I am delighted to contribute four presentations to the 18th World Congress of Music Therapy (WCMT 2026) in Bologna, Italy. This international gathering brings together music therapists, researchers, educators, and students from around the world to exchange ideas, strengthen collaborations, and shape the future of our profession.
My presentations represent four distinct areas of my professional work and scholarship. From examining global workforce trends and facilitating international collaboration in early childhood music therapy to participatory research with children and families and the practical application of artificial intelligence, each session contributes a different perspective of music therapy. Together, they reflect my commitment to advancing the profession through research, innovation, education, and international partnerships.
My presentations include:
Saturday, July 11 | 2:00–2:45 PM
Bridging Decades and Borders: Global Trends and Transformations in Music Therapy Practice
An international perspective on how the profession has evolved over the past decade, drawing on global survey data to identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities for music therapy worldwide.
Saturday, July 11 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Composing Belonging: How Youth and Families Rewriting the Score Toward Full Inclusion
This research presentation shares outcomes from collaborative work demonstrating how music therapy can foster belonging, participation, and meaningful inclusion through partnerships with young people and their families.
Sunday, July 12 | 8:30–9:30 AM
With and For Children: An International Hackathon on Early Childhood Music Therapy (World Café)
Together with international colleagues, we will facilitate an interactive World Café exploring how collaborative innovation can strengthen community music therapy and early childhood practice through global partnerships.
Sunday, July 12 | 10:30–11:30 AM
Making AI Work for Us: Tools, Practice, Possibilities in Music Therapy
This presentation explores practical applications of artificial intelligence for clinicians, educators, and researchers, focusing on ethical, accessible, and meaningful ways AI can support—not replace—the human relationships at the heart of music therapy.
If you will be in Bologna, let’s connect! Whether after a session, while strolling through the historic streets, or over a classic Italian espresso, I would love to exchange ideas, explore new collaborations, and simply enjoy the conversations that make our international music therapy community so special.
Ci vediamo a Bologna! 🇮🇹☕