Jennifer G.

Vocal and Creative Coach, Writer. I’ve been singing and writing songs since I was 9.

I’ve been on a spiritual path all of my life, embracing nature, animals and beauty as they

are my most powerful mirrors among my loving husband, son and family.

Why This Work Matters

I love that SH helps so many students so they don’t have to carry school debt. Such a huge

weight to carry when starting your life. I feel that is a vital component of what SH does, freeing

up young people to live freer lives. And all that they do for the community and the wildfire

survivors is off the charts! So hands on, generous and full of heart.

On culturally responsive care: Connecting and sharing with my community is highly important to

me. I am first in line to help and assist others stay and feel safe and loved, especially during

these auspicious times of these fires. The meaning of being a true neighbor has been clearly

defined in this last year. I am so grateful to be closer than ever to my community.

Connection to Altadena

Multi generational families, the variance and beauty of age-old trees. The oasis being up near

the mountains, the coyotes and bears that walk past my house, the rich history in every building, church and home.

Meaningful tradition: We go to the Altadena tree lighting annually and it is full of pure beauty,

wonder, true community and spirit!

In my work: I embody it being here for 20 years. I home birthed my son in a house we owned

that burned down. We homeschooled our son from 1st grade to 12th in all the schools,

community centers and classes in friends' back yards and at Farnsworth park. All of our son’s

friends are scattered across Altadena and San Gabriel Valley. We have been to every library,

park and event center. We love this city.

A Defining Moment

The morning after the fire. My neighbor started collecting everyone’s names, phone numbers

and addresses so we could have a block text to give blow by blow information while we all went

back and forth to our evacuated places. I can’t tell you what a vital lifeline this became for all of

us. When the National Guard came some stayed behind and lived off of generators to watch our

block with vigilance. To be able to text and know what was going on 24/7 was beyond calming in a very vulnerable and difficult situation.

How this shapes my work: It showed me how much it means to communicate and show up real

and to be present.

Vision for the Future

My hope for Altadena: I would love to see most families return and see their homes being

rebuilt. My true hope is that the houses are built with beauty and integrity to what they used for

look like. New and improved of course, but with a feel and style in which they existed prior. I

would love to have more and more community gatherings so we can bond and know that we are

here for one another.

What I hope families feel: Safe, heard. Loved, cared for, overwhelmed by the bounty of help,

hopeful….

Bringing to the Work

Strengths: I have owned my business for 30 years, working intuitively with artists snd musicians.

I have a very strong connection to my intuition and am able to help people discover that more

within themselves. I am naturally empathetic and love helping people work with their feelings

and find their own inner language that resonates with them. I love working with people and am

passionate about being a team player even though I love working on my own.

On collaboration: Being from the fire and moving 15 times, losing so much, it is so special to

assist others going through similar experiences and knowing first hand, what they may be

feeling. It’s healing to connect and share and listen to people who need to process and move

through so much grief and loss. I’m grateful to have the life experience I have and being from

the fires, to help facilitate and hold empathy and space for my community.

Beyond the Work

What brings me joy: Sitting outside every morning in my garden, music, hiking, spending time

with my family, going to Yosemite annually, traveling to national parks, eating gluten and dairy

free treats I bake.

Favorite genres: History Buff

When not volunteering: Coaching, singing, writing, taking long walks in nature, tending to my

family and elderly mother.

Fun fact: I love to listen to Christmas music the day after Halloween. I’m a true Christmas

beauty lover: music and the lights fill me up.

Words I live by: "Take one day at a time. I heard myself saying that to myself every day when I

could not face another step to go through with these fires. It was a true gift of learning how to be

truly present and embodying that.