A little backstory on our main character. Dawn Marie has played mentor, social worker supervisor, activist, and author. With over twenty-five years of advocating for underserved voices within the Virginia Social Services Department, she has created programs of change and dedicated her life to be a voice for those neglected. Dawn has found healing through creativity, specifically writing and art. She has led workshops across the country, empowering people by reminding them of their own strength. However, Dawn’s biggest title is mom. Dawn has two daughters, but found her expertise to be incredibly useful for her youngest daughter who has pediatric onset of Bipolar 1. It has been a long and difficult journey. Dawn feels lucky to have known the resources to provide care for her daughter, Tela. Not every child or adult has that same opportunity. Beyond the Melody combines awareness with the harsh reality of mental illness, while highlighting the hope of becoming more than what your mind or statistics limit you to be.