Simone

Director of Music Garden & Registered Music Therapist. Works Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.

Simone grew up in regional NSW, surrounded by music from an early age. However she decided to go into the world of teaching, completing a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in 2002 through Monash University. Simone loved working with little people in preschools and day cares and it was through those experiences that Simone discovered a passion for supporting children with disabilities, in an inclusive environment. To deepen her understanding  she completed a Graduate Certificate in Special Education through Flinders University in 2015.

Simone ran early childhood music classes for 5 years in regional VIC, seeing firsthand the power of music and how all children have an innate response to music. Inspired by this, and with a nudge from her Dad, she discovered Music Therapy, and went on to complete a Master of Music Therapy, in 2017, at the University of Melbourne.

After travelling from Mansfield to Wodonga  for 3 years, Simone made the move to the Albury/Wodonga area.  Alongside Music Garden, Simone taught at an early intervention preschool, supporting children on their transition to school. Today, she works with people of all ages through the NDIS, preschools, schools and aged care. She has seen participants transform, going from feeling anxious, isolated and overwhelmed, to regulated, connected, creative and joyful.

Simone is passionate about making music therapy accessible to all and strives to create an environment where everyone can feel accepted and welcome for who they are.

In her spare time you will find Simone hanging with her fast -growing teen son, her two fluffy dogs, participating in community musicals and avoiding the house at all costs when her son is playing the drums.

Esther

Registered Music Therapist.

Works Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.

Esther became a Registered Music Therapist with the AMTA after completing a Master of Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne in 2021. Prior to this Esther worked as an Early Childhood Teacher and Educator in the Wodonga area having completed a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) at Charles Sturt University in Albury in 2015.

She has also travelled in Australia and overseas as a full-time musician as part of indie-folk duo Mayfair Lane with her husband. These experiences have shaped Esther’s passion for using music for everyday health and wellbeing, particularly through songwriting, improvisation and making music in group settings.

She has experience working with individuals and groups in schools, community and private clinical settings involving a range of clients with diverse needs and goals. She is passionate about working towards neurodiversity-affirming practice and works in a person-centred, strengths-based way.

Esther is also aware of the distinct

challenges and opportunities when working in regional communities having always lived and worked in regional towns within NSW and Victoria. She looks forward to being part of Music Garden, helping the communities of Albury/Wodonga and surrounds to grow and thrive.

In her spare time Esther enjoys travelling with her husband and young daughter to play indi folk music as Mayfair Lane. She also likes op shopping, drinking coffee and trying random DIY activities and crafts.

Jessica

Registered Music Therapist.   

 Works Thursday & Friday.

Jessica grew up in the Albury Wodonga area before moving to Melbourne and completing a double degree in Law and Music at Monash University in 2012, majoring in composition.

Jessica then spent eight years working as a lawyer across regional Victoria

and NSW.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a career change, and Jessica completed her Master of Music Therapy at the University of Melbourne in 2022.

Throughout her music therapy

studies, Jessica completed placements working with children and adults with disabilities, older adults in hospital, and residents living in aged care.

Jessica has worked as a disability support worker for the past three years and when she is not at Music Garden, Jessica works part time as a music therapist at a local residential aged care facility.

Jessica has always used music as a resource in her own life, and is passionate about supporting others to achieve their goals through music. Having grown up in the area she is excited to provide the Albury Wodonga community with greater access to music therapy.

 Jessica plays the piano and guitar, sings, and is also a keen songwriter. In her spare time she loves going to live music gigs, watching the footy, walking her dog and spending time with her son on her partner’s hobby farm.