Our team is committed to providing professional Rhythm Based Events
that are designed to transform, inform and inspire
We are a group of passionate individuals who have been attracted to the drum circle as a tool for well-being in our own lives, and see it as an instrument for healing and transformation in the workplace, and the community.
This is more than a job, it is our vocation, and our purpose, to help people thrive, even in difficult times!
Cree singer-Songwriter, indigenous educator and motivational speaker
Since 1997, Circles of Rhythm has been leading North America’s #1 Integrated Community Drum Circle (ICDC), creating a vibrant community that connects people, enhances well-being, and spreads JOY! By empowering entrepreneurs and rhythm enthusiasts, we offer the training and tools to help you build your own thriving drum circle business.
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Julien Lepage, MSW Leadership, Registered Social Worker, ICDC Facilitator, Trainer, and Executive Director of Circles of Rhythm, also serves as a Mental Health Therapist & Guide in the private sector and CEO of Castle Wellness.
Lepage dedicates his life to serving others, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and find environments where they can thrive. Since 2008, he has focused on supporting adults with severe and persistent mental illness and/or addiction, using both clinical and rhythmic interventions. His approach is inclusive, emphasizing evidence-based practices for nervous-system regulation, barrier removal, and community building through shared rhythm.
Julien has enhanced his skills through accredited rhythmic trainings like the internationally recognized ‘Drumbeat‘, ‘Rhythm2Recovery‘, and Remo’s HealthRhythms. His passion for rhythm led him to become a REMO Inc-endorsed artist, celebrating his lifelong dream of being associated with their high-quality drums and percussion, a testament to never being limited in one’s aspirations.
Julien innovates trauma-informed initiatives in clinical settings, both in his private practice and as a consultant. His expertise extends to supporting first responders with specialized group sessions that incorporate trauma-informed, skills-based therapies for nervous-system regulation and mindfulness. He is also committed to exploring innovative treatments, researching the integration of guided psilocybin and ketamine psychotherapy with rhythm and sound for health and wellness, always operating within legal and professional standards.
He is known for being approachable, authentic, and honest, encouraging a connection between mind and heart. Julien, a proud father of three, aims to inspire others to become better Self-Leaders.
Experience his passionate leadership in a drum circle, individual or group therapy sessions, or one of his conscious Self-Leadership workshops.
Walter MacDonald White Bear is a Cree singer-songwriter, educator, and motivational speaker originally from the First Nation of Moose Factory, Ontario. Walter has been performing acoustic and flute music for many years. His music is a reflection of his personal journey as a First Nations person in Canada. Performance highlights include The Edmonton Folk Music Festival, The Chiefs Summit with Tom Jackson, The Dream Speakers Festival, The Mountain Song Native Theater, and the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education. Walter has shared his cultural knowledge with various audiences from correctional services to principals, teachers and students. He has been invited to give keynote speeches on a range of topics, including social services, justice, education, wellness and the environment.
Walter creates a safe space and connects human beings by inviting them to share their experiences without judgement, as long as there is respect within the circle. Learn More about his Cross Cultural workshops build bridges between our diverse ways of being and living in the world. They bring together us through understanding, mutual respect, and multi-eyed seeing.
Patrick Carrick is a professional percussionist and the founder of ‘Rhythm By Nature‘, an integrative community drum circle (ICDC) program that has become a popular mainstay in British Columbia’s Kootenay Region, offering a variety of drumming services and events that promote wellness, creativity, and commUnity.
Patrick’s innate connection to drumming took hold in his Australian youth when he discovered the transformative power of collaboration-through-rhythm. This passion has taken him all around the world, finally growing roots in the spectacular Canadian Rockies. After completing his facilitation training with the nationally acclaimed ‘Circles Of Rhythm’, Patrick began hosting integrative drum circles in BC’s Columbia Valley and quickly earned a reputation for his positive impact and inclusive approach to drumming. It wasn’t long before the circle expanded to other communities throughout the Rockie Mountain region, and it continues to grow.
Patrick firmly believes that everyone should have access to the rejuvenating power of drumming, regardless of their background or experience level, and works hard to create an environment that is welcoming and supportive for people of all ages and abilities. Patrick has furthered his studies into the physiological science of rhythm and has taken further accredited trainings such as the internationally recognized ‘Rhythm2Recovery’. Patrick is now an accredited ‘Circles of Rhythm’ Master (ICDC) Drum Circle Facilitator & Trainer and uses this knowledge as a force for healing, connection and joy.
Rhythm by Nature now offers a range of customized services and programs in a variety of settings. From music festivals, school & youth programs, team-building & conference events, wellness retreats, and community gatherings.
Patrick is proud to be a REMO Inc-endorsed facilitator and believes that when you’re able to put a special instrument in front of someone, one’s inner special is drawn out to meet it…
Sarah Konelsky is a dedicated professional whose journey has evolved through various life seasons, from building a career to raising a family and navigating the complexities of elder care. With a personal experience of supporting a loved one with dementia, Sarah has balanced caregiving responsibilities while cultivating her professional growth. Her journey was further shaped by a realization that her own well-being needed attention amidst the demands of family life and challenging work environments.
Guided by the encouragement of mentors, Sarah sought opportunities that would bring lightness and renewal into her life. This exploration led her to community drum circles—a practice she initially added to a list of activities to explore. Despite some hesitation, Sarah eventually embraced the experience, finding joy, rejuvenation, and a sense of connection through rhythmic drumming. The lively and welcoming environment of the drum circle offered her a much-needed space to reconnect with herself and others, grounding her amidst life’s challenges.
Following the passing of her mother, Sarah deepened her engagement with the drumming community, participating in COR’s facilitator training retreat. This retreat not only sparked her curiosity about the physiological and emotional impact of drumming but also provided her with the opportunity to delve into the deeper meanings behind the rhythms and nonverbal communication in this heart-centered practice.
Today, Sarah serves as both a facilitator and a member of the Board of Directors for the COR Foundation. Her passion for personal growth and community connection drives her commitment to the Integrative Community Drum Circle, where she supports others in stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new experiences. Sarah’s journey highlights the power of personal growth, the importance of connection, and the transformative energy of drumming.
Marcus Fung is the visionary founder of Earth Harmony Sound & Wellness, based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where he has been pioneering sound therapy and well-being for over 15 years. Marcus brings together his extensive background as a classical and jazz musician with his expertise in alternative healing and expressive arts therapy to create transformative experiences.
His mission is to educate and empower holistic, personal, and planetary well-being through the therapeutic power of sound and rhythm.
In addition to his private practice, Marcus is an acclaimed drum circle facilitator and has trained in the Integrated Community Drum Circles (ICDC) with Circles of Rhythm. Here, he harnesses the communal joy and healing aspects of music to enhance personal connections and community spirit, furthering his commitment to sound as a tool for therapy and growth. Through both Earth Harmony Sound & Wellness and Circles of Rhythm, Marcus Fung continues to inspire individuals to explore the profound connections between music, health, and harmony.