Kathryn Santiago

Registered Music Therapist
Northland Regional Centre

Kathryn (she/her) grew up in South Carolina and Georgia, USA. She has performed extensively throughout the United States in theater performances, choral ensembles, and bands. Her most treasured performances have been at festivals and community-based events as the lead vocalist in R&B, soul, and funk bands. A lifelong lover of music with a passion for helping others, Kathryn graduated from Appalachian State University in North Carolina with a Bachelor of Music in Music therapy in 2020, a Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy in 2021, and a Master of Music Therapy in 2022. She completed her 6-month music therapy internship at Springfield Hospital Center in Sykesville, Maryland.

While in graduate school Kathryn served as a supervisor to undergraduate practicum students working with clients in nursing homes, schools, and mental health facilities. Her thesis explored the impact of music therapy on identity development in college students. After completing her Masters degree, Kathryn developed the first music therapy program in the Tennessee Department of Corrections. She guided the inmates through social and emotional exploration and expression, development of functional life skills, life reflection, and preparation for reintegration into society. She later worked with children and adults in a remote therapy environment, with primary population focuses of neurodivergence, substance use, and general mental health.

Kathryn aims to bring an upbeat, energetic, and strengths-based approach to therapy, holding space for playfulness and lighthearted moments that reconnect us with our shared humanity. She enjoys facilitating group therapy sessions and witnessing the power of music and creative arts in collaboration and connection. Explorations through improvisation, songwriting, and expressive arts are some of her preferred interventions. Outside of therapy spaces, Kathryn enjoys writing her own music, hiking, and spending time with friends and community.