The BC Music Therapy Community: Advocating for Our Profession and Connection

Canadian Music Therapy

On this show we have the pleasure of chatting with the past president, current president, and president-elect of the association to get their unique perspectives on what’s happening on the west coast of Canada. We get a better understanding of the leadership structure and initiatives that are happening with the Music Therapy Association of British Columbia.

Here is a little more about Susan, Laura, and Sheila:

Susan Summers PhD, MTA:

Susan Summers is a Certified Music Therapist and Vocal Psychotherapist who has been a passionate advocate in her clinical work with older adults and those at end-of-life and in leadership roles for over three decades. She has been an instructor in the music therapy department at Capilano University for nearly 25 years. Susan currently serves on three professional boards: Canadian Association of Music Therapists, Federation for Counselling Therapists in BC, and the Music Therapy Association of BC, and is currently serving again as President of MTABC. Susan’s passion and vision for music therapy inspires students, colleagues, and other health professionals to partner with us to ensure that music therapy is known and is available to everyone as an essential health profession.

Laura Hastings, MTA, MA, BMT, BA in Mus, NICU-MT:

Laura graduated from Capilano University in 2013 after completing her internship at BC Children's Hospital. After practicing for 4 years in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland in private practice, long-term care, and in the non-profit sector, she went on to complete a Master's in music therapy at Concordia University in Montreal. There, she joined forces with Capilano graduate Alison Usher-Jones in her private practice working with individuals with autism. The thrilling festivals and world-class food of Montreal were spectacular but, after 4 years, she returned to the West Coast to work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and in long-term care. Laura is excited to be in the new Board position of President Elect and to support BC music therapists.

Sheila Lee, MA, MTA, FAMI, NICU-MT, RCC :

Sheila has been involved in music and the arts all her life. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified music therapist, she regularly uses music, dance, visual arts, and play therapy techniques in her work. She has a BA from UBC, Bachelor of Music Therapy from Capilano U, and an MA in Counselling from UVic. As a lifelong learner, she has completed certifications in Neurologic Music Therapy, NeonataI Intensive Care Unit-Music Therapy, all three levels of The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy, and Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma & Resilience.
Her private practice, She Lee Music, has led her to provide music therapy for several school districts and non-profit organizations, and teach early childhood music classes in several daycares and childcare centres. She is also a BC Children’s and BC Women’s Hospital employee. Most recently, she began working on a unit supporting mothers who use substances and their infants who have been exposed to substances. Her specialties include supporting babies, children, teens, mothers, and families.
Sheila’s other passions include her martial arts training, and spending time with her husband and children. She is thrilled to be invited to Beyond the Studio and hopes everyone who is listening is doing well.

“For more information about resources from today’s show, please visit: beyondthestudio.ca