ABOUT

Bonnie has worked in a variety of private and community settings throughout her career including hospitals, long-term care facilities, day programs, schools and group homes. She uses a client-centred and music-centred approach in her work allowing each client’s specific needs to be reached uniquely. She uses music to engage and meet with people to build trusting therapeutic relationships and to encourage the exploration of self, relationship with others and their environment. Within the music therapy sessions, music is used to communicate validation, encourage expression and express support and love. These music interactions help build the client’s self-respect, self-worth and confidence.

 

Bonnie lives and works as a music therapist in Hamilton, Ontario. She has worked with several music therapy companies before starting Play On Music Therapy. Bonnie worked with Fermata (later Fermata Inc.) from her internship on and became Managing Director in 2018. Play On Music Therapy will continue the community contracts held by Fermata Inc. Bonnie has been interviewed about her music therapy work several times and has been featured in local newspapers and broadcasts. In 2017 she received the Business Link 40 under 40 award for her work with Fermata Inc.

 

Bonnie completed her Bachelor of Music Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2009 and returned to complete the Master of Music Therapy degree in 2013. Her Master’s research focused on the use of the viola in music therapy. This research led to Bonnie contributing to a book - Composition and Improvisation Resources for Music Therapists - published in 2015.

 

Bonnie continues to play music outside of work. She plays the viola in community chamber ensembles and leads music at her church. She also continues to teach some private violin and guitar lessons.