve struggled with mental health throughout my life. It wasn’t until college that I finally sought professional help. The irony of learning to be a therapist is recognizing the areas in which you need to do the work, too. I learned that there is so much power in recognizing that we don’t always have to be strong. I had to learn what it truly means to take care of myself.
I think it’s also important to acknowledge that there’s a lot of privilege in higher education. College is a huge financial struggle when you can’t afford it—even more so when an unpaid internship is required to complete your degree.
I battled anxiety, depression, and imposter syndrome as a student in the music therapy program. Being a bi-racial woman of color, I struggled with finding my place in a profession that is cis-white female-dominated. I had to learn that while my feelings were valid, I have a lot to bring to the table and I have the potential to be a leader in my field.
When I began my clinical internship in January 2020, I was working at the hospital and providing in-person services at various facilities across the county. My main source of income at the time was in the entertainment industry. Due to COVID-19, I like many other musicians, were completely out of work. Working through the constraints of social distancing as a healthcare professional was an entire challenge in itself. This pandemic taught me to be flexible and resilient as we pivot towards telehealth music therapy. While everyone in the field is still figuring it out, I got to be at the forefront of providing services in this new way. Telehealth has proven itself to be effective and greatly rewarding.
Del Terra Adornments – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My partner and I started Del Terra while we were putting ourselves through college. What began as a passion for crystals and their energetic properties, turned into a source of joy and healing we could share with others.
We create one-of-a-kind, wire wrapped jewelry out of earth’s gems and minerals. We specialize in custom ordered pendants, earrings and rings. We individualize every element of the piece to the person it is for.
Historically speaking, crystals are ancient forms of medicine. There are a countless different types of crystals, each with their own healing abilities for the mind, body and soul. Drawing on Vedic knowledge of the body’s energy centers, or Chakras, specific crystals can be employed for a specific need. For example, the deep blue color of Lapis Lazuli aligns with both the third eye and throat chakra, encouraging unity between the mind and the voice. In other words, the stone aids the wearer in speaking their truth.
We are proud of the community of healing that Del Terra has connected us to. What sets us apart is that we are both creatives at our core. Individually, we are musicians trying to sustain ourselves and our art. Through Del Terra, we are united in creating something tangible and unique that others can carry with them.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is such a funny thing. Everyone defines it differently—I think our society likes to believe that success is marked by milestones and material objects. Go to school, get a degree, get a job, get married, have a family. Buy a house, buy a car, buy XYZ. Sure, those are all nice things to have. But it’s not the only template for life out there. I’m guilty of buying into someone else’s ideal. I personally found that trying to check off imaginary boxes left me miserable.
To me, success is happiness. I find contentment in knowing that I already have everything I need. I get to do what I love for a living and I get to help people while I’m at it. I’d say that’s pretty successful.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected] [email protected]
- Instagram: @mindbodyari (personal) @delterra_ (business)
Image Credit:
Dante Villa Dauz, Courtney Newman
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