Katelyn Wheaton, BMT, MTA is a certified music therapist, music instructor, and singer songwriter. She 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 her work 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 thrives on learning songs across the decades, and sharing unique instruments. She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including those living with neurological disorders (Cerebral Palsy, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Parkinson's) mental health conditions, and neurodiversity (Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and Intellectual Disabilities). She uses a person-centered philosophy, as she believes everyone has capacity to reach their full potential. Katelyn specializes in geriatrics, but is open to working with all ages!

Katelyn is currently the president of the Atlantic Association of Music Therapy (AAMT) board. She enjoys teaching students interested in the music therapy field, as well as teaching regular and adapted lessons for beginner voice, flute, ukulele, guitar, and piano. She most recently released her first song “Who I Am” in 2024.

Rebecca McDonald BMT, MTA, MT-BC is a music therapist who is currently practicing in Antigonish, NS. She is originally from Peterborough, Ontario but moved to Nova Scotia to pursue a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree at Acadia University. She completed her music therapy internship at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital and after certification started a palliative care music therapy program at the same hospital which is now a permanent full time position. Rebecca also has clinical experience working in nursing home settings as well as with individuals with disabilities and those with mental health difficulties. Within palliative care work, Rebecca is passionate about facilitating sessions with patients and their loved ones and providing opportunities for legacy work. Outside of her work, Rebecca also enjoys songwriting, reading, and spending time outdoors. 

Rachel Webster, MTA, is a certified music therapist currently practicing in the Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia. She graduated with honours from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Music Therapy (BMT) and minor in psychology in 2016. While originally from Oakville, Ontario, she has found that Halifax has been a wonderful place to call home since 2019. 

Rachel works with all ages and abilities, and firmly believes that music is for everyone and anyone who wants to experience it. She has experience working with those diagnosed with ASD, Down’s Syndrome, Global Developmental Delays, stroke, concussion, dementia/Alzheimer’s, and infants in the NICU. 

In addition to providing music therapy services, Rachel also teaches standard beginner piano and guitar lessons. When not working, she loves to bake, read, and spend time with her husband and daughter.  

Kate Harbaruk (she/her) MTA, MT-BC is a certified music therapist who is currently practicing in HRM. She is originally from Calgary, Alberta but moved to Nova Scotia to attend the music therapy program at Acadia University. Kate completed her internship with The Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts in Halifax, working with a wide range of individuals including young children, adults and youth with disabilities, and seniors in long-term-care. In her spare time, Kate enjoys hiking, crafting, and spending time with friends. Kate is looking forward to being on the board and getting more involved in the music therapy community!

As Continuing Education chair, Rhonda is excited to organize professional growth and development opportunities for Music Therapists across the Atlantic provinces.

Rhonda is founder and director of Set the Tone for the Love of Music (STT) a private Music Therapy/Education practice in Halifax, NS. Before STT, she taught in public schools in Ontario and Nova Scotia for over twenty years.

Becoming a Music Therapist in her second act has enriched her approaches to teaching individuals. Rhonda delights in the therapeutic relationships created through
Music Therapy. She works with people with developmental disabilities and youth/adults to support mental health and well-being.

Kimiko Suzuki (she/her) is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) currently located in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia (located on Mi’kma’ki, the unceded ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq nation). She received a BFA in Music Performance (Classical Viola specialization) from York University in 2014, a Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy from Concordia University in 2016, MTA Certification from Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) in 2016, and an MA in Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy Option) from Concordia University in 2018. She has worked with clients of all ages and abilities to provide individual and group sessions, recreational programming, and community care, in addition to adapted music lessons. She received certificate training from Tina Lackner in 2020 for “Treating Anxiety Using Play-Based Approaches, Yoga, Mindfulness & Meditation for Children & Families.”

​

Kimiko has been a Lecturer at Acadia University for the School of Music’s BMT and CMT programs since 2022. Kimiko’s MA thesis research focused on “Music-Centered Music Therapy Interventions with the Viola.” She has presented at the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) national conferences in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. She was a co-founding member of the Equity Advisory Council (EAC) to the CAMT in 2019, and she was Equity and Diversity Chair on the CAMT Board of Directors from 2021-2023.  Kimiko facilitated Social Location in Music Therapy: An Open Discussion Forum at the 2023 Atlantic Association for Music Therapy (AAMT) Conference, and she currently acts as Membership Chair on the AAMT Board.​

Emily Markwart is a new music therapist living in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Born and raised on the West Coast of BC, Emily has found a home in Nova Scotia in the last three years and is looking forward to continue building connections through music therapy. 

Emily has a Bachelor of Music in musicology and piano from UVic (Victoria, BC) and a Certificate of Music Therapy from Acadia University (Wolfville, NS). She completed her internship in May 2025 working at both a mental health and substance use treatment facility with veterans and first responders, and Pine Tree Camp in Maine for children and adults with disabilities. She enjoys research and is looking forward to bringing music therapy to a wide variety of people. In her spare time, Emily enjoys painting, reading, and learning new instruments (currently, the violin!).

Emily is excited to join the AAMT board in the public education position and foster knowledge among our community of Atlantic music therapists and beyond!

Sarah Bell (she/her), MA, RTC, CCC, CFP, MTA, is a music therapist, supervisor and clinical counsellor working with First Responders and Veterans in adult inpatient mental health and addictions in Nova Scotia. She is currently working towards her Focusing Oriented Therapist credential.