In this episode, we are speaking with Rachel, Kelly-Anne, Alexa and Kimberly from the Inspiration Symposium that will be taking place in October 2026 for music therapists in Perth, ON. They will share more about what the symposium is about and what participants will experience over the three-day event. Here is a little more about our guests: Rachel Ntambwe: Rachel is a certified music therapist with over 20 years of experience working in special needs classrooms, long term care facilities, and group homes for adults. Rachel presented on her clinical work and the field of music therapy at MTAO conferences, the CAMT conference, and various organizations including the Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa. She is an internship supervisor and a practicum placement supervisor at Acadia University. Rachel provides music therapy and spiritual care for residents living in long term care facilities and group homes as part of her practice. Kelly-Anne Vander Meer: Kelly-Anne is a multi-passionate mental health professional: a certified music therapist (since 2013), crisis counsellor, and meditation instructor. Lately, she has felt a pull to rekindle the passion that started it all – music therapy. The Inspiration Symposium is a way of reconnecting with our amazing music therapy community and re-igniting music therapy in practice. It’s an honour to contribute to this very special event. Alexa Munroe Choquette: Alexa is an Accredited Music Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in the Ottawa, Ontario area. She works with Find Your Voice Music Therapy in many roles as a contractor, team clinical lead, and music therapy internship supervisor. She primarily works with complex mental health and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Kimberly Dolan: Kimberly is a Certified Music Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), and Holistic Wellness Advocate based in Kingston, Ontario. She is the co-founder of Synergy Music Therapy & Wellness Services where she works with folks from all walks of life, and an outreach worker supporting individuals navigating homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. With a background in psychology (BA) and a Master of Music Therapy (MMT) from Wilfrid Laurier University, Kimberly brings experience from diverse settings — including forensic mental health, developmental and neurological care, and community outreach. Her approach is grounded in social justice, compassion, and creative collaboration, and she believes deeply that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilled and well life. Community is a central theme for Kimberly and she is passionate about connecting and being in music and story in brave and inclusive spaces to process, explore, express, witness, and thrive! Beyond the Studio, Sing it Girls and the Canadian Music Therapy Podcast were founded by Adrienne Pringle and Cathy Thompson. Sing it Girls program Information 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. Contact Adrienne for Supervision Cathy is 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. Author of: The Dandelion: Secrets to Growing Your Successful Business from the Ground Up Buy Now! 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 youngwomen to promote understanding of and awareness about depression: Facilitator’s manual, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Canada Contact Cathy for business development