Debbi
Ponella

Creativity Cultivator

Creativity is an active way of living—
one that deepens learning, connection, and meaning

I cultivate creativity through music and the arts, education, storytelling, and community

Creative Work with
Adults & Organizations

I work with artists, educators, and arts organizations to cultivate creativity as a reflective and relational practice. Through teaching, collaboration, research, and conversation, I support individuals and groups in deepening how they listen, create, and think together.

Creative Experiences with Children & Young People

Much of my work centers on nurturing creativity in children and young people through music-making, composition, and play. Programs such as Kids Compose invite young creators to explore their musical ideas, develop confidence, and experience creativity as a joyful and meaningful part of learning.

Listening, Reflection, and Creative Conversation

Listening is at the heart of my creative practice. Through projects like the Defining Creativity podcast and other reflective work, I engage artists, educators, and thinkers in conversations about how creativity shows up in lived experience—and why it matters.

I am a musician, educator, and creative researcher whose work brings people together across disciplines and generations. Whether I'm collaborating with artists, working with children, or engaging in reflective conversations, I am interested in how creativity helps us learn, listen, and connect more deeply.

Debbi Ponella