In this episode we are speaking with Wanda Gascho-White about her career highlights of over 35 years. She tells us about how she avoids burn out and what she feels are the most important personal characteristics of music therapists. Finally, Wanda tells us about the rationale for returning to school to complete her master’s degree so late in her career.
Here is a little more about Wanda:
Certified as a music therapist with the CAMT since 1988, Wanda has dedicated her career to working with infants, children, and youth, both in private practice and as a staff music therapist with Play and Learn Nursery (Bloorview) and Kayla's Children Centre (formerly Zareinu Educational Centre and Camp Aim). She has presented frequently at conferences and university programs on Developmental Music Therapy. Wanda participated on the board of the CAMT for 8 years chairing the portfolios of Continuing Education and Accreditation and serving 3 years as the CAMT president. Subsequently she joined the board of the CMTF and held the position of Chair of the Board for 10 years. In 2017 she returned to school and completed a Masters of Development Psychology at OISE University of Toronto. Currently Wanda is the Therapy Clinic Director at Kayla's Children Centre and continues to provide direct music therapy services there and in private practice. Outside working hours, Wanda enjoys time with her family at their Kawartha cottage where kayaking and hiking are favourite activities.
Sing it Girls program Information
Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls and the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast were founded by Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson
Adrienne is a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Music Therapist with over years of clinical experience working as a music therapist in hospital palliative care, and hospice. She currently works in private practice with Beyond the Studio and CHM Therapy, as an educator and supervisor with Concordia and Wilfrid Laurier Universities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund and is a past President of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Adrienne co-founded Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls! and The Canadian Music Therapy Podcast with Cathy Thompson in 2013. Adrienne's clinical work is focused in mental health, wellness care, bereavement support, hospice palliative care, chronic illness, and using voice, song and music to support emotional and physical health across the lifespan.
She created the Singing Well bereavement support group, her research in collaboration with Concordia university is published in the Summer 2018 issue of Bereavement Care. Her most recent publication, "Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40," can be found in the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 2023.
Contact Adrienne for Supervision
Cathyis a leader in business development across Canada. She is passionate about helping people discover their own talents and gifts in the areas of personal and professional development. She partnered with Adrienne to establish Beyond the Studio because of the vision of the organization. To nurture a love of music in all clients and students. Music is such a critical part of our world and Beyond the Studio offers a gateway in which people can experience more of it, through therapy and lessons. She has seen firsthand the joy and milestones that can be reached through music therapy.
I'm excited that we are able to help more people through our psychotherapy services launched in the fall of 2023.
Author of:
The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up
Publications:
"Reflections on the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast: The First 40," can be found in the Canadian Journal of Music Therapy, 2023.
Thompson, C., Girls Talk : An anti-stigma program for young women to promote understanding of and awareness about depression: Facilitator’s manual, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Canada.