Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre welcomes Jennifer Ryckaert

Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre announces the appointment of Jennifer Ryckaert to the role of Clinical Development Manager.
 
Jennifer brings with her a wide scope of course development experience having created numerous music therapy programmes in the fields of speech, physical and occupation therapies along with special needs.
 
Most recently Jennifer was the Music Therapy Clinical Manager and Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor of Music Therapy at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. 
 
She is certified in the Orff-Schulwerk music education methodology and has formerly served on the Orff faculty at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance in New York where she developed a class for children with visual impairments.
 
While working as a music therapist, Jennifer has maintained a private music studio for the past 20 years where she specialises in piano instruction for people with special needs including those who require Braille instruction.
 
Jennifer’s role at RMTC includes providing music therapy sessions for the centre’s clients and working with Clinical Services Manager Yid-Ee Goh and Executive Director Carol White to develop new programmes and services.
 
Carol is delighted to have Jennifer join the team to help drive the expansion of services into new areas of Auckland and contribute to the ongoing development of the Centre. 
  
“Jennifer’s vast experience in music therapy programme development across different clinical populations represents a major achievement in this next step of the centre’s growth.”
Carol says.
 

Photo courtesy of Pead PR

Jennifer first visited RMTC in February this year and after her visit she decided to make New Zealand her new home.
 
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful country and to host family and friends from the US who are eager to visit,” Jennifer says.
 
“The RMTC therapists share the same passion for music therapy as me. They’ve seen first-hand the transformative effect it can have and I’m looking forward to working with the team to share ideas and develop new programmes to benefit our clients.”
 
Jennifer recently attended Music Therapy New Zealand’s Wellington Hui where she was able to connect with other members of the Society, be introduced to the music therapy work that is happening across New Zealand and enjoy her first stay on a marae.
 
Jennifer obtained her Bachelor of Arts in piano performance from the University of New Hampshire and her Master of Music Therapy from Georgia College and Stage University. She has also completed courses in music therapy and mental health counselling at Nazareth College.
 
The Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre celebrates its 12th birthday in March 2016.