Meet Our Therapist!
Our music therapist is dedicated to helping every client achieve their best outcomes.
Certified Music Therapist and Owner -
BMT, MTA, NMT
Shona Pottinger
Shona founded Singing Sands Music Therapy in 2010 and has experience working with clients from ages 24 months to 100 years who have a variety of diagnoses, including ABI, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism, and Global Developmental Delay.
Shona completed her undergraduate degree at Acadia University, after which she undertook a 7-month internship position at Parkstone Enhanced Care in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Throughout her internship, Shona gained clinical experience with a clientele diagnosed with a variety of disorders including Dementia, Alzheimer's, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, and Depression.
She moved to PEI in 2010 and established her private practice the same year. While contracting her services to long-term care facilities in the Charlottetown area for both group and individual sessions, Shona has continued to develop a successful practice.
Outside of her music therapy work, Shona shares her love for music by providing instruction in piano and guitar, performance opportunities, as well as educational presentations to various organizations in the region about music therapy. Continuing education is also an important part of Shona's commitment to providing quality music therapy services. She has completed multiple workshops ranging from Mental Health First Aid to behaviour modification approaches, as well as attended regional, national, and international music therapy conferences.
“As a 71 year old living in Charlottetown who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in early July 2017, I was devastated. Knowing nothing about the disease, I got in touch with Parkinson’s Support Group. That’s when I was put in touch with Shona. I was having trouble with my voice being very low and from the first day she made me and everyone around her feel comfortable in the group called Treble Tremors.
We start with light exercise, walking, movement, stretching, facial movements. Then we do scales and singing. Great emotional support with her and the group, as well as social time. I encourage everyone with voice problems or just want to get help in speaking or voice of any sort, she made a big difference to myself. I’m very glad to have a person of her talent. I know she works with a lot of seniors on PD. Also thankful for helping me overcome the problems I had. Love going to groups.”
-Earl Power, client