Board of Directors and Staff

Education and Specialized Training

I am currently completing a PhD in Health Policy and Equity at York University. Completed degrees and designations include:

• Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery
  Master of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto
• Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy) from Concordia University
• Registered Psychotherapist
• Certified Music Therapist (MTA)
• Certificate in Music Therapy from Acadia University
• Bachelor of Arts in Music and Psychology from McMaster University

Work

My music therapy work has focused on older adults in long-term care homes and hospitals.  As a Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery, I am a trained practitioner in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music and provide individual and group sessions in private settings.  My research interests include burnout among health care professionals and the professionalization of music therapy.

What is CAMT to you?

The voice for certified music therapists (MTAs) across the country.

Education and Specialized Training

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music) – Providence University College, MB (2000)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Music Therapy (Nordoff-Robbins) – University of Edinburgh, UK (2004)
• Certified Music Therapist (MTA)

Work

I work full time in long term care and inpatient mental health, for a mental health service provider in South Central Manitoba.  I have served as a practicum supervisor and guest lecturer for CMU in Winnipeg.  In my 15 years of clinical work, I’ve learned so much from my clients, including the fact that there is always more to learn!  I’m most comfortable working with persons living with dementia, where the benefits of music therapy are on full display for family and staff.

What is CAMT to you?

The professional lifeline that sustains and develops music therapists across the country.

Education and Specialized Training

• Registered Psychotherapist
• Certified Music Therapist (MTA)
• Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery
• Master of Music Therapy – Wilfrid Laurier University (2005)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music) – York University (1999)

Work

For the first eight years of my music therapy career, I worked with adults in long-term care. Since then, my practice has expanded to working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays, as well as adults in group home and day program settings. I am certified to practise the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, and currently use adaptations with my clients, with the goal of providing individual sessions in the future.

What is CAMT to you?

CAMT provides opportunities for connection and communication, as well as advocacy and standards to ensure that we represent the profession of Music Therapy in the best way possible.

Education and Specialized Training

• Bachelor of Music Therapy, Capilano University (1988)
• Masters of Music Therapy, Open University of BC (1999)
• Certified Music Therapist (MTA)
• PhD in leadership and change, Antioch University (2014)
• AVPT (Advanced Psychotherapist) certificate with Dr. Diane Austin (2013)
• Hold bachelors degrees in physical education (1975) and in education (1976) plus post-grad diplomas in rehabilitation and special education (1983) from the University of Calgary

Work

I am a faculty instructor at Capilano University’s music therapy program since 1998 teaching voice, practicum supervision and geriatric music therapy; have a small private practice with older adults in care and in community; provide casual music therapy coverage for Providence Health Care; have worked for nearly 30 years with older adults in residential care and end of life care settings;

What is CAMT to you?

Our national voice – the organization that represents, connects, and supports all music therapists across Canada.

Education and Specialized Training

After completing my Bachelor of Music, Honours Music Education, I pursued my Master of Music Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University, graduating in 2007. I completed my PhD in Music Education at Western University in 2019, where I conducted qualitative research regarding performance and its impact upon identity formation in community music therapy and community music settings. I have been a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) since 2009 and an RP (Registered Psychotherapist) since 2015.

Work

I am Wilfrid Laurier University’s “Music Therapist-in-Residence”, a position that encompasses teaching and supervising music therapy students at Laurier, conducting practice-based research, and working clinically at Homewood Health Centre, a mental health and addictions facility in Guelph, ON. From 2007-2012 I was the music therapist at Lutherwood Mental Health Services in Waterloo, ON, where I worked with adolescents with mental health issues as well as older adults. In 2016 I received a Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund grant, which allowed me to provide music therapy services for one year at Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre in London, ON. Outside of my work as a music therapist, I sing professionally in the Canadian Chamber Choir.

What is CAMT to you?

The CAMT is the vibrant voice of music therapy and music therapists in Canada!

Education and Specialized Training

• Executive Masters of Business Administration
  - University of Fredericton
  Bachelor of Music Therapy
  - Capilano University
  Certified Music Therapist (MTA)

Work

Serving as President of CAMT for two terms, a decade apart, and now as ED a decade after that has granted me a lens that is dedicated to the current and future needs of music therapists with historical insight.

I have owned and operated a music therapy company for 30 years, home to a team of music therapists who serve people of all ages. We most often partner with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and charities.

Clinically I have spent most of my career in neuro-rehabilitation, mental health including forensics, and end-of-life care.

What is CAMT to you?

CAMT is the primary source of resources and best practices that help music therapists across the country achieve their professional goals.

Education and Specialized Training

• Bachelor of Music Therapy, University of Windsor (2005)
• Certified Music Therapist (MTA)
• Professional Certification in Non-Profit Management

Work

I have been employed full time by CAMT since December of 2013. Among other things, I run the CAMT office, head up the planning of the national conference, process certification applications and support CAMT members whenever and wherever possible. I am honoured to be CAMT’s first employee and I’m passionate about helping Canadian music therapists get what they need to continue their important work. Prior to taking this position I worked in long term care doing both recreation and music therapy as well as group music therapy at a community living centre. I was on the CAMT Board of Directors as the website chair from September 2009 – October 2013.

What is CAMT to you?

Working to serve our members creating strong, certified music therapists and raise the profile of Music Therapy in Canada.