To create better lives through the transformative power of music therapy. The scientific evidence tells us that music therapy works. However, music therapy is still not widely recognized and seldom funded by private insurance or government programs. This means that, for the most part, music therapy is only available to people or organizations that can pay for it.
To promote, develop, and support music therapy services and research in order to restore, maintain, and improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of Canadians.
Chrissy has been practicing in various settings since 2002 including long-term care, group homes, hospital acute care, palliative care, public schools, community groups, in a women’s centre with children who have witnessed and/or experienced violence in their families, and with adults using the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. Chrissy is a Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery and is a certified internship supervisor. In addition to providing music therapy sessions, Chrissy is also the Clinical Manager of the Music Therapy Centre. She believes that music within a therapeutic relationship can provide a foundation for growth, transitions, and healing.
Aprajita is a certified music therapist and the new manager for the Music Therapy Centre in Toronto, supported by the CMTF. In her journey as a music therapist, she has had the opportunity to work with children and older adults with varying clinical goals, mental health needs, and cultural backgrounds. Her clinical work is rooted in a person-centred approach that involves the use of music to connect and support individuals with their holistic wellness goals. Additionally, her recent research initiatives have been focused on understanding and increasing access to music therapy services for the POC community across North America. In her spare time, one can find her travelling, reading fiction or singing Indian classical music.
Rea is the newest face to the team at the Canadian Music Therapy Fund! Taking the reins from Christine, she will fill the role of Administrative Manager. Graduating with a Bachelors of Psychology from the University of Toronto, she takes every opportunity to witness the positive effects music leaves on a person. Rea takes part in music therapy projects through the SMART Lab at Ryerson University and the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto, and has over a decade long career volunteering in community focused organizations, including the Canadian Women’s Foundation and Breast Cancer Society of Canada.
Basil is one of the resident dogs that can be found in the therapist office on Thursdays and Fridays. He loves to curl up on his blanket under Chrissy’s desk and if given the chance, will constantly ask Christine for treats. He is very good at being quiet when sessions are happening but when the big clinic room is free, a nice game of fetch is all his heart desires.
“Canadian Music Therapy Fund accomplished a lot in 2022. We increased awareness, awarded scholarships to future music therapists, and provided music therapy to those who needed it the most. That being said, we still have a long way to go. We have a growing list of people and organizations that want to receive music therapy and certified music therapists ready to provide it, but we need the resources to make it happen. My goal is to not only get through this list but provide it regularly to those who benefit from music therapy. We’re grateful for the support of our sponsors, partners, and team, and we hope you will join us on this journey. 2023 is going to be incredible!”
The Canadian Music Therapy Fund, including the Toronto Music Therapy Centre, aims to provide a safe, creative and inclusive environment. It is everyone’s responsibility to create positive and respectful spaces for people who identify as various races, genders, abilities, and sexual orientations. As an organization, we aim to foster welcoming relationships both with our team and the community, including our donors, clients and ambassadors.
We have zero tolerance for harassment or violence of any kind and will seek to address these behaviours as quickly as we can. The impact on the person harassed, not the intent of the harasser, defines harassment.
If one believes that they have experienced harassment of any type within TMC, there are several processes they can follow, from directly notifying the harasser that their behaviour is unwelcome, to making a verbal or written complaint. The TMC has designated four complaint recipients to whom an individual may address their complaint.
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