About MTAA
The mission of the MTAA is to promote excellence in music therapy practice, education, and development, to further public awareness of music therapy in Alberta, and to serve as an organizational agency for its members.
The MTAA represents Certified Music Therapists (MTA) at the provincial level. Provincial chapters operate in accordance with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and all active voting members of these chapters must be members in good standing of the CAMT.
Other Provincial Associations
Board of Directors
Elaine Cheung, MMT, CCC, MTA (she/her)
President
Elaine is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Certified Music Therapist who runs a Elements Music Therapy & Counselling in Calgary. She earned her Master of Music Therapy degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario. Through a humanistic and music-centred approach, she believes in developing meaningful therapeutic relationships and working collaboratively with people so that they can be their most authentic selves. Elaine also serves as the Treasurer on the Creative Arts Chapter Board of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Sarah Van Peteghen, MTA (she/her)
Vice President / President-Elect
Sarah is a born-and-bred Albertan, proud Métis, certified music therapist, and musician who has served the community of Calgary and beyond since 2007. After a few years travelling the globe, Sarah completed her Bachelor of Music Therapy degree at Acadia University and began her career with JB Music Therapy Inc. in 2008. In 2010, she wrote and recorded her sophomore album, Deafened.
She began her 14-year career at Alberta Children’s Hospital in 2010 and is responsible for constructing the first music therapy internship in a hospital environment and the first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit music therapy program in Alberta. Sarah loves travelling, baking, eating her husband’s delicious cooking, and exploring Calgary on her e-bike.
Cheryl Vicera, MTA (she/her)
Secretary/Treasurer
Cheryl completed her Bachelor of Music Therapy degree at Capilano University in North Vancouver, BC. She currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta, and works primarily with older adults in long term care. She believes in the power of using music to foster strong therapeutic relationships and meaningful change; both intrapersonal and interpersonal.
Laura Johnson, MMT, MTA
Membership Director
My relationship with music began at home, with my father who was a music teacher and lifelong musician and a mother who deeply loved music created an environment where sound and song were part of everyday life. I began piano at fifteen and went on to study at York University, exploring improvisation and jazz while developing a deep understanding of music as a tool for listening, responding, and connection. Alongside performing and touring across Canada with a Toronto-based band, I began teaching and witnessing music’s ability to bring people together across diverse experiences. A pivotal moment came through volunteering in hospice care, where I saw firsthand how familiar music can offer comfort and connection at the end of life—an experience that led me to complete a Master of Music Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University. I then worked for over two years on the palliative care unit at Grey Nuns Community Hospital, supporting patients and families through deeply meaningful moments. Now, as Membership Director with the Music Therapy Association of Alberta, I am passionate about fostering connection, supporting professional growth, and strengthening community within the field of music therapy.
Hilary MacAulay, BMT, NMT, MTA (she/her)
Ethics Director
Hilary completed her Bachelor of Music Therapy at Acadia University, is currently enrolled in the Master of Counselling program at Athabasca University, and currently lives and works in Calgary. She believes that music has incredible power to foster connection and community, and provide safe spaces for expression. When not running music therapy sessions, she can be found reading, hanging out with her dog, or starting too many craft projects.
Emily Brown, BMT, MTA (she/her)
Continuing Education and Professional Development Director
Emily Brown is a Certified Music Therapist, currently situated in Calgary, Alberta. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree at Capilano University in 2016, Emily ran a small Music Therapy business for 6 years in Vancouver, B.C. During this time, she gained experience working with varying organizations such as the Canadian Institution for the Blind (CNIB), the Sarah McLaughlan School of Music (SoM), and other community and in-home programs.
After 6 rewarding years, in 2022, Emily packed up her life to travel the globe. Upon her return to Canada in 2023, she found herself back in her hometown of Calgary, where she now works with children and seniors of varying cultures, ages and abilities. It is here that she finds joy in incorporating many international instruments and songs into her everyday practice. In her spare time, you can catch Emily either camping or hiking, indulging in charcuterie or planning her next trip.
Tania Mulki, BMT, NMT, MTA (she/her)
Public Relations & Advocacy Director
Tania holds a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree from Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg. She works with children in hospital and school settings, as well as adults in long-term care. Tania is passionate about building meaningful connections through music and is continually inspired by its ability to support a wide range of therapeutic goals while fostering strong rapport across all ages. Outside of her clinical work, Tania enjoys discovering new scenic walking routes, both in the city and in the mountains—a joy that comes easily with Calgary’s beautiful surroundings.
Yasmin Kawar, MA, RCT, MTA (she/her)
Member-at-Large
Yasmin Kawar, MTA, RCT, is a Jordanian-Canadian music therapist and counselling therapist working in the Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) region. Yasmin specializes in working with Military/RCMP Veterans, as well as clients in addiction recovery and those impacted by trauma & abuse, addiction, ADHD, and anxiety/depression. Her approach is integrative, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and person-centered. Yasmin works to meet clients where they are in their life journey to collaboratively explore challenges, develop insights & resources, and creatively mobilize chaos into positive empowered change. Yasmin also serves on the executive board of the Creative Arts in Counselling & Psychotherapy Chapter with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Kathryn Daniels, BMus, MTA (she/her)
Member-at-Large
After receiving her Bachelor of Music from Queen's University in 1987, Kathryn attended Capilano College gaining a Diploma in Music Therapy in 1989. In more recent years, she added certificates in Neurological Music Therapy, Drum Circle Facilitation and Counselling Skills. She has worked extensively in long term care with adults: with and without dementia, adults with neurodegenerative diseases TBI and mental illness, as well as children both in private practice and on contract with the 5 Counties Catholic School Board in Peterborough Ontario. In her spare time, Kathryn can be seen marching with a snare drum behind the pipers of the Calgary and District Pipe Band.
