Episode Details

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Shauna McQuerrey, founder of Vandalia Music Therapy. Shauna works with children, teens, adults, and seniors who have autism, Down syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, brain injuries, and other conditions. She uses music to build communication, sensory regulation, cognition, and social skills.

Shauna traces her path to high school, when a choir director introduced her to music therapy as a career. She studied music education, earned a master’s degree in music therapy, completed clinical hours and an internship, then passed her board exam. Now in her fifth year of practice, she is building a business while helping people gain access to care.

We discuss what it takes to create partnerships with hospitals and nonprofits. Shauna thought a few emails might build her caseload, but she learned that trust requires follow-up, patience, and presence. She also faces gaps in funding, awareness, and license protection in West Virginia.

Shauna challenges the belief that music therapy is just singing to people. The field has research, standards, training, and certification. Without that training, music can trigger clients or affect heart rate in ways that cause harm.

She also shares lessons about buying instruments, writing grants, and listening before offering solutions. Her work rests on one belief: people with disabilities and health conditions should have access to music, lessons, choirs, and therapy.

The post Building Vandalia Music Therapy with Shauna McQuerrey appeared first on Joe Justice Organization.