Stefanie Curtiss has been a part of the MusiCares Team for nine years now. As Managing Director of Health Services, she plays an integral role in providing supportive services and programs including medical services, dental services, hearing health services, preventative care, wellness education and more to the music community in need.
Below, learn more about Stefanie's role at MusiCares, her dedication to serving the music community and her tips for prioritizing wellness and self-care.
What does your job entail?
As the Managing Director of Health Services here at MusiCares, I proudly assist individuals through the MusiCares grant process helping to facilitate emergency financial assistance relief for those going through difficult times in life caused by illness, injury or other medical challenges.
I also work with healthcare providers to create preventative health and educational programs to help music industry professionals prioritize self-care while working in an industry that can make wellness and self-care a particular challenge.
Most recently myself and the other Health Services team members rolled out a bi-annual clinic model focusing on specific preventative care needs that most industry professionals don't currently have access to. Twice a year, MusiCares now offers vision, dental and music industry as athlete's clinics.
The ultimate goal is that industry professionals will know which 2 months a year MusiCares is providing these specific services so they can plan ahead to secure appointments regardless of whether they are on or off the road.
What led you to a career in Health Services at MusiCares?
I am a middle child, and grew up in a family with an alcoholic father, so from a young age I have been very empathic and had a strong desire to provide care for others.
I believe life is hard at times for all of us and everyone deserves a safe space to be vulnerable, process what they are going through and receive help brainstorming next steps to get through it.
After graduating with my Masters in Clinical Psychology, prior to joining the MusiCares team, I spent several years working with a variety of populations trying to see where I felt I could be the most impactful.
I was very lucky to have some amazing experiences working at a psychiatric hospital working with ADHD children and adults, providing individual and group counseling at an all-male maximum security prison and working under the HR umbrella for a large restaurant company where I would go onsite to provide counseling for a variety of traumas such as robberies or employee's passing away unexpectedly.
All of these experiences have helped me curate my perspective of acceptance and authenticity which allow me to better support music industry professionals in need. I have been a MusiCares team member since 2014 and cherish the opportunity to support the music community.
What inspires you the most about working at MusiCares on the Health Services Team?
To come alongside people while they navigate some of their most difficult moments is a humbling and honor filled role. Being able to create a safe space while individuals process a recent diagnosis, loss or struggle and ensure they know they are being seen and that they deserve the support they are seeking and receiving really inspires me.
All of us prefer to be in the circumstance to provide help rather than need help, and I don't take it for granted that I am allowed to be able to do that on a daily basis.
What is your current favorite MusiCares health initiative?
Hearing health is a unique challenge for all music industry professionals. Whether you are on stage performing, by the stage running security or sound or the music journalist or photographer attending and capturing the magic, if you work in the music industry you are going to be exposed to damaging decibel levels an increased amount of time more than most individuals.
Hearing health can be protected and preserved if addressed proactively and intentionally and that is why MusiCares' partnership and services through Tuned, a virtual audiological platform, is something I can't stop talking to folks about when I meet them.
In general, it seems like we all get our hearing screened in school when we are young but then never again until we seek it out independently, typically because we are experiencing issues.
The hearing wellness program through Tuned allows music industry professionals to obtain an annual hearing screening to secure a base line and comparison year over year, a one on one consultation with a music audiologist that can be selected by speciality if desired such as Tinnitus, and protective filtered plugs.
The best part is that all of this is done virtually, wherever you are whenever it is best for you! If you haven't checked it out yet you totally should. I bet after you do you will nerd out about hearing health as much as I do now.
Do you have any advice for music professionals when it comes to prioritizing their wellness?
Be intentional, take action when you can and make time to laugh! We live in a very fast paced world that makes time our most precious and limited resource.Working in the music industry many times means working when most others are relaxing and enjoying themselves.
The grind can really take a toll both physically and mentally. Without expectation or reason, attempt to do at least one thing for yourself each day.
Whether that is a walk around the block, a phone call to a trusted friend or setting a five-minute meditation timer on your phone. You deserve and need to pour into yourself while creating and giving so much to the world.
Personally, I keep a running list of free simple ways to provide self-care for myself, so that when I am completely tapped, I pick one to implement.
What would you say to individuals who are hesitant to reach out to MusiCares?
I would just love the music community to know that we understand reaching out for help can be scary. Many times, we tell ourselves that we aren't worthy or others need it more. I want everyone to know that they do deserve support and MusiCares is here to provide it when they need it.
In a world where it feels like everyone is judging everything at all times, MusiCares is a safe judgment free zone to seek the help and support you need and deserve.
What keeps you motivated at work?
Impact. MusiCares is a unique organization with an extraordinary reach. Very few non-profits have the ability to make such a direct impact on their client's lives. Whether that looks like detox and inpatient care covered in full for someone or funeral cost assistance to a grieving family and community.
The direct impact that the MusiCares organization makes in individuals' lives keeps me motivated to continue doing my part to the best of my ability each and every day.
What are you most proud of in the last year at MusiCares? What are you looking forward to?
I know it might sound odd to say but I am most proud of the team here at MusiCares. MusiCares has gone through so much growth and change, especially in the past few years since the pandemic.
Change is hard and scary, even good change! Additionally, it is a pressure filled position when you know so many people count on you and burn out is a real challenge in the nonprofit field.
I have been so proud to be a part of a team that continues to embrace change and show up and do the hard work each and every day to ensure we provide the best support possible to the music community that gives so much to the world.
*Stefanie Curtiss with her sister. Photo courtesy of Stefanie Curtiss.*
We are oftentimes defined by our work. What are some things you dedicate your time to outside of your work at MusiCares?
I have two wonderful fur babies, Walter and Stanley, who I love to take on walks and to the dog park. This summer has been so hot, we got them a small pool in the backyard and have been chilling in that a bit recently.
I am lucky, and my mom lives nearby. She has some memory problems as she is aging but I get to see her on a weekly basis and we have been trying to see as many of the summer blockbusters as possible now that they are back in theaters.
I have a wonderful husband named Doug, and we love playing golf together. Our goal is to play golf in every state and by the end of this summer we will be well over halfway there.
My twin sister Meghan is my best friend and we are constantly thinking of new adventures to have together whether it is playing a new board game, checking out a silent disco or taking a road trip to see what we can find. I am looking forward to football season and college basketball in the fall too!
*Walter and Stanley. Photo courtesy of Stefanie Curtiss.*
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