Staff Highlight: Layna
Layna may be one of our newer therapists, but her face has been around Harmony Garden for a year longer than she has been employed! Layna began her time with us as our music therapy intern and we loved working with her so much that we hired her as soon as she was board certified. Layna lives in Kalamazoo with her husband and children and we appreciate her dedication to commuting into town three days a week to run music therapy sessions!
Layna leads our intergenerational classes, sprouts early childhood classes, a few of our FUMC sessions, as well as individual music therapy sessions with many of our SED and private pay clients. Her families love having her and the warm, welcoming environment that she maintains in all her sessions. Layna is thoughtful in everything she contributes to the office and she has built great friendships with each of her colleagues.
Interview and Chit Chat
Q: If you could have lunch with any musician in history, who would it be?
A: It’s so hard to choose. Maybe Johnny Cash or Louis Armstrong. If we’re going way back, the biblical David who was a harpist and songwriter for King Saul – maybe the first music therapist!
Q: What is something you love to do outside of work?
A: I love road-trip and camp with my family.
Q: What inspired you to explore music therapy?
A: I was working as a CNA and a Kindermusik instructor when I found a high school career aptitude test I had taken years ago. That test indicated that I should be a music therapist. I thought that was amazing since I was working already in both music and health. I started researching schools right away, and the rest is history. Caring for people through my own passion of music is a dream come true.
Q: What’s your favorite part of your job?
A: Seeing sparks of recognition and joy as people discover themselves through music. I also absolutely love learning new things along with my clients.
We love having Layna at Harmony Garden and truly value the personality, heart, and point of view that she brings to the office.
