My Journey to Music Therapy
I discovered music therapy when I was a junior in high school, when the pressures of college education were looming, and it seemed it was time I decided what my life's work was meant to be. Music and songwriting was becoming increasingly important in my life, and since I was a child helping others has always been a calling I knew I would follow.
At this time, my grandmother was beginning to show signs of Alzheimer's disease, and she was quickly beginning to lose access to memories, communication, and even connection with her family members. But one thing remained until the very end. Music was an integral part of her life and has been deeply rooted in her family's relationships and faith for generations. My sister and I discovered something that seemed magical. When we visited her, we always played piano and sang for her. And over time, even when she could no longer talk, she could sing. She rarely moved or raised her eyes anymore, but when we sang her favorite hymns, she looked into my soul, and she sang.
During this time, my mom found an article about music therapy in memory care, and my soul soared with joy and a deep knowing that this was a calling I needed to follow and learn more about.
Education & Experience
I attended Berklee College of Music and graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. I then completed my 1200 hour internship at The Sonatina Center in Dover, NH, and was hired to join the team as a board-certified music therapist, where I worked for 4 years until transitioning into private practice in 2025.
My wide range of experience included working with children and adults with disabilities, older adults in memory care, teens navigating mental health challenges, working in multiple settings implementing both group and individual music therapy sessions with individuals of all ages and varying strengths, needs, and abilities. As my lived experience and personal practice deepened, I began finding real joy and passion within the field of mental health. I transitioned into primarily facilitating music therapy groups in inpatient behavioral health, partial hospitalization programs, and eating disorder programs.
View Music Therapy Resume
My Approach
The way music touches our hearts and minds is almost impossible to describe, yet unmistakable when we experience it. Supporting folks through their own internal processes and bringing people together through music, movement, vulnerable expression, and creative arts is one of my greatest joys in life.
Clinical Framework
I gravitate towards a client-centered approach to therapy, where participants can lead the way towards their own healing. I enjoy allowing the music to guide the session, staying curious, and improvising our way through whatever arises. Music therapy sessions include a variety of creative-arts based experiences such as active music making (i.e. group drumming, group singing, songwriting, musical improvisation), receptive music listening (i.e. lyric analysis, song sharing, song discussion, guided relaxation to music), music and mindfulness, yoga and movement, making art, and more.
Through these experiences, individuals with distinct and unique experiences can build community and cohesion, make connections with each other, share and process their experiences, develop emotional awareness and expression, explore and learn new coping skills, and so much more through highly engaging and unique creative experiences. My passion for trauma-informed care, transformative justice, and building resilient and interdependent communities informs my approach, and I aim to continue exploring how my personal identities and bias show up in my work.
Philosophy
Humans have used music to share stories, express emotions, and build community for thousands of years, and participants in my groups often share that there is something familiar to them about making music with others which reminds them of their shared humanity and gratitude for all that life brings. I aim to reduce mental health stigmas by being open about my own experiences and facilitating spaces where people can come and create together, regardless of their differences. I believe that the innate wisdom of every human should be honored by practitioners who collaborate and co-create goals with clients based on their values and personal wellness aspirations.
Who I Work With
If you are...
- An outreach coordinator or clinical program manager for community and clinical organizations such as inpatient and outpatient mental health programs, peer support centers, and recovery centers
- Someone who has experienced trauma, are going through life transitions, or are navigating being with challenging times
- Someone with a unique and creative mind that doesn't always feel best served by the traditional approaches to learning and moving through the world (aka, neurodivergent)
- A member of the LGBTQIA2+ community
- Curious about how you can better care for yourself and your mental health
- Interested in learning how you can express yourself and better understand yourself through reconnecting with your innate creativity
…please inquire through the booking page, and let's make some music together!
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