14. From Nonprofit Leader to Story Doula: How Photography and Video Preserve Life Stories

Send us Fan MailStorytelling photographer Heather Knox shares her journey from international nonprofit work to helping people capture their life stories through guided autobiography and digital storytelling. With deep experience in service, photography, and nonprofit leadership, Heather now focuses on helping seniors in Mexico preserve their stories before they're lost.Key Points Discussed:• Over 30 years in nonprofit sector spanning multiple countries and causes• Founded Project Somos Learning Village in Guatemala with her husband Greg• Discovered storytelling photography while documenting children at their nonprofit• Trained in guided autobiography and digital storytelling to help others preserve memories• Currently works with "To Whom I May Concern" helping people with cognitive changes share their stories• Recommends three steps to capture your essence: guided autobiography, organizing photos, and creating digital stories• Views storytelling as a spiritual practice that honors human dignity• Advocates for printing photos and documenting stories before they're lost• Serves as a "story doula" helping people birth their personal narrativesConnect with Heather:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heatheraliciaknoxInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciaknoxfotos/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatheraliciaknoxLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-alicia-knox-b4587849/Website: https://aliciaknox.com/Heather's own digital story: (Te Veo/I See You)Other links discussed:Common Language Digital Storytelling:  https://commonlanguagedst.org/Listen to Episodes 3, 5, 10 & 11 for more about CLDSTThe Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies:  https://thebirrencenter.org/To Whom I May Concern:  https://towhomimayconcern.org/Listen to Episode 8 for the interview with Laura Bowley with To Whom I May ConcernIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute to look at the show notes for resources and links, be sure to leave a rating and review, and follow the show to get notified when the next episode comes out. If you know someone who would enjoy this podcast, please share it with them.Thank you for listening!Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast?  Email:  [email protected] use the "Send us Fan Mail" link at the top of the Episode Description to text the show!Interested in learning more?  Check out my Etsy ShopVisit my YouTube channel or websiteIntro and outro music with thanks:  Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.