Salisbury, MD — Stories Love Music is pleased to announce its upcoming Caregiver Symposium, titled “De-escalation Through Connection & Creativity,” on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Salisbury University Downtown Gallery, 212 West Main Street, Salisbury, MD. Tickets are $30 per person, which includes meals. Tickets available here: https://storieslovemusic.org/symposium/
This dynamic and restorative event is designed to empower caregivers and healthcare professionals on the Eastern Shore through creative tools for stress management and emotional connection. Founded to support those caring for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, Stories Love Music helps caregivers prioritize their wellness through music, storytelling, and art based engagement.
The symposium begins with a welcoming coffee hour for attendees and sponsors from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., providing an opportunity for informal networking and shared storytelling. Throughout the day, guests will have access to a Caregiver Relaxation Room, participate in engaging panel discussions, and take part in interactive workshops and sessions designed to promote caregiver wellness.
Programming includes “Stories Love Music meets LEGO® Serious Play®” with Loretta Veney, Ilyana Kadushin, and James Harrell; guided art sessions with Sivan Perdue; and sound healing with Chrissy Ehrhart and much more! Each experience is carefully curated to support the theme of de-escalation through creativity and connection.
“This symposium will guide attendees through self-care practices as well as demonstrate new ideas for managing challenging behaviors in the caregiving process,” Ilyana Kadushin, founder and executive director of Stories Love Music, said.
A past attendee shared, “My key takeaways from the event were the importance of creative engagement as a tool for connecting with patients and supporting caregivers. The sessions demonstrated how art and music can enhance emotional expression, reduce stress, and create a sense of community. It reinforced the value of interaction, compassion, and creativity in caregiving, making the experience deeply impactful.”
This event is made possible through the generous support of Stories Love Music’s community of donors, including The Parsons Foundation, Pohanka of Salisbury, The Kadushin Family, Soulful Staging Designs, Coastal Hospice, Loretta Veney Inspires, Avery Hall Insurance and Home Centris Healthcare.
Sponsorship packages are still available: https://storieslovemusic.org/symposium/sponsorship/
Stories Love Music is a nonprofit organization that provides caregivers with the creative tools to manage the challenging behaviors of those they care for, as well as attend to their own self-care, by celebrating both music and storytelling traditions and their positive effects. More information at storieslovemusic.org.
