KATY HARMES – MUSIC THERAPY
Katy has been the director of the music therapy program at Valotta Studios since its launch in 2018. Katy is a board-certified music therapist graduated from Elizabethtown College. Before working at Valotta, Katy had the opportunity to work with many individuals and groups with a variety of goals; her experience includes music therapy with hospice, intellectual disabilities, autism, PTSD, Down syndrome, nursing home/assisted living, and pediatric hematology/oncology and post-surgical care. Katy completed her music therapy internship with Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, working primarily with patients in an inpatient hospice unit. Katy has also spent previous summers facilitating music therapy sessions with groups of children with autism and other social challenges at a social skills therapy camp. Currently, Katy oversees all new client intake and orientation at Valotta Studios, as well as provides both individual and group services at the studio and in local schools and facilities (independent living, memory care). Outside of music therapy, Katy enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Katy can be personally reached at KatyMT.ValottaTherapy@gmail.com
“We genuinely love Miss Katy! When we started music therapy with Miss Katy (2 years ago), our son was almost 3 years old. He was shy and reserved and, despite knowing that he loved music, we weren’t sure how things were going to go. He has a cerebral palsy diagnosis and fine and gross motor activities can be challenging. However, Miss Katy was easy to work with, patient, and, most importantly, adaptable. I think our son felt seen and heard because Miss Katy met him where he was, created activities and songs that peaked his interest, and overall found ways to engage him and help him grow. Before too long, he was independently singing Miss Katy’s songs in the car and at home, asking when we were going to music again, and just full of joy and giggles to be working with Miss Katy. Fast forward to today, our son is more vocal and more confident, and Miss Katy continues to find new ways to keep him engaged and learning, while having loads of fun in the process!”
– Missy, Valotta parent
“First and foremost, Katy is wonderful. She is doing a fabulous job with my son. It is amazing to see how well they work together and get along. She really tailors her plan to fit his needs. She has such good instincts and really knows how to reach and engage him. She has often coordinated her approach with his play therapist simply by paying attention to his needs. She does not have contact with his play therapist nor have I told her what they are working on, but somehow she always knows what my son needs to work on at the moment. Her approach with him really complements his other therapy. She is so friendly, nice, accommodating, easy going, relaxed and is truly wonderful. She is a pleasure to work with and we could not have asked for a better music therapist. We are lucky to have found her! Thank you for having such a wonderful person on your staff.”
– Diana, Valotta parent