Philosophy- To work holistically towards the desired goals of the client, using improvised as well as pre-composed music. To encourage self-expression,communication and self-awareness.

Background- Before qualifying as a music therapist Rachael gained diverse music therapy experience working and volunteering in a variety of settings. In 1998 Rachael assisted both a music therapist and a speech therapist at the hospital in Aachen, Germany. The music therapy setting was an adult psychiatric ward.

In 1999, Rachael lived in London England and worked at a day centre for adults with physical and learning disabilities. Here, she worked side by side with speech therapists, drama therapist, physiotherapist and art therapist as an assistant for client care.

In the year 2000, Rachael began her studies in music therapy in Cambridge, England. Internship experience included; adult and adolescent psychiatry, elderly long term care, and a hospital for adults with learning disabilities. Since starting her own practice in 2001, Rachael's work has extended to working with children with a variety of needs such as children with autism, communication disorders as well as the siblings to those with a particular diagnosis.

She has an interest in research, especially in regards to psychiatric care, adolescents and working with the family in a holistic approach.

Rachael is an active member of the TAMT (Toronto Association of Music Therapists),MTAO (Music Therapy Association of Ontario) and the CAMT (Canadian Association of Music Therapy). Director of Music Therapy for Jesse's Foundation for Music and Dance Therapy.

Education-Rachael completed her BA Psychology at Dalhousie University, in Halifax N.S (1994-1997) She completed one of her semesters in the south of France. Following this, she completed a diploma in Anatomy and Physiology at Henderson College in London England (2000). In Oct 2000, Rachael began a Post Graduate Music Therapy course at Anglia Polytechnic University, Cambridge, England that qualified her as a Music Therapist in July 2001. Rachael completed a MA Social Science with the Open University, London England in May 2004.

Musical Training-Rachael began playing the piano in 1981 and trained through the Royal Conservatory of Music up to the gr. 9 level. She has taken singing lessons in England, Germany and Canada, and is a moderate level guitar and trumpet player. Her Music Therapy musical training was based mostly on improvising. Rachael has sang and performed in choirs and a samba band.