Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre
Calling all Students, Interns, and Supervisors! SISC2025 registration is underway, and the MTAO is incredibly excited to have you join us at the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre in Toronto this year. This is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage within the wider music therapy community. Featuring an array of topics from presenters with a variety of backgrounds and experience, this conference is sure to have something for everyone.
Please note that the schedule is subject to some small last-minute changes as we iron out all of the details. Attendees will be notified of any significant changes to the schedule made in advance of conference day. As we reveal the speaker lineup week by week, this page will also be updated. Follow @mtao.insta for first looks at speakers!
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Outside/Hallway |
Dance Studio |
Assembly A |
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10-10:45 |
Music Garden Walk |
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10:30-10:55 |
Registration |
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10:55-11 |
Transition |
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11-11:10 |
Registration/Courtyard Mingle |
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11:10-11:20 |
Opening Remarks |
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11:20-12:05 |
Avoiding Injuries While Playing Ukulele, Guitar, and Other Fretted Instruments |
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12:05-12:10 |
Transition |
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12:10-12:55 |
Music Therapy and Music Psychotherapy with 2SLGBTQ+ Communities Across the Lifespan |
The Sound of Alliance: Using Music Improvisation to Foster Constructive Intercultural Supervisory Working Alliances in Music Therapy Internship |
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12:55-1:00 |
Transition |
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1:00-2:15 |
Networking & Lunch |
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2:15-2:20 |
Transition |
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2:20-3:05 |
Return to Your Roots: musical foundations as the core of music therapy |
Speaking Their Language: Music Therapy with Autistic Gestalt Language Processors |
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3:05-3:10 |
Transition |
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3:10-3:55 |
What Now? Navigating the Field of Music Therapy as a New Professional |
Supervisor Roundtable |
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3:55-4:00 |
Transition |
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4:00-4:45 |
Vocal Health Workshop |
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4:45-5:00 |
Courtyard Mingle |
Closing Remarks | |
All SISC 2025 content will be provided in person only. There will be opportunities for virtual engagement in connection with the 2025 Annual Conference, details will be provided in the coming months.
If you are a student and not yet a member of the MTAO, you are eligible to receive a complimentary MTAO Student Membership with your purchase of a conference ticket. Please email treasurer.mtao@gmail.com for more details.
As music therapists, we often find ourselves playing fretted instruments for prolonged periods of time. It is absolutely integral for the sustenance of our careers to ensure we know how to avoid injury and take care of our bodies while playing such instruments. Common ailments include tendonitis – the inflammation of tendons from overuse. Tendinosis – an advanced form of tendonitis where the tendon degenerates – is also possible. In this presentation, Len will share his story and journey with tendinosis, and demonstrate the warm-up and useful recovery exercises. These exercises are not the usual, traditional musical warm-ups such as scales and patterns that most musicians learn in their training. Rather, they are things that athletes do to strengthen muscles and tendons in their fingers, wrists and arms.
Len McCarthy, PhD, MMT, MTA, CB-MT, MMus, BEd, BMus
Len McCarthy is a music therapist, popular music performer, studio musician, arranger and songwriter who has been working with adults with cognitive and physical challenges in the Kitchener area using a person-centered/strengths- based community music approach since 2015. He is a former University instructor, is currently teaching a MT-BC continuing education online course (Groove-Based Ukulele for Music Therapists), and is the co-director of Music at Green Gables with extensive musicology experience.
Findings from several studies (Biedka, 2022; Boggan et al., 2017; Whitehead-Pleaux et al., 2013) indicated that many therapists felt underprepared to work with 2SLGBTQ+ clients. With recent increases in anti-queer and trans rhetoric in the U.S. and Canada, it is important for therapists to feel confident supporting these clients.
The goal of this presentation is to provide students and practicing music therapists with practical examples of music psychotherapy with 2SLGBTQ+ persons across the lifespan, in a variety of contexts and settings. Drawing from current research and experiential knowledge through presenters’ own work, the attendees will be provided with an overview of systemic and cultural issues surrounding 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
Case studies will be presented to highlight challenges and best practices, and provide practical interventions and navigation of ethical considerations. Case studies may include: Working with older-adults in both individual, group context in hospital and community settings, working with trans-individuals in music psychotherapy, working with pre-teen individuals with concerns regarding gender identity and sexuality, grief and bereavement within the population, and working with adults in psychotherapy with dual credentials (RP & MTA).
Attendees will gain practical knowledge for supporting and advocating for clients in and out of session. The presenters hope to raise awareness and engage attendees in critical thinking regarding the intersectionality of culture, race, with gender, sexuality, and systemic issues in the context of music psychotherapy.
Topics of navigating homophobia and transphobia in group practices, and self-care as 2SLGBTQ+ therapists will also be explored, followed by questions and discussion.
Tim Lee, RP(Q), MTA, MT-BC
Tim (he/him) is a Toronto-based Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and certified music therapist with a master’s degree in music therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University. Tim brings his expertise across diverse settings, including Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, The Music Therapy Centre, The Church and Wellesley Counselling and Psychotherapy Clinic, and in homeless shelters and long-term care homes through Earthtone Music Therapy. Beyond clinical practice, Tim serves as teaching assistant, accompanist, and inclusion coordinator with VIVA Singers Toronto. Tim is committed to harnessing the transformative power of music as a catalyst for personal growth and positive change.
Reenie Perkovic, RP, MTA, MMT
Reenie (they/she) is a Certified Music Therapist and a Registered Psychotherapist who primarily works in private practice and community spaces with teens and adults, especially within the neurodiverse and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Reenie’s approach is anti-oppressive and strength-oriented, balancing systemic challenges with individual growth. They are passionate about creating safer spaces through human-to-human collaboration. They hold a Master of Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University. When Reenie is not working, they are writing their own music and connecting with people and nature.
Music improvisation has long been recognized as a valuable tool in music therapy, particularly for strengthening the therapeutic alliance between therapists and clients. Yet, its potential within supervision—specifically in fostering the supervisory working alliance (SWA) between music therapy supervisors and interns—remains relatively unexplored. This gap becomes especially significant in intercultural contexts, where differences in language, culture, and worldview may add layers of complexity to supervisory relationships.
This qualitative interview study sought to examine the perspectives of three Canadian anglophone music therapy internship supervisors who had supervised interns whose first language was not English. Three supervisors were interviewed and their responses were organized into three categories: (a) use of improvisation as integrative component of the supervisory approach, (b) potential/unique benefits of using improvisation in supervision to foster a constructive intercultural SWA, and (c) potential/unique challenges of using improvisation in supervision to foster a constructive intercultural SWA.
In addition to presenting the findings, the study offers personal reflections, underlying assumptions, and methodological limitations. It further highlights implications for intercultural pre-professional music therapy training, suggesting that improvisation may serve as a creative bridge across linguistic and cultural divides. Finally, recommendations for future research underscore the need to further investigate how music improvisation might be integrated into preprofessional music therapy supervision to enhance intercultural SWAs.
Alejandra Arevalo, RP(Q), MTA, NMT-F
Alejandra Arevalo is a music therapist, registered psychotherapist (qualifying) and neurologic music therapy fellow. She provides music therapy and psychotherapy in English and Spanish to individuals of all ages with developmental, mental health, geriatric, and neurologic needs across Canada, the U.S.A., Latin America, and Europe. She holds a master’s in music therapy from Concordia University and completed graduate training in professional counselling in the U.S. In addition to her clinical work, Alejandra has been a clinic coordinator, internship director, supervisor, and researcher. She is passionate about empowering future music therapists to create meaningful change in their communities.
This presentation will be a collaboration between myself and the music therapy intern currently working with me. We will focus on the importance of the quality of the music used in student placements, internships, and in professional clinical practice, as well as the importance of a solid musical foundation. This includes music theory, improvisational techniques and musical skills.
As a profession, our scope of practice continues to widen, and with that there is a concern that the core of what we do, the MUSIC, can be forgotten, or lost in the list of priorities. We will hope to encourage participants to reflect on the importance of the music in our work. A list of core musical competencies will be suggested, and participants will be encouraged to write down some of the musical skills they feel they could still be working towards to be effective music therapists.
The presenters will offer real life examples from clinical practice/student placements/internship that demonstrate how leaning into our foundational musical knowledge and experience in improvisation has changed the clinical outcomes when feeling stuck with clients. There will also be personal examples of clinical situations where not being adequately prepared with quality music resulted in difficult sessions. The experiential portion of the presentation will ask participants to play various instruments while the presenters demonstrate how it feels to clients when the music has the elements that encourage engagement and expression vs. music that is lacking some of the core components.
Katie Hampton, RP, MTA
Katie Hampton, MTA, RP (she/her) graduated from Wilfrid Laurier in 1999 and has been working in private practice since 2001. She has experience working with adults and children with developomental delays and autism, adults with dementia and alzheimers, and youth and adults struggling with mental health challenges. Katie has supervised clinical placements at Laurier since 2022, as well as several full- time interns.
Sara Theony
Sara Theony is completing her music therapy internship and degree at Wilfrid Laurier, and has experience running ukulele and drumming groups and workshops through Band Lab.
Language and communication differences are a characteristic of Autism. Children who communicate using songs, sounds effects, scripts—echolalia. This type of language use is called gestalt language processing. This presentation explores gestalt language processing, and it examines how music therapy can meet the unique communicative and developmental needs of gestalt language processors through a disability informed, and play-based approach. Drawing from the work of Barry Prizant, Marge Blanc, and colleagues, this presentation will outline the six stages of gestalt language development as well as highlight therapeutic supports for each stage. Attendees will gain an understanding of how echolalia, scripting and intonation are meaningful. Forms of communication, rather than disordered speech. The conceptualization of echolalia as a means of valuable communication represents an important paradigm shift: One that recognizes the value of disabled traits rather than pathologizing them. Ultimately, this presentation aims to challenge traditional deficit-based views of what we often frame as disordered language and affirm the strengths of gestalt language processors through creative relationship-centered practice.
Hailey Davis, MTA
She/They
I completed my Bachelor of Music Therapy at Acadia University in 2021. During my internship with Connecting in Rhythm I developed my clinical skills working with Deafblind individuals, those intellectual disabilities and disabled children. As I continue to grow in the field, I am undertaking a master’s in creative arts therapy in music therapy from Concordia University where I am writing my thesis on Conceptualizing Support for Autistic Gestalt Language Processors Through Post-Ableist Music Therapy. I am passionate about working with Autistic children and disabled children, especially those who have communication differences, those who use AAC and gestalt language processors.
Mason and Meredith are two music therapists who have had a wide variety of internship and work experience before landing together at Acclaim Health. Over the course of this presentation we will discuss practical strategies for finding work as a music therapist, including tailoring your resume, interview skills, cold calling, and advocating for new music therapy programs. We will discuss defining your music therapy practice and how this can inform how you build your new career. We will also explore defining your values and scope of practice in order to find a workplace that is a good fit for you. Learning continues far beyond the end of your internship- join us in exploring the next steps for your future!
Meredith Woodiwiss, RP, MTA (she/her) works as the music therapy team lead at Acclaim Health. Meredith provides support to Acclaim Health’s Burlington Club as well as in the community, supporting individuals living with dementia, palliative diagnoses, bereavement, and caregivers.
Mason Gibson, MTA (she/her) is a certified music therapist currently working at Acclaim Health. With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Therapy both from Wilfrid Laurier University, Mason is experienced with a variety of populations, including mental health, cancer care, palliative care, and supporting individuals living with dementia. Mason currently provides support to Acclaim Health’s Soper, Walmley, and Mississauga clubs
Topic TBA and by suggestion (please email education@musictherapyontario.com).
Ashley Kurkjian, RP, MTA, MMT
Ashley Kurkjian (she/her/elle) is a Music Psychotherapist currently completing her PhD in Music (Music Therapy Concentration) at Wilfrid Laurier University. She works at New Song Music Therapy, specializing in providing Music Psychotherapy services to Toronto-based long-term care facilities in the Greater Toronto Area.
Our voices are something that we carry within us. As Music Therapists, we are able to use our voices as an instrument and a beautiful form of expression. Our voices become a tool that we can hold close to us or share with others. In this workshop, we will discuss all the ways in which we can care for our voices, so we can continue to use them optimally and comfortably in our line of work.
Julia St. Cyr, RP, MTA
Julia St. Cyr is a Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Music Therapist, and owner of Shine Music and Therapy Services. Julia takes a collaborative and supportive approach that focuses on one’s individuality and uniqueness, while incorporating a variety of musical and traditional talk-based interventions, as seen fit, in order to meet the needs and goal areas of those she has the pleasure of working alongside. Growing up, Julia had many great mentors who encouraged personal (and musical) growth in nurturing ways. Now, as a therapist and educator herself, Julia finds true passion in using creativity and care to inspire personal development, growth, and healing.
Nominations for the 2025 SISC recognition awards will open at SISC2025, on October 18th. Winners will be announced awarded at the annual conference in February 2026. Please see below for award descriptions and the nomination process.
The MTAO Student Recognition award is granted to a student in a music therapy program who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and leadership. How to nominate Two letters of reference (at least one from a faculty member):
The MTAO Intern Recognition Award is granted to a music therapy intern who has been recognized by a supervisor for going above and beyond during their internship placement. How to nominate One letter of reference:
The MTAO Supervisor Recognition Award is granted to a supervisor as recognized by their intern(s) or peers for exemplary dedication to their role as a supervisor. How to nominate One letter of reference: