about me
My name is Danielle Deopere. Around The WELL, many know me as DD. I love nature (especially rocks and trees), interacting with people, playing music, and all things relaxing!
Over the years I have explored a variety of different career opportunities. All of these adventures have had one thing in common: people! I enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories, and supporting them through their journeys.
In the past, I have sold homemade clothing and accessories at music festivals, provided direct support to people with disabilities, worked in restaurants, retail stores, and more. I became a Special Education Teacher in 2012 and have a Master’s Degree in Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders. I have worked with students in many different disability areas and have experience teaching students of different ages, but especially enjoy working with students in secondary school. It’s so great to see their personalities and values develop as they grow!
My other regular gig is playing live music. I have been in the local music scene since 2008 with various music groups: DD & Rosco, The Wildflowers, The Little Prairie Pickers, and Bothered By Daisy. My voice is my primary instrument, but I also play the banjo, guitar, ukulele, and cello. My music is what has brought me to The New Ulm WELLness Collective. In 2019 I was in a difficult place with my mental health and sought out any kind of healing that I could. I was drawn to The WELL and the practitioners there helped me in my journey to wellness. After that experience I began to wonder how I could be a part of the tribe vibe at The WELL and how I could help people going through similar experiences. The answer was clear… music! My business name is “More Than Music, LLC” because it truly is MORE than music! Music is like a friend that understands your situation, it’s a mood booster, and it can clean away the negativity we sometimes pick up throughout the day.
In 2020 I became certified as a Meditation and Mindfulness Instructor. I combine meditation and live music to create restful sessions in both studio classes and individual appointments. This combination between music and meditation will refresh the body and soul. In these sessions you will hear the hum of strings and dynamic vocals, feel your body relax, and feel the outside world drift away while you experience relaxation and bliss.