Jodi Winnwalker, MSW, MT-BC, Oregon Licensed Music Therapist | CEO & Owner
Jodi has been promoting music as an avenue for healing, expression, and connection for over 40 years. After a few years working as a Music Therapist, she boldly stepped into the journey of owning a music therapy business and formed Earthtones in 1996. Since then, Earthtones has grown to also offer Horticultural Therapy and Art Therapy, provide heart-centered services to thousands of children, adults, and older adults, and mentor nearly a hundred music therapy interns into becoming new professionals.
With a Master’s in Social Work, along with her Bachelor’s in Music Therapy, Jodi is deeply passionate about developing community partnerships to find unique ways to share the power of the creative arts. Under Jodi’s leadership, Earthtones has had the opportunity to partner with Providence Elderplace, The ARC Oregon, Volunteers for America, The Oregon Symphony, The Alzheimer’s Association, as well as many local nonprofits. Her creative spirit and open mind has led to amazing therapeutic music programs including Music NOW, The Tremble Clefs of Portland, Sing Here Now, Sensory-Friendly Concerts, and Dementia-Friendly Drum Circles.
In addition to her leadership role at Earthtones, she also is an active presenter and on occasion jumps in to facilitate community drum or song circles, bringing her dynamic, yet calming energy to inspire vitality, joy, connection, and spontaneity. A mentor at heart, Jodi’s team describes her as genuine, inspiring, accepting, grounded, joy incarnate, and magnetic. A few of Jodi’s many accomplishments during her career include:
Recipient of the 2007 Betty Isern Howery Award for Excellence
Past President of the Oregon Association for Music Therapy (OAMT)
Current member of the Oregon Government Task Force for OAMT
Former full time faculty member at Marylhurst University, 2001-2004
Presented a TedTalk: “Healing Connects Through Music Therapy”
Keynote Speaker at the Hongkong Conference for Music & Wellness
Vocalist with Daughters of Harriet, a group of music therapists who share the power of voice and community singing
A Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery
Completed the Arthur Hull Drum Circle Facilitation Training
Jodi is well-known and revered in her communities. An Oregon Fiduciary Guardian had this to say about her impact through Earthtones: “Thank you for all the magic that comes with the music that you and your associates bring to our clients. The physical movement, socialization, cognitive stimulus, and feelings of well being are gifts beyond measure. Earthtones is a community treasure!” Outside of her music therapy and community work, Jodi lives an active life and enjoys hiking near her home in Sisters, OR, learning new skills (currently classical guitar and Spanish!) and loving on her eight adorable grandchildren Trevor, Logan, April, Summer, Matthew, Elizabeth, Winona and Mazzy.