It would come as a surprise to no one that the Harris and I first connected over our shared love of music.  Favorite bands, favorite albums, favorite genres.  Since we both toured in different bands, there were also conversations about the worst gigs and the many floors of friends slept on to save money. 

As we got to know each other better at the company we both worked at, conversations began to shift over the years to thoughts on modern therapy, mental health providers, and the things that seemed to be missing from both.  Where was the compassion?   Where was the focus on clients and not profit?  Where was the l-o-v-e?

After a particularly difficult week at work for the both of us, Harris came into my office and I asked him a simple question: “Wanna start our own company?”  Without a beat, Harris said yes.  And here we are.

Paragon is all about providing therapeutic experiences rooted in creativity, genuine relationships, radical empathy, collaboration, and social justice.  Whether that is a one-on-one music therapy session focused on songwriting, a children’s group using instruments to explore emotions, a training with preschool teachers on the science of a toddler’s brain, or a presentation on the intersectionality of disability and race.

Harris and I bring unique skillsets to Paragon.  I have spent my professional life in disability activism and social work.  Harris has spent his as a musician and therapist.  We share the same hope and optimism, though, that people are capable of great change with the right kind of unconditional support.  Harris and I also believe in the power of true therapeutic collaboration where the therapist and client are equals.

-Loren Pilcher