I'm a planner and an organizer. I'm early for everything and I always like to be prepared. So when I began working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special needs it was a HUGE shift for me to learn that coming in with a pre-planned "agenda" and session plan might not be the best [...]
I have to say that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! Although it's usually still pretty hot and sticky here in Miami, I always enjoy singing songs about pumpkins, ghosts, and goblins. Last year I shared two videos of special Halloween singable stories: "Big Pumpkin" and "Nightsong" (these were a little different than my usual [...]
Well hello there! I wasn't able to blog last Wednesday because I was out "in the field," so to speak, observing my practicum students. I had the opportunity to visit the Debbie Institute, the Veteran's Administration Hospital, and back to United Cerebral Palsy! It was exciting to see the students working in the field and [...]
This is a special guest post brought to you by Claire Gentry, MT-BC. Claire is a board-certified music therapist and works as a subcontractor for Wholesome Harmonies. She provides many of our in-home services for children and teens with special needs. Claire also facilitates music therapy for Friendship Circle of Miami Beach/Bal Harbor, Rockin' and [...]
Sometimes I wish I was an octopus. There are times when I am going into a session carrying my guitar, a keyboard, a gathering drum, AND a bag of instruments....and eight arms would really be helpful! (Who needs the gym when you have sessions all day long, right?) I have found that there is one [...]
I'm really getting into the swing of things here at my job as Interim Professor of Music Therapy at University of Miami (UM). I love being about to share what I've learned in my eight years of working with children with special needs in the clinical setting and also what I learned during my master's [...]
It's true what they say..."it's all about the U." At least that's been the case for me the past two weeks or so. August 15 was my official first day at University of Miami (yay!) but I feel like this week was my first real week as Professor Kalas. (By the way, it is so weird to [...]
What a difference a week can make! Last Wednesday, I was wrapping up my time at United Cerebral Palsy and saying goodbye to my co-worker family that I'd been with for 7 years. This Wednesday, I'm organizing my office at University of Miami, attending new faculty orientation, and meeting the new students who'll be starting in the music [...]
I just returned home after a beautiful and relaxing vacation in Sanibel. Honestly it was hard to leave a week of swimming, biking, grilling, and swinging in the hammock. But I feel refreshed and ready to go! This is a bittersweet week for me - I am finishing up my time at UCP's Early Beginnings [...]
Friday was my last day with the children at UCP!! I can't believe it! I'll be leaving United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) to start my new position as Interim Professor of Music Therapy at University of Miami. There are many things that I'll miss about UCP, but most of all will be the children. Don't worry ~ [...]
