Mary Tolena

Mary Tolena is a workshop leader and “Groove Guide” who helps groups transform from individuals into 'improvisational ensembles.' Her passion is seeing people uncover and connect with the fundamental rhythms of their strengths, and combine them into one rhythmic song. 

Mary’s background includes 25 years of business ownership and manufacturing operations management.  She is an experiential educator who designed and taught college-level courses in leadership and communications.  She holds masters degrees in Management and in Leadership & Organizational Development.

With warmth and encouragement, Mary meets participants where they are, helping them to join in the way that is right for them.  She has deep understanding of human behavior and the phenomenon of group music emergence.  “When a group gets into a groove together, we ride on a current that is bigger than all of us.  I feel privileged to facilitate – to make easy – the memorable musical moments that the participants create.”   

Mary is a Certified Village Music Circles (Arthur Hull) Drum Circle Facilitator.  She taught in Arthur's Hawaii Drum Circle Facilitators Playshop (2005-2008), and completed HealthRHYTHMS Facilitation Training.  Mary is president of the non-profit Seattle World Percussion Society, which produces the annual World Rhythm Festival.   Mary has been an organizer and/or presenter for Drum Circle Facilitators Guild annual conferences since they began in 2005.  Mary’s love for travel has taken her to Brazil, Bali, and around the U.S. to study drumming in both original culture and modern rhythm circle contexts.