Bronco Spotlight: Kaitlin Ridgway
Music Therapist at Hospice of Michigan
Working within the interdisciplinary team; working with various populations and ages from children to older adults, within hospice care. Planning and implementing music therapy interventions, managing music therapy case load, communicating with families and patients, creating new materials and music.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
I feel privileged to share time with patients and their families during this difficult time of their lives; music can have such an incredible impact during these fragile moments and can allow for shared experiences and an overall increase in quality of life. Music can reach a person's whole overall well-being, and being able to create these experiences is very rewarding.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
Student Music Therapy Association, professors and practicing supervisors, as well as my primary instrument professor. The support through the school of music is great, and they communicate well together.
What advice do you have for students looking for their career after college?
Take the time to explore many options and classes during your first semesters at school. You may have an idea of what you want that may change or be modified as you continue to grow, or you may learn of an exciting program you had no knowledge of previously.