My story
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, I started Ballina Byron Music Therapy from my home studio in Newrybar in February 2019 - a long-time dream that I'm so proud to have realised!
My passion has always been working with kids, and seeing their faces come alive when we're working together, fills me with joy.
I became a qualified Music Therapist (University of Technology, Sydney) in 2002 which came after my initial music and education degree (Sydney Conservatorium of Music) in 1992.
My 25+ years of experience has seen me working with years K-12 as a music teacher in Private, State, Catholic and Steiner schools all over Australia - a job I found so fulfilling. I was fortunate to be able to work in London, UK and Southland, New Zealand for 10 years as a Music Therapist in Special Education for children and young adults, aged from 3-21.
My love of music spans many genres and instruments, and I play the flute, piano, guitar and ukulele, but I enjoy SINGING the most!
Within Ballina Byron Music Therapy my focus is working with children who have ASD, visual impairment and ADHD. I find myself in my happy place when I'm "working" with children with music therapy and special needs.
In 2017 I started the female 80’s pop choir, The Material Girls in Bangalow, with fellow musician and friend Anna Honeychurch. This choir is a social community choir for all women who enjoy singing, laughing and a few quiet champagnes. It has been an enormous amount of fun with well over 100 women joining in over the past few years. This choir led to the formation of the SHIRE CHOIR model which was based on PUB choir out of Brisbane.
I am a mum of 3 great kids, Scarlett, Oscar and Millicent, and my husband Sean is also a lover of a wide range of music.We love our family sing-a-longs, even if they don't happen as often as I'd wish!
With 3 children attending 3 different schools within the shire, we are a super busy family with sporting and cultural commitments.
Our family values centre around kindness to all, empathy and respect, and contribution to society and the local community.
I have lived in the Northern rivers area for the past 13 years after moving from New Zealand where I was based in the South Island for 6 years. I worked full time as a Registered Music Therapist in a specialist school for children and young adults with additional needs. During this time, we were proactive within New Zealand for campaigning for the rights of the disability community and through my music therapy programme, we received much media coverage and had our CD tabled in parliament.
During this time, I also worked with gifted young musicians running bands and choirs in the community.
After initial studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney, I worked in London for 3 years as a music teacher for children with very high needs. This sparked a passion for and interest in Music therapy.
Upon return to Australia, I gained my Music Therapy degree and registration at the University of Technology and became an advocate for the power of music therapy.
I have worked in Mainstream and Specialist schools for over 25 years. I have a special interest and knowledge of children and young people on the Autism spectrum and believe Music plays an integral role in gaining positive outcomes for those in the neurodiverse community. I am constantly reading current research and methodology in this ever-changing and fascinating field.
I have a few spaces currently available for 2020, and accept clients who are self- managed or agency managed through the NDIS. Get in touch - we may just be a great fit!
