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Alexandra Moir, BMus, CMT, MTA, NMT.

she/her

Halifax

long term care, research, palliative care, neurologic music therapy

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Nova Scotia Health

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Alexandra is one of two music therapists at Camp Hill, Veteran's Memorial Hospital. She has also worked as a music therapy research coordinator, and in palliative care. She has completed her neurologic music therapy training and is an internship supervisor.

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Anna Plaskett

she/her

Halifax

physical & developmental disabilities, autism, youth-at-risk

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Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts - Centre for Music Therapy

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Anna Plaskett is Music Therapy Department Head at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts. She has experience as a music therapy clinician, supervisor, presenter and entrepreneur with her former practice, Heartsparks Music Therapy. Anna has served as the Resource Chair, Continuing Education Chair & Vice President for the Atlantic Association for Music Therapy and Conference Co-Chair for the Canadian Association of Music Therapists.

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Emma Barss

she/her

Halifax

long term care, geriatrics, palliative care, mental health

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Parkstone Enhanced Care, Maplestone Enhanced Care

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I graduated from the Acadia University BMT program in 2012. Since 2013, I have been working at Parkstone Enhanced Care (4 days a week), and Maplestone Enhanced Care (1 day a week) in the Clayton Park area of Halifax, NS. These facilities are long-term care homes, and I primarily work with residents who are diagnosed with dementia (various forms including Alzheimer's Disease, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia, etc.), Parkinson's Disease, MS, anxiety, depression, and other mental health diagnoses. I facilitate a variety of group and individual music therapy sessions based on resident goal areas, backgrounds, and assessment findings. When residents are approaching end of life, I meet with them and their family members to facilitate palliative care music therapy. I am a CAMT internship supervisor and regular practicum supervisor for Acadia University.

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Hannah Parks MM CMT MTA

she/her

Lunenburg County

mental health, women's wellness, community music therapy,

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Shore Sound Music Therapy

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I specialize in women's mental health, and have experience in shelters for women-at-risk, and for survivors of domestic violence. I am a certified trauma-sensitive heart-math practitioner and my approach to music therapy is informed by this training, as well as many years of training and experience in mindfulness and somatic meditation. I am passionate about community music therapy and music education for all.

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Heather Suitor, BMT, MTA, Licensed Kindermusik Educator

she/her

Fall River, Dartmouth, Halifax

adults/children developmental disabilities, long-term care

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Joyful Sounds Music Studio

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@joyfulsoundsmusic

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Heather is a music therapist and music educator at Joyful Sounds Music Studio in Fall River; providing music therapy programs, private lessons on Piano/Guitar, Kindermusik, and is one of two elementary music teachers at Summit Academy for Active Learning.
Past experience in long-term care, community mental health and school systems. Heather currently serves as the Public Education chair on the AAMT Board.

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Katelyn Wheaton, BMT, MTA

She/her

Halifax

Dementia, mental health, physical and intellectual disabilities

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Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts- Centre for Music Therapy

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“I love sharing the joy and comfort music brings to people. It is a privilege to hear everyone's stories, and be a part of their journey.”

Katelyn holds a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Acadia University (2018), and completed her internship with Heartsparks Music Therapy (2019). Originally from Sackville, New Brunswick, Katelyn now lives and practices music therapy in K’jipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia. Katelyn thoughtfully plans new and fun musical activities to engage and connect with clients, and enjoys utilizing her flute in her music therapy practice. She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including those with dementia, mental health, physical and intellectual disabilities. Katelyn has a passion for working with adults with disabilities, as well as individuals experiencing dementia.

Katelyn serves on the AAMT board in the membership role, and enjoys teaching regular and adapted lessons for beginner voice, ukulele, guitar, flute, and piano. She thrives on learning songs across the decades, and is a supportive and kind therapist and friend. In her spare time she enjoys songwriting, painting, and exploring Nova Scotia’s beautiful backyard!

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Kendall Jones, MT-BC, MTA

she/her

Halifax

Long term care

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Shannex

n/a

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n/a

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Description:

Mackenzie Costron, BMT, MTA, RCT

she/her

Halifax

Adult & Maternal Mental Health, Mindfulness & Life Transitions

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Find Your Voice Music Therapy

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Mackenzie Costron, BMT, MTA, RCT (she/her), is the Owner and Founder of Find Your Voice Music Therapy, launching the first practice location in Katarokwi/ Kingston, ON June 2014. She launched the second Find Your Voice Music Therapy location in K’jipuktuk/ Halifax, NS July 2017 and currently provides trauma informed music therapy & counselling services in Halifax area as well as online across Turtle Island/ Canada.

Mackenzie began her Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) Certified Music Therapist (MTA) training with Acadia University obtaining a Bachelor of Music Therapy (BMT). In recent years, Mackenzie returned to campus as a part time member of the music therapy faculty instructing 3rd and 4th year students. She is also a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) and completed the Narrative Therapy program through The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre and University of Toronto. In addition, Mackenzie is a Heart Centered Facilitator with Costron+Co supporting creatives, therapists and health/ wellness entrepreneurs through business coaching and mentorship sessions, workshops, and retreats.

Mackenzie uses the interplay of music and verbal language within the therapeutic process. She specializes working in mental health (i.e. anxiety, panic attacks, grief and loss) particularly during moments of change and transition. Mackenzie is currently focusing her work on maternal health in the prenatal period. She also has experience working with neurodivergent folk (i.e. autism, ADHD), children & youth at risk, stroke & acquired brain injury, neurologic movement disorders, dementia & Alzheimer’s as well as hospice & palliative care.

In Mackenzie’s clinical and spirituality work she is inspired by Danielle Laporte (Heart Centered Program), Byron Katie (The Work), Dr. Gabor Mate (Compassionate Inquiry), Dr. Richard Swartz (Internal Family Systems Therapy), and Dr. Shefali Tsabary (Conscious and Awakened Parenting). Also, through Mackenzie’s passion in equity, diversity and inclusion she completed the University of Alberta Indigenous Studies Course and frequently attends Anti-Oppressive Practices trainings and workshops, such as with Holiday Phillips.

Mackenzie is a classically trained vocalist, with advanced training in piano, guitar, and percussion. She has been a member of Canadian choral communities since 1998.

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Mia Clow, MTA

she/her

Annapolis Valley

long term care, complex continuing care, children, adults

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Dykeland Lodge, Between the Mountains Music Therapy, Music Therapy Centre

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Paige Ryerson (Morrissey), MTA

she/her

Halifax

Long Term Care, Mental Health, Seniors

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Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts: Centre for Music Therapy

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Having worked with all ages and abilities, Paige now applies her knowledge and experience in her role as the Head of Music Therapy at the Maritime Conservatory. She leads a team of music therapists who are client-focused, have a wide range of musical abilities, and provide meaningful experiences unique to each participant.

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Paul Lauzon

he/him

Kentville

Workshops / Presentations / Consultation

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Paul Lauzon Music Therapy

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I am founding Professor of the Acadia University Music Therapy Program. I have clinical experience in these areas: with the aging,
developmental challenges, mental health, pain management, and music as complementary medicine. Some of my peer-reviewed articles can be found at https://paullauzon.ca/?page_id=206

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Sarah Bell, M.A., MTA, RCT-C

she/her

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Bell Counselling Services

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Empathetic listening, gentle curiosity and no judgement inform her private practice. She helps clients who are looking to feel more like themselves; people experiencing stress/challenges in their lives and people wanting to realize and build their confidence. Using creative interventions and talk therapy she can help you to develop a strong sense of safety and connection with yourself.
She offers individual counselling and music therapy sessions to young adults/adults using a confidential online platform, telephone or in person. She specialized in using creative interventions to help people develop their self awareness as well as using the body for intuitive wisdom. Strength based, anti-oppressive practices, gentleness and an inter-sectional lens inform her work.

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Yasmin Kawar, BMT, MTA, MT-BC

She/Her

Halifax

Addictions Recovery, Mental Health, Trauma/Abuse, Private Practice

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YK Counselling & Music Therapy

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N/A

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Yasmin is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) and Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C). She has experience providing group and individual therapy in addictions recovery, and with individuals impacted by addiction, trauma & abuse, depression/anxiety, ADHD, criminal justice system challenges, and overall mental health concerns. Yasmin works collaboratively with clients to support their personal goals while considering the holistic, intersecting aspects at play in their lives.

Sessions can include talk therapy alone, or a blend of talk therapy and music therapy techniques, depending on clients’ preferences and the therapy process. The use of music therapy in sessions can include music listening & discussion, lyric analysis, singing, improvising, music-assisted relaxation, and therapeutic songwriting.

Yasmin’s approach is person-centered, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed. She highlights the importance of trust, safety, and choice in therapy when exploring feelings, experiences, and challenges that may be present. Yasmin offers a compassionate presence to help deepen understanding of yourself and world, integrate new insights, and connect with your unique strengths & resources for personal growth. She aims to meet clients where they are in their life journey, working together to creatively guide and mobilize chaos into positive empowered change.

Description:

NS

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