Our Team

Tracie Gardner, MHA, MBA CEO/Founder

As a lifelong lover of music and a firm believer in the power of community and personal growth, I founded Strings Over Strife with a clear vision in mind: to provide at-risk teens in Salisbury, NC, with the transformative gift of music education. Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by young individuals in our community, I was driven to create an organization that not only equips them with musical skills but also serves as a catalyst for personal development and a stronghold against violence.

Strings Over Strife is more than just a nonprofit; it's a beacon of hope, offering free access to guitars, mentorship, counseling, and a safe space where creative expression flourishes. My motivation stems from a deep-seated belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Through our mission of instilling a sense of community and promoting nonviolence, we strive to empower each teen we reach, helping them write their own melodies of success and resilience.