Spencer Townshend Hughes

founder

Spencer is co-founder of Music Minds Matter, and also facilitates the Mental Wellness Meetup for musicians in the community who are struggling with their mental wellness as it pertains to being involved in the music scene and beyond using skills learned while obtaining his license as a Mental Health First Aid instructor. 

Spencer also fronts the Denver alternative rock quartet The Hollow, which has been nominated as Denver’s Best Rock Band over the past two years by 303 Magazine and Denver’s Westword and has opened for national acts such as Trapt, Badflower, The Verve Pipe, and more.

If you’re interested in learning more, email spencer@musicminds.org.

EDWINA MABEN

BOARD MEMBER

After Grammy-winning producer RedOne selected her as a top 5 finalist (of 9,000+ songwriters) in Guitar Center’s 2017 national songwriting contest, Edwina has consistently created and found new opportunities for herself through her passion for music & art. 

Edwina currently works at the music & social justice non profit, Youth on Record, in their FEMpowered program (a music community that provides education and mentorship to young, creative women in the primarily male dominated music industry). Edwina first started attending Music Minds Matter Meetups in 2019, and immediately felt deeply committed to their work. As an artist herself, she had been craving the conversations and space MMM prioritizes. She was invited to become a board member in 2021. 

Edwina continues to seek opportunities that are creatively challenging, socially aware, and are authentic to the vision she has for her future. To reach Edwina directly, email her at edwina@musicminds.org

Gena Iles

BOARD MEMBER

Gena has worked in the mental health industry for 20 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services, and completed course work for her Master’s degree in Community Counseling.

While Gena has worked for organizations such as All Health Network, Easter Seals, Aurora Mental Health, and Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO), she's also with Aurora Mental Health for 8 years and became one of the first Mental Health First Aid instructors with the agency. During that time, Gena helped train more than 500 individuals to become Mental Health First Aiders.

Gena is dedicated to sharing the Mental Health First Aid message and hopes that the training becomes as prevalent as CPR and First Aid for physical health. To connect with Gena directly, please email gena@musicminds.org

Press & Interviews