Service
Music Therapy
FEEL THE MUSIC IN YOUR SOUL
Music therapy at Crossroads Collective promotes emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health. Participants engage in a range of musical experiences, allowing them to express themselves that transcends words.
CLINICAL AND EVIDENCE BASED
Music therapists are able to engage in therapeutic conversations with children using music as a tool. It allows children to build meaningful connections while working on coping skills. We offer group sessions as well as one-on-one music therapy.
music therapy programs we offer:
6 – 8 years
Musical storytelling: Kids create sounds and sing along to musical stories such as Bear Hunt. We use percussion instruments to help tell the story.
Puppet plays using iMovie: Kids choose a story or write an original story and then create all the props and backdrops to film a story in iMovie. They narrate their own stories and have their puppets act out each part.
Picture books: Kids create their own picture books during the sessions. We sketch things out, make a storyboard and then start to assemble pages into my computer.
Middle Schoolers and above
Creative Writing: Based on the interest of the child/teen, we cover the different types of writing.
Songwriting: Kids make up their own songs using Garageband and record their voices.
Music Parodies: Making videos of song parodies that they write and act out.
PSA’s: Kids write PSA’s about subjects they are passionate about.
Youtube: Kids set up their own Youtube Channels. (with parent’s permission and we film little videos and upload)
Blogging: Kids love to learn how to blog. We set up their own blog with parent’s permission.
Music Exploration: Singing and playing instruments together.
We are here to support you along your journey.
We are now accepting virtual appointments as well as in-person appointments.
Click below and schedule your first visit today!
Meet The Team
DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth Specialties: Autism, ADHD, ODD, Anxiety, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Assessments, Social Skills, Social groups
Aimee Murdoch, BMT
It’s my core belief that every child has a right to feel and express their emotions without judgement or repercussions. In a moment where a child may find it difficult to communicate, music therapy helps create a space that allows music to be the voice.
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I started my musical career at the age of 4 years old and utilized piano as a strong coping mechanism in my childhood. It was early on that I discovered the importance of using music as a form of expression.
I completed an intense five-year degree receiving my Bachelor’s in Music Therapy, which then continued with a 1000 hour internship to develop my skills. I am in the process of taking my board exam in the next few months that will finalize my training and make me a certified music therapist.
I have put in over 1500 clinical hours in multiple different populations including geriatrics, psychiatric, children, and immigrant mothers and their children. I am particularly passionate about working with children and aim to provide a compassionate, empathetic, and fun approach.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Toddlers, Children, Youth, Young Adults
MY SPECIALTIES: ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, ODD, Behavioural Issues, Social Skill Support, Developmental
Micaela Pirritano, MTA
Music can be a powerful and accessible medium to work on various developmental and communicative goals while also building trust, confidence, and independence. I am an Accredited Music Therapist (MTA) who believes that every individual should have the opportunity to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment. Realizing the therapeutic value of music in my own life is what led me to pursue and complete my Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy at Capilano University. Music Therapists are trained extensively in both talk therapy as well as creative arts therapy.
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Prior to starting my Private Practice and joining Crossroads Collective, I had recently completed a 1000-hour internship at BC Children’s Hospital, where I helped patients cope during their hospitalizations. I also worked for 9 years with children and youth in a variety of roles, including private music instruction, accessibility support work, group music exploration, private tutoring, and childcare. Although I primarily work with children and youth, Music Therapy is an approach that can work for anyone at any age.
I have experience and specialize in the following areas using Music Therapy:
- ADHD
- Adaptive therapeutic music lessons
- Autism
- Communication support
- Bereavement
- Childhood development
- Foster Care
- Learning/Intellectual Disabilities
- Physical Disabilities
- Anxiety, Depression, and other mood disorders
- Eating disorders
- Accessibility support
- Past or recent trauma/abuse
- LGBTQ2S+ health, gender identity
- Phobias
- Personal development
- Neurological disorders & neurorehabilitation
- Stress
Types of Therapy:
- Attachment-based
- Culturally Sensitive & Inclusive
- Expressive Arts
- Neurodiversity-Affirmative Practice
- Child-led
- Trauma-informed
- Vocational (project-based)
I am passionate about my work and am always happy to answer questions families or individuals might have about how Music Therapy can help support someone’s needs. I make assessments and track goals with all of my clients as a way of documenting just how uniquely Music Therapy works. I look forward to being an ally in the development and well-being of my clients. To find out more about my approach to Music Therapy, you are welcome to explore my personal website at www.intandemcare.ca.
DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults, Families, Community Groups
SPECIALTIES: Music Therapy, Adaptive Vocal & Keyboard Coaching, Anxiety & Depression, Attention Deficit Disorder, Brain Injury, Cognitive Impairments, Grief, Hospice & Palliative Care, Neurological Diagnoses, Oncology, Substance Use Disorder
Trina Nestibo, BMT
My name is Trina Nestibo and I am a board certified music therapist. I work from a holistic, person-centred perspective, taking into account the psychological, physical, social and spiritual needs of my clients.
I customize my sessions to speak to the needs of each individual. My specialty is helping people find their own unique and empowered musical voice. Through improvisation, vocalization, movement, breath-work and songwriting, I guide and support my clients to safely and creatively express themselves.
My principle instruments are voice, piano and guitar, although I often integrate percussion, wind instruments and multi-sensory props in the work I do. Additionally, I embrace the innovative ways in which technology can be used to complement my sessions.
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I have a broad spectrum of experience within my professional life, including work in the following areas:
- Anxiety & Depression
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Brain Injury
- Cognitive Impairments
- Hospice & Palliative Care
- Neurological Diagnoses
- Oncology
- Substance Use Disorder
More Background:
Music has always played an integral role in my life. As a teenager, I noticed the profound positive impact that my piano playing and singing had on my grandfather who was suffering with dementia. How his eyes would light up, followed by the tap of a toe, a smile, hum or sway.
It was then that I made the decision to pursue a career in music therapy.
After earning my Bachelor of Music Therapy at the University of Windsor, I completed a one-year internship with JB Music Therapy in Calgary. My early career involved working with children and adults with brain injuries and other neurological conditions, developmental disabilities and mood disorders.
Later, in my own private practice, I continued working with a diverse variety of clients in community based settings like hospitals, care facilities, group homes, schools and camps.
Highlights of my work on the prairies include piloting a music therapy program in oncology at Alberta Children’s Hospital, a grant to work at Calgary’s Mustard Seed Shelter, and extensive work with Kids Cancer Care of Alberta, the Society for Treatment of Autism and the National Music Centre.
I am an active member of the Canadian Association for Music Therapy and the Music Therapy Association of British Columbia. At Crossroads Collective, I provide music therapy, vocal coaching and keyboard instruction to all individuals, regardless of age or ability.