KATY HARMES – MUSIC THERAPY
Katy is a board certified music therapist, graduated from Elizabethtown College in December 2017. While in college, Katy had opportunities to work with a variety of populations; these included children with Down syndrome, children with autism, adults with various intellectual disabilities, children with PTSD and other mental and intellectual challenges, older adults with Alzheimer’s, and children in a pediatric cancer center. Katy completed over 1200 clinical internship hours with Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, where she provided music therapy services to Hospice patients with a wide range of terminal diagnoses. She also spent three summers facilitating group music therapy sessions at a social skills therapy camp for children with autism. Outside of music, Katy enjoys reading and traveling.
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