Experience

I am a board-certified music therapist from Rochester, NY with 5 years of professional experience in a variety of settings, including: 

 

Special Education:  

- Worked within several school districts and students’ homes to support neurodivergent and multi-disabled students ages 3-18

- Created personalized goals within the social, emotional, sensory integration, and communication domains, as well as academic IEP goals

- Worked collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team, including teachers, physical therapists, occupational therapist, speech language pathologists, and art therapists

- Collected data, completed documentation/evaluations, quarterly progress notes, yearly reports, and created weekly session plans

 

Private Practice: 

- Provided both in person and virtual sessions

- Co-led an adaptive choir for adults with developmental disabilities

- Facilitated adaptive voice and piano lessons

 

Internship Experience

Mary Cariola Children's Center:  August 2019- June 2020. Supervised by Jason Willey-Bustos, LCAT, MT-BC

 

Expertise

I believe that each individual I serve knows what they need, and it is my job to support them in advocating for themselves instead of making presumptions. I have worked with children and teens with a variety of diagnoses, including Autism, ADHD, as well as various developmental delays. I strive to see the clients I serve as whole human beings with a wealth of their own interests and knowledge. Within my sessions, I do my best to provide opportunities for autonomy, whether that be offering a song or an instrument choice. I am a firm believer that communication comes in all forms and implement a total communication system within my sessions, including having experience with various AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices. My approach to therapy strives to balance structure with meeting a person's needs in the moment and being flexible. I also enjoy client-led sessions integrating improvisation, whether it be vocal or instrumental.

 

The services I currently offer include: individual music therapy, group music therapy, and adaptive lessons (voice, piano, guitar) 

 

Why I Became A Music Therapist

I grew up in a household that was filled with music. My earliest memories include harmonizing with my mom and brother to various songs on The Beatles 1 album. In school, I grew to love being a part of various ensembles including chamber choir, jazz band, and theater, and knew that I wanted a career in music. I also had a strong desire to help people but did not want to give up on pursuing music. My high school teacher connected me with a music therapist in the area and I fell in love with the profession. Being able to connect with people through music, regardless of background, communication, or ability is a truly profound experience, and I feel so fortunate to be in this profession. 

 

Education

Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy- Nazareth University (August 2020) 

 

Bio

I am originally from the Utica, NY area but consider myself a Rochestarian after going to Nazareth University and choosing to stay there for my internship/the beginning of my professional career. Nature has always been an integral part of my life, so I am beyond excited to be in the Denver area with access to such breathtaking mountains! Music continues to be an important part of my life outside of being a music therapist as I am constantly singing, creating playlists, dancing, and making up silly tunes to make mundane tasks more fun! I am also a proudly queer human who has anxiety; I go to therapy for myself because I believe that being vulnerable and challenging my unconscious biases will ultimately make me a better human and clinician. Outside of the profession, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, acro yoga, and spending time in nature! A good cup of coffee and time with friends and family also make my heart happy :)