The keynote and awards ceremony will be Saturday 4/5 at 9:30:
“The focus of my talk will be on building knowledge; the awareness of our history and the intentionality our future requires. I will also be sharing about my current research around cultural humility; Our ability to change or expand on our thoughts and views; and perceived socio-political neutrality in helping professionals. ”
Natalia holds a master’s degree in music therapy and is a board-certified music therapist working in the trauma field since 2012. Natalia has complete training in Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Eye movement, desensitization, and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and is a bilingual (Spanish/English) professional. Natalia has conducted and presented qualitative research focusing on the importance of cultural humility when effectively working with individuals who have experienced trauma, within and beyond the music therapy field, both locally and nationally. She has work experience in outpatient, inpatient, residential treatment, drug and alcohol dependence recovery, and safe house coordinator, among other trauma focused settings. She has developed and teaches a six-week course for white aspiring allies, focusing on cognitive behavioral approaches to uncover and challenge biased automatic thoughts. Natalia facilitates trainings, consults, and participates as a reviewer for ongoing research, assisting teachers, professors, and institutions, within the intersections of topics mentioned above. Natalia travels nationally as an educator for guest lectures, continuing education for professional development and as a graduate professor, as it pertains to ethical practices and the intersections between trauma focused practices and cultural humility. She is starting her second year of doctoral studies in Leadership and learning organizations. Natalia is a strong advocate for anti-oppression, access to education and mental health resources pertaining to marginalized groups such as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and immigrant individuals. One of Natalia’s life guiding quotes “do the best you can, until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better,” by Dr. Maya Angelou, is intrinsically embedded in the way Natalia navigates and influences the spaces that she is a part of.