Julia Blundon (she/her) was born and raised in British Columbia, where her deep passion for music took root, shaping a trajectory dedicated to connecting with others through musical avenues. She would go on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a minor in Music from Bishop’s University (Quebec) specializing in classical voice, and complete her training in music therapy through the Graduate Diploma program of Music Therapy at Concordia University (Quebec). Currently, Julia is on track to attain her master’s in music therapy at Concordia, with plans to defend her research thesis in April 2024. Her thesis, focuses on creating a guideline for a music therapy program to address sundowning in persons living with dementia living in long-term care facilities, using intervention research design. Through her music therapy training and diverse practicum experiences, she has developed a therapeutic approach that emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore and express themselves, be it virtually or in person. Her internships included working with children with various needs in a daycare, persons living with dementia in various settings, as well as experiences in palliative care, oncology, hematology units at a hospital, and a mother and infant bonding music program. These varied experiences have equipped her with the skills to assess and address unique client needs, delivering evidence-based music therapy tailored to their requirements. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits in music therapy, Julia presented at the 48th annual Canadian Association of Music Therapy (CAMT) conference and a virtual Zoom panel, sharing her experiences as a research assistant for Dr. Laurel Young in two studies. Her research focused on exploring older adults’ perspectives in collaborative online group music activities and understanding the social needs and perspectives of older adults with developmental disabilities in an Art Hive context. Julia moved from Montreal to Halifax in the summer of 2023 and is thrilled to be living amongst such a vibrant community. A highlight of her experiences on the East Coast so far has been joining the Halifax Camerata Singers.

Julia Blundon (she/her) was born and raised in British Columbia, where her deep passion for music... Read More

Mackenzie Costron, BMT, MTA, RCT (she/her/hers), is the Owner and Founder of Find Your Voice Music Therapy, launching the first practice location in Katarokwi/ Kingston, ON June 2014. She launched the second Find Your Voice Music Therapy location in K’jipuktuk/ Halifax, NS July 2017 and currently provides music therapy & counselling services in HRM area as well as online across Turtle Island/ Canada.

Mackenzie graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Music Therapy (BMT) and is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT). In June 2015, she completed the Narrative Therapy program through The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre and University of Toronto. She is a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT). In addition, Mackenzie is a Heart Centered Facilitator with Costron+Co supporting creatives, therapists and health/ wellness entrepreneurs through business coaching and mentorship sessions, workshops, and retreats.

Mackenzie uses the interplay of music and verbal language within the therapeutic process. She specializes in working with adults and seniors including mental health, stress, anxiety, grief, loss and life transitions. She also has experience working with individuals with developmental delays, children & youth at risk, stroke & acquired brain injury, neurologic movement disorders, dementia & Alzheimer’s as well as hospice & palliative care.

Mackenzie is a classically trained vocalist, with advanced training in piano, guitar, and percussion. She has been a member of Canadian choral communities since 1998, currently singing with the Halifax Camerata Singers.

Mackenzie Costron, BMT, MTA, RCT (she/her/hers), is the Owner and Founder of Find Your Voice Musi... Read More

Alexa Munroe Choquette, BMus, CMT, Music Therapist (she/her/hers), developed a love for music at a young age and continuously looked for ways to incorporate it into her future career. She completed a Bachelors of Music in voice performance at Dalhousie University. Alexa then went on to get her Certificate of Music Therapy from Acadia University, where she studied piano, guitar, percussion, and voice.

During her internship, Alexa developed her approach to music therapies and developed many different skills. She has experience working with hospitalized children, at-risk youth, children and adults with developmental disabilities, and Seniors. Part of her approach is to develop a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable engaging in sessions.

In addition to her performance and music therapy, Alexa is currently enrolled in a Masters of Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. At the end of this degree, she plans to join the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). This will allow her to provide deeper exploration and broader services to the community.

Alexa Munroe Choquette, BMus, CMT, Music Therapist (she/her/hers), developed a love for music at ... Read More