Specialty: Team Lead, Expressive Therapies & Music Therapist, Pediatrics
Education/Training: BA, Music Therapy
Certifications: Board Certified Music Therapist
Year of Certification: 2001
Years at MGHCC: Since 2007

What drew you to your specialty? Ever since a young age, I have wanted to use my love of music to help people. Music therapy, the evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individual goals, was the perfect career to fulfill that need. Then, as a young adult, I was introduced to the pediatric hematology/oncology population through my work at Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. This experience showed me the importance of laughter, fun, singing and dancing, empowerment and normalcy in helping a child regain their joy and support their health. As a music therapist at MGHCC, I get to witness this process every day.

What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is helping a child reduce their fear. Though the relationship that is built and through the universality and joy of music, I often get to witness pediatric patients’ first smiles during their treatment process. That is true gift to be a part of.

What would you like to tell patients and their families about integrative therapies and your specialty? Music therapy is practiced by board certified music therapists who have completed an approved music therapy program. Goals for pediatric patients and families often include decreasing fear and anxiety, increasing empowerment, supporting emotional expression, increasing physical rehabilitation and developing/supporting coping skills. This is done through active music making, singing, learning a new instrument, song writing, recording and many other music interventions. No musical skill is necessary.