Expert Voices: Music Therapy (How Music Can Help Treat Mental Health Conditions)

Aksana Kavaliova-Moussi, MA, MM, RP,  MTA, NMT, Doctoral Student

Psychotherapist, Music Therapist

Aksana Kavaliova-Moussi is a certified music therapist and a registered psychotherapist in Ontario, Canada. She has Masters degrees in music therapy and counselling psychology and studies at a doctorate program at Colorado State University. Aksana works with trauma survivors, victims of violence of all ages, and with neurodivergent individuals. She serves as Secretary of the World Federation of Music Therapy and a Co-Chair of the Online Conference for Music Therapy.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aksana_musictherapy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aksana.kavaliovac

YouTube: N/A

Website: N/A

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aksana-kavaliova-37715384/

Daniel Goldschmidt, MM, MT-BC (they/them)

Owner, Etude LLC

Meet Daniel Goldschmidt MM, MT-BC (they/them) - a music therapist who's committed to constant growth and doing better each day. Daniel believes in breaking free from binary thinking and challenging societal norms that box us in.

A board-certified music therapist since 2013, Daniel has worked with individuals from all walks of life - from toddlers to centenarians, people from diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, neurodivergent folks, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with various other identities.

Daniel earned their Bachelor's degree in music therapy from the University of Kansas in 2013, followed by a Master's degree (with a graduate certificate in gender, power, and difference) from Colorado State University in 2020. They have served on various boards and committees, most recently a two year term with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee for the Great Lakes Region of the American Music Therapy Association.

Daniel's dedication to education and advocacy extends far beyond music therapy. They've completed trainings in music cognition research, music therapy and autistic folks, and a 40-hour training on advocating for victims of sexual assault. Daniel has delivered keynote speeches, trainings, and presentations around the world, including keynotes on addressing white supremacy in healthcare in South Africa, Manitoba, California, and Minnesota. They've also given talks on music cognition and musical intervention, including keynotes for the Virginia Association of Licensed Child Placing Agencies, the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association, and a TEDx talk.

Beyond their work as a music therapist, Daniel performs with Brass Solidarity, an anti-racist street band based in George Floyd Square in South Minneapolis. You can also find Daniel playing piano and singing with various bands and improv groups in the Twin Cities.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielnnz

Facebook: N/A

YouTube: N/A

Website: https://www.etudellc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-goldschmidt-8bb36010/

Cynthia Faye, MTA, MMT, MT-BC, RP(Q)

Music Therapist & Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Cynthia Fay is a singer, songwriter, artist, and board certified music therapist & registered psychotherapist (qualifying) offering compassionate, culturally-informed care through Bluewater Therapy Services in Sarnia, Ontario & Kapwa Counselling in Toronto, Ontario. Cynthia is of Filipino and mixed Caribbean heritage, she integrates music, art, and community-centered practices to support healing, connection, and growth. Cynthia has released a colouring book showcasing Filipino traditions of decorating with colourful Parol to share her culture & provide a peaceful activity for self- care and relaxation. It is called, "The Filipino Parol Colouring Book" By Cynthia Fay, and it is available for sale on Amazon. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluewatertherapyservices

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573762329151

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-aBy6bygeYbl-wvDGMU1g

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/bluewatertherapyservices-ca/home?authuser=0

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-fay-gutierrez-marhue-1999a72a9/

Krystine Smith, MA, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist, Advanced Trainee in Guided Imagery and Music

Krystine Smith is a professional flutist, Board Certified Music

Therapist, Advanced Trainee in Guided Imagery and Music, Registered Yoga Teacher, and Marine Corps Veteran. Krystine completed her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy at the University of Miami and her Masters of Arts in Music Therapy at Saint Mary of the Woods College. She is currently an Advanced Trainee in Guided Imagery and Music, a music-centered, depth approach to transformational therapy. As a Veteran, Krystine is very passionate about serving military and Veteran populations particularly supporting mental hea