Michaela is a board-certified music therapist and certified child life specialist. She was born and raised in Florida and completed her bachelor's degree in music therapy with a minor in psychology and a certificate in developmental disabilities from Florida State University. They moved to Wilmington, NC, to complete their music therapy and child life internship at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. After completing their internship, they began working as a music therapist and child life specialist for adult patients and their families at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Michaela's therapeutic philosophy is that every person we encounter has something they can teach us. They believe that the role of a therapist is to give clients choice and autonomy to help them grow into the most authentic versions of themselves. This philosophy fits beautifully with the VOICSS® method by helping clients learn how they interact with the world around them and building their unique communication, social, and emotional skills.

Outside of music therapy, Michaela can be found spending time with her husband and their pets, doing yoga, crocheting, or singing along to Taylor Swift (only Taylor's Version, of course).

Fun Fact:

Michaela speaks both English and Spanish. They are also currently learning ASL and Portuguese!