Credentials:

• Bachelor of Music Therapy (Capilano University), 2020

• Bachelor of Arts, Major in Music (Concordia University of Edmonton), 2017

Populations you specialize with:  Long-term Care and Palliative Care

Special Skills /Related Training:  Classical Violin training, Classical Voice training (Italian and German), basic Cantonese and long-time fan of Disney cartoons

Personal History: I was born and raised in the delightful prairie lands of Edmonton, Alberta. My parents flew in from Hong Kong and have made Canada their home for over 45 years.

Growing up, my musical influences consisted of classical violin lessons and watching Disney cartoons with the family. This laid the groundwork for my musical foundation and joined the church band in Junior High, where I learned to do one of my favourite things today: sing and play guitar. In university, I studied classical voice where I was introduced to the lovely community of a concert choir.  I had the honor of being a choir member when we travelled to Brazil, France and Germany. These experiences helped me to understand: 1) the value of music within community, 2) how music can cross cultural boundaries and 3) music’s unique approach for building positive relationships. These three concepts were especially true when I played music for my late Grandma.

Before she passed, there was a cultural and communicative barrier between us. When I played for her, I witnessed that music could communicate when words could not. After this, my dad, a family physician who deeply admire, told me that her eyes lit up and were brighter than they had been for months. This gave me a sense of purpose to share music, so that together we may experience its healing power.

Professional History:  I have work experience in long term care homes, special care units, palliative care centres and elementary schools.  The majority of my experience is long term care where I have worked together with people with Dementia, cancer, Parkinson’s, Korsakoff’s, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression.

Work Philosophy:  I believe that all aspects of health are important for overall quality of life. While physicians, nurses and care aides focus on caring for the physical well-being, my focus is to address the aspects of psychological, social, emotional and spiritual well-being. Therefore, it is important that the health care team works as one, and that I fulfill my areas of focus to my utmost ability by consistently providing opportunities for quality of life experiences.

Personal Life Philosophy: I believe that everyone, regardless of history, socio-economic status, or physical and cognitive ability have inherent value and should therefore be treated with the kindness and respect they deserve.

Favourite Quotes:

“There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for.”-  Samwise Gamgee