Creative Minds Music Therapists

Antonietta (Toni) Mongillo Desideri, MMT, RP, MTA

Director

Toni believes in the importance of relationships and the creative self in one’s health and well-being. Music can reach parts of oneself in the most natural of ways, and can be used effectively as a tool tailored for many needs. Music is the most “flexible” of means and it can help in many ways!

Toni has worked in various areas, including early intervention, developmental disabilities, trauma (working abroad in Bosnia, Herzegovina), mental health/emotions awareness/management, bereavement, geriatrics/dementia, VAW/Women and Children’s Shelters, and refugees. Most recently, she worked at Sickkids Hospital in various areas.

Toni continues to have a passion for creating new opportunities for music therapy services in the community. She founded Creative Minds Music Therapy in 2010, and continues to commit to this endeavour.

Toni holds a Masters of Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University, and is a registered pscyhotherapist.

Shirley Khalil, MMT, RP, MTA

Music Therapist

Shirley is a Creative Minds Music Therapist who works with children and adults to help enhance cognitive and physical skills, nurture emotional and social development, and provide a space for creative and authentic expression.

Shirley believes that, as humans, we are all inherently musical. Music is easily accessible, and can be used in a variety of ways to help clients work through day to day challenges. Clients also find new ways of communicating and interacting with others and the world around them during music therapy sessions with her.

For the first eight years of her 15+ year career, Shirley supported adults in long-term care settings. Her practice has since expanded to include children with various developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, adults with various physical and developmental challenges, and Mental Health with teens and adults.

Shirley is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. She is also a Registered Psychotherapist (RP).

Shirley holds a Masters Degree in Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University, and is a Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery (FAMI).

Kristina Twilt, BMT, BSc, MTA

Music Therapist

Kristina recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University. She believes that no matter our age, everyone loves to play and desires to make meaningful connections with others. She uses music to hold space for her clients to explore their surroundings and build relationships. She works primarily with children, youth, and young adults, and seeks to emphasize their strengths and use them to build resiliency in areas of growth. This includes but is not limited to the development of: emotional awareness and regulation; mental health and wellness; social skills; cognition; developmental goals; and more.

Kristina completed her internship at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, where she worked with a variety of children aged 4 months to 18 years old during their stay at the hospital. She also has music therapy experience working with adults with mental health and emotional challenges, and in long-term care and educational settings. Prior to music therapy, Kristina obtained a Bachelors of Computer Science, and has used technology to amplify her sessions in varying ways. Kristina is a member in good standing with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists, and the Music Therapy Association of Ontario.

Kaitlyn McLagan, MMT, RP, MTA

Music Therapist

Kaitlyn aims to encourage growth and self-discovery in all her music therapy clients through creating a welcoming and caring environment where they can express themselves and share their stories. Her clinical work is primarily focused on supporting children, youth, and young adults in reaching their social, emotional, cognitive, and developmental goals and in coping with various mental health challenges.

Kaitlyn is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA), classically trained vocalist, and Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with a Masters of Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has music therapy experience working with individuals across the lifespan; from infancy to older adults. Kailtyn has supported patients, clients, and their loved ones in hospital, mental health, palliative, long-term care and educational settings. With a Bachelors in Music Education from Western University, Kaitlyn also enjoys teaching voice and group music lessons and fostering a love of music in those she works with!

Anna Knutel MT-BC, MTA

Music Therapist

Anna has a wide range of experience from babies to the young at heart over 100 years old. Specializing in community groups with teens/adults/seniors and long term care with 15 years experience. My happy place is touching your soul with music.

Anna plays a variety of instruments that she loves to use for sessions (accordion, violin, guitar).