How did your journey as an Accredited Music Therapist begin?
I’d like to say my journey started long before I knew what Music Therapy was. I grew up in the Salvation Army church where there is a natural culture of building musicianship and community service. I grew up playing in the brass band and singing in choirs that frequented long-term care facilities, hospitals, homeless shelters, addiction centers, and mental health residences/schools.
In addition to this my family opened a school dedicated to the learning assistance of children with autism, global developmental delays, speech challenges, behavioural and/or attention challenges. I volunteered after school and during the summers and began to realize that I had a passion for this kind of outreach. I grew to love people and using my talents in this way.
Subsequently, when the time came to chose a University degree music therapy was a natural fit. I loved every moment of my time at Acadia University in the Bachelor of Music Therapy program. There I trained in saxophone, piano, voice, and guitar and learned about all of the ways music therapy can be applied clinically. I gained valuable guidance from teachers and mentors during practicum placements and within an interactive class environment. I graduated in 2016 with my Bachelor’s in Music Therapy Degree (BMT) and began my accreditation process the following fall.
What did you do after your training as an Accredited Music Therapist and why?
After completing an 1000-hr internship in Perth,ON and a Board Examination in order to achieve accreditation, I spent much needed time de-compressing with my family in Bermuda. Following this, I began working with Find Your Voice Music Therapy in July 2017. Within the year of working in Kingston I have met wonderful people, mourned the loss of beautiful souls, completed the Neurologic Music Therapy training at the University of Toronto, and plan to continue my journey as an Accredited Music Therapist working within this community.
What are you passionate about in music therapy?
I am passionate about connecting with people, giving people the opportunity to be heard and validated in whatever stage of life they are in. I am passionate about removing the stigma associated with certain diagnoses and removing the general expectations of what a person is thought to be able to accomplish or feel.
What do you hope to accomplish through your work music therapy?
- Authenticity.
- Respect toward all people no matter their age or diagnosis.
- Peace of mind for clients and their families.