performance-based experiences for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their time there deepened their commitment to advocacy and strengthened their ability to support clients and families through a holistic, empathetic lens.

In addition to their clinical work, Alianna has demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to the music therapy community. They served as Vice President of the Music Therapy Club at Westfield State University and held multiple roles on the New England Region of the American Music Therapy Association Students (NER-AMTAS) board, including Secretary and Parliamentarian. Through these roles, they helped organize campus and regional events, including conferences, club fairs, and mental health awareness initiatives. Alianna was recognized for their contributions with both a Student Scholarship from the Music Therapy Association and the Last Mile Scholarship from Westfield State University.

A lifelong musician, Alianna has been actively involved in chorus and band, performing on euphonium, and participated in both a cappella and a brass quartet, earning a gold rating at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) competition. They are proficient in guitar, piano, percussion, and voice, and are a classically trained coloratura soprano with a love for exploring a wide range of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and R&B. Alianna also enjoys improvisation and songwriting and has contributed background vocals to various recording projects. They aspire to release their own music in the future.

Alianna’s work is grounded in the belief that music is a powerful tool for connection, expression, and growth. Their dedication to both clinical excellence and community engagement continues to make a meaningful impact on the individuals and families they serve.

“I didn’t learn about music therapy until my senior year of high school the week before application deadlines (it was a very close call). Two things I knew for certain was that I always felt connected to music and I always wanted to help people. Once I realized there was a world that existed in which I could do both, everything changed. When I got to college, I thought I was in over my head, but every fiber of my being told me that I was right where I needed to be. I understood that there was so much to learn and that excited me even if it did scare me first. It’s honestly what motivated me to keep pushing, realizing how broad this field is and how many clients I could work with- the possibilities. When it came time to finally work with people, I finally grasped the feeling of togetherness that music therapy is a vessel for. Creating music with others, helping people meet goals, people hitting major milestones that I was able to witness has been incredible. I saw firsthand how music provides feelings of catharsis and unfiltered joy where people can simply exist in the music. I can’t wait to continue to provide experiences like this throughout my career.”