President
Operations Manager
Service Coordinator
Thyra Andrews is the Founder and President of New Song Music Therapy, an Ontario based practice presently serving long term care facilities with a specialized team of Music Therapists.
New Song Music Therapy has succeeded for years in enhancing senior living with tailored high quality Music Therapy programs distinctly designed to overcome barriers, engage and uplift residents and reduce isolation. As the Founder and President, Thyra works hard to ensure she provides a thriving work environment where music therapists can rely on a supportive team and stable contracts.
After completing an Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree from the University of Windsor, Thyra became a certified music therapist. She went on to obtain a Masters in Creative Arts Therapies with a specialty in Music Therapy from Concordia University and is currently a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists. In 2013, she served as the Ethics Chair of the Music Therapy Association of Ontario.
Catherine graduated with a Music Therapy Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a classically trained pianist. She has worked with clients in senior living facilities in Nova Scotia and Calgary.
Catherine is originally from Nova Scotia, but tried out living in many different cities in Canada, and is now happy to call Toronto home.
Here she can indulge in her favourite pastime — being outside, walking her dog, and spending time with people that have a great sense of humour.
Meg is a classically-trained vocalist and has completed her Master’s in Creative Arts Therapies from Concordia University. Meg previously attended Wilfrid Laurier University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy with a Minor in Psychology. Meg has specialized in working with seniors in long term care. Her areas of clinical treatment include Alzheimer's, dementia, mental health, coping with life changes, grief, and palliative care.
Meg works with a person-centred approach in her music psychotherapy practice. She is passionate about helping individuals in all life stages to experience emotional growth, healing and meaningful connection with others.
In her spare time Meg enjoys being an avid coffee-drinker, trying out new restaurants, and playing board games. Meg loves to laugh and joke, and humour is a large part of her life.
As a trained Saxophonist and pianist, Ashley has followed a resource-oriented approach in her work in paediatrics as well as with older adults with dementia and adult mental health.
Ashley has earned her Undergraduate degree in Performance from Humber College followed by a Master in Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University. Ashley has also earned her Level 1 Association of music and imagery.
Originally from Ottawa, Ashley will do almost anything she can to be near most 4-legged furry animals. In her spare time Ashley composes music and leads her own band. When she is not involved in the music world, Ashley enjoys indoor rock climbing.
Kayla Rivera is a classically trained pianist who received a Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University as well as a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Degree from Yorkville University.
Kayla has clinical experience working with individuals and groups of different ages and populations, but is especially passionate about working with young adults and long-term care residents. When offering support, Kayla strives to provide an environment that is safe, non-judgmental, accepting, and empathetic. She utilizes a holistic, culturally sensitive, and person-centered approach in her work with clients.
In her spare time, Kayla loves going out to eat at different restaurants, watching soap operas, and going on vacation to places that have nice weather all year round.
Ricky is a classically trained pianist who has completed his Master of Music Therapy degree from Wilfrid Laurier University as well as his Bachelor of Music Education from Western University.
Ricky has had the opportunity to gain clinical experience with many individuals across the lifespan but feels most passionate about his work in long-term care. Using a humanistic, person-centred, and client-centred model of music therapy, he hopes to provide the most effective music therapy to all his clients.
In his spare time, Ricky likes to catch up on his favourite shows or play board games.
Cheryl is a classically trained singer, who has completed her Master of Music Therapy degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as her Bachelor of Music (Education) and an Artist Diploma in Voice Performance from the University of Western Ontario. She continues to upgrade her skills, with additional training in Neurologic Music Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
Cheryl has clinical experience with a variety of populations, but particularly connects to older adults and residents in long-term care. Her approach is resource-oriented, eclectic, and person-centred.
Cheryl is a proud mother and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She enjoys history and can often be found researching genealogy.
Melissa is a classically trained pianist and studied Music Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University. Melissa enjoys working in long term care and also has experience working with children and teenagers with autism.
Melissa works with a person-centred approach and uses music to create a safe space for residents to talk about their inner thoughts and feelings.
In her spare time, Melissa enjoys hosting themed game nights, playing with her cat and rabbit, and learning how to sew her own clothes.
Ellis graduated with a Master of Music Therapy Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a classically trained pianist. He previously attended McMaster University where he achieved a Master of Science in Psychology.
Ellis enjoys working in a long-term care setting as he utilizes his experiences working with individuals across the lifespan, including children and adults. Using an eclectic humanistic approach, Ellis is focused on understanding the effects of anxiety and depression on the mental health of an aging population.
In his spare time Ellis loves to walk his dogs, sing in choir, and spend time with friends and family.
We only hire professionals with advanced knowledge and reservoirs of creativity who care deeply about improving the lives of residents.
Every therapist is a certified member of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists, holds a music therapy degree, and has experience working with adults and seniors.
Each certified therapist at New Song receives training in our unique methodology of combining music therapy and talk therapy interventions.
Our psychotherapists strictly adhere to industry best practice and regularly attend continuing education programs.
The New Song Difference
The Value of Psychotherapy
Engaging More Cognitive Seniors
Serving Ontario: Toronto, Richmond Hill, North York, Vaughan, Newmarket, Oshawa, Pickering, Scarborough, Ajax, Whitby, Mississauga, Brampton, Malton, Oakville, Ottawa, Hamilton, Cambridge, and Kitchener.
© New Song Music Therapy, Ltd. | Legal Terms and Disclosures
