Julia Blundon, GrDipMT, BA (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 September 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.

Email: julia@findyourvoicemusictherapy.com

Phone: 1-800-827-3120 ext. 107

Julia Blundon, GrDipMT, BA (she/her) was born and raised in British Columbia, where her deep pass... Read More

Mackenzie Costron, BMT, MTA, RCT (she/her), 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 trauma informed music therapy & counselling services in Halifax area as well as online across Turtle Island/ Canada.

Mackenzie began her Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) Certified Music Therapist (MTA) training with Acadia University obtaining a Bachelor of Music Therapy (BMT). In recent years, Mackenzie returned to campus as a part time member of the music therapy faculty instructing 3rd and 4th year students. She is also a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) and completed the Narrative Therapy program through The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre and University of Toronto. In addition, Mackenzie is a Heart Centered Facilitator with Costron+Co supporting creative, health and wellness entrepreneurs through business 1:1 mentorship, coaching, and group workshops.

Mackenzie identifies as a cisgender, neurodivergent therapist. She uses the interplay of music and verbal language within the therapeutic process. She specializes working in mental health including anxiety, autism meltdowns, panic attacks, grief and loss. Mackenzie also supports folks during moments of change and transition, namely with maternal health in the prenatal period. Her work as a therapist is also informed by working with neurodivergent folks (i.e. autism, ADHD), children & youth at risk, stroke & acquired brain injury, neurologic movement disorders, dementia & Alzheimer’s as well as hospice & palliative care.

In Mackenzie’s clinical and spirituality work is inspired by Danielle Laporte (Heart Centered Program), Byron Katie (The Work), Dr. Gabor Mate (Compassionate Inquiry), Dr. Richard Swartz (Internal Family Systems Therapy), and Dr. Shefali Tsabary (Conscious and Awakened Parenting). Also, through Mackenzie’s passion in equity, diversity and inclusion. She completed the University of Alberta Indigenous Studies Course and frequently attends Anti-Oppressive Practices trainings and workshops, such as with Holiday Phillips. and with FYVMT’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Kimiko Suzuki.

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 Mackenzie sings with the Halifax Camerata Singers. She finds nourishment in actively engaging with music, spending time with her family, travelling, boxing and being outdoors.

Email: mackenzie@findyourvoicemusictherapy.com

Phone: 1-800-827-3120 ext. 103

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

Alexa Munroe Choquette, BMus, CMT, MACP, MTA, RP (Q) (she/her), 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 therapy and developed many different skills. She has experience working with hospitalized children, at-risk youth, children and adults with developmental disabilities, Seniors, Mental Health and Wellness, and Anxiety. 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 degrees, Alexa has completed a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is currently in the process of completing the accreditation steps with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), and is listed as a Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying (RP(Q)). This allows her to provide deeper exploration and broader services to the Kingston, ON and FYVMT virtual community. Alexa is our Team Clinical Lead and currently facilitating 2SLGBTQIA+ voice therapy sessions for non-binary and trans folkx through our Trans-Formative Voices programming.

Email: alexa@findyourvoicemusictherapy.com.

Phone: 1-800-827-3120 ext. 105

Alexa Munroe Choquette, BMus, CMT, MACP, MTA, RP (Q) (she/her), developed a love for music at a y... Read More

Kimiko Suzuki (she/her), is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) currently located in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia (located on Mi’kma’ki, the unceded ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq nation). She received a BFA in Music Performance (Classical Viola specialization) from York University in 2014, a Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy from Concordia University in 2016, MTA Certification from Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) in 2016, and an MA in Creative Arts Therapies (Music Therapy Option) from Concordia University in 2018. She has worked with clients of all ages and abilities to provide individual and group sessions, recreational programming, and community care, in addition to adapted music lessons. She received certificate training from Tina Lackner in 2020 for “Treating Anxiety Using Play-Based Approaches, Yoga, Mindfulness & Meditation for Children & Families.”

Kimiko has been a Lecturer at Acadia University for the School of Music’s BMT and CMT programs since 2022. Kimiko’s MA thesis research focused on “Music-Centered Music Therapy Interventions with the Viola.” She has presented at the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) national conferences in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. She was a co-founding member of the Equity Advisory Council (EAC) to the CAMT in 2019, and she was Equity and Diversity Chair on the CAMT Board of Directors from 2021-2023.  Kimiko facilitated Social Location in Music Therapy: An Open Discussion Forum at the 2023 Atlantic Association for Music Therapy (AAMT) Conference, and she currently acts as Membership Chair on the AAMT Board. She facilitated Social Location in Music Therapy: An Open Discussion Forum at the 2023 Atlantic Association for Music Therapy (AAMT) Conference, and she currently acts as Membership Chair on the AAMT Board.

Kimiko acted as a guest panelist for “Sound, Mind, and Body: The Healing Power of Music”, hosted by the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra in 2021. Her chamber group, the Grenadier String Quartet, was the resident string quartet for the Toronto Strings Composition Workshop at the Canadian Music Centre in 2020 and 2021. She has toured Canada with the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (2011-2013) and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (2014), and she performed with the Chautauqua Institution Musical Festival Orchestra from 2011-2012.

Email: kimiko@findyourvoicemusictherapy.com

Phone: 1-800-827-3120 ext. 106

Kimiko Suzuki (she/her), is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) currently located in the Annapolis ... Read More

Brandon Zuniga, CMT, MTA, MT-BC (he/him) was born in K’jipuktuk/ Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was since a very young age that Brandon was interested in music, and he could often be heard singing and dancing to his favourite songs. 

He was introduced to music when he was ten years old, beginning by learning to play the violin when he was ten years old. From that point forward Brandon’s curiosity of music continued to grow. For seventeen years Brandon has studied the guitar as his primary instrument, though has also learned a variety of others including the voice, piano, percussion, ukulele, mandolin, and hand pan.

Brandon graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Music (BMus) in 2018, concentrating in Composition. Following his graduation, Brandon immediately continued his education at Acadia University where he received his Certificate of Music Therapy (CMT) in 2020.

Over the last three years Brandon has worked primarily with seniors, but also with children and teenagers. Brandon believes that everyone deserves to experience the wonders of Music Therapy, and he is excited to share and provide his skills to all involved with Find Your Voice Music Therapy. 

Brandon Zuniga, CMT, MTA, MT-BC (he/him) was born in K’jipuktuk/ Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was sin... Read More