I first found music therapy in high school through a friend. What drew me to it was how naturally it brought together two things I already loved… music and psychology. I had been taking piano lessons since I was 3, and I was also interested in how people learn, grow, and connect.

One experience in college shaped me deeply. I observed a music therapy session led by a professor who specialized in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, together with a student therapist, working with a child with ASD. Before the session, the child seemed disconnected and had very little control over their body or response to sound. But once the music began, something changed. The child responded to the piano, followed sung directions, used short but meaningful words, and joined the activities with joy. What stayed with me most was not only the progress, but the smiles and giggles. In that short session, so many of the “can’ts” seemed to fade, and I could feel a sense of “can,” connection, and joy. It felt magical, and that experience still shapes how I hope to serve my clients today.

Later, this work became even more personal when my father-in-law was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, along with some memory loss. For much of my career, my passion was centered on children. But walking alongside my own family made me want to understand more about how Neurologic Music Therapy can support adults and make daily life a little easier for both clients and the people who care for them.