About Us | Our Team

Jennifer Buchanan is the Founder and President of JB Music Therapy, where she has helped advance the profession by building a team of highly skilled therapists dedicated to excellence in care. Today, she serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors at the National Music Centre and continues to champion innovation in music and health as a keynote speaker, author, and the driving force behind Wellplayed, Canada’s first music therapy-informed digital platform designed to support mental health and workplace wellbeing.

Matthew is a Calgary-based full-stack developer and Professional Engineer (P.Eng) with over 15 years of experience designing and building scalable, user-focused software systems. A graduate of the University of Calgary, his work spans cloud-based applications, real-time simulation, and healthcare technology, including medical imaging platforms that support clinical insight and decision-making. Matthew is excited to contribute to Wellplayed’s mission of combining music, health, and technology to support meaningful wellness experiences.

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Aaron had completed the Addiction Studies Diploma program at Bow Valley College, quickly realizing the impact that music has towards individual wellbeing and developing a sense of community. He is currently completing the Bachelor of Music Therapy program at Wilfrid Laurier University while interning for JB. Aaron is
passionate about utilizing improvisation along with a client-centred approach in order to help others develop their ability to express themselves through music.

Jessica was born and raised in BC, but relocated to Alberta in 2013. While the lush terrain and salty air is missed, what better way is there to get through a long, cold, snowy winter than listening to music! Jessica has been bookkeeping for over 23 years with many clients in different industries. JB Music Therapy is by far the most passionate and inspiring team. She is honored to be a part of what they are doing and is excited to see what they do next.

Lisa graduated from Capilano University with a Bachelors of Music Therapy. She has a strength-based approach and values using music for connection (to oneself and to others). In addition to her work as a therapist, Lisa was awarded “Bass Player
of the Year” by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) and can be found performing, writing and recording with a variety of artists. She sits on the board of the Western Canadian Music Alliance and is a former board member of the Music
Therapy Association of Alberta.

Alison was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree from Capilano University, she stayed in Vancouver for the following 18 years; working as a music therapist, getting married and raising two kids. She has 10+ years of music therapy experience and especially enjoys working with seniors. She specialized in hospice and palliative care and also was the lead music therapist at her prior worksite of 10 years, overseeing the music therapy department. Alison is overjoyed to be “back home” in Calgary, and excited to share her gift and passion of helping others through music.

Andrea Lifton is a graphic designer and marketing professional with over 30 years of experience. As founder of Creative Lift Marketing (est. 2002), she creates strategic, visually compelling work across print and digital platforms, bringing clarity, elegance, and a collaborative approach to her work.
She specializes in translating complex ideas into clear, engaging design, with expertise in brand development, publication design, and marketing materials—including 2 books by Jennifer Buchanan.
Andrea is the lead designer for the Wellplayed platform, shaping its visual identity and user experience. As part of the JB Music Therapy development team, she ensures a cohesive, user-centered digital experience.

Emma graduated from Capilano University with her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy. She is grateful to join the JB Music Therapy team in serving the Alberta community. Motivated by her belief in the connective power of music, Emma holds inclusivity and collaboration at the heart of her music therapy practice. She aims to support the empowerment and unique expression of each person she has the opportunity to work with.

Patrick McIntosh, originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University’s Master of Music Therapy program after completing a Master of Vocal Performance at the University of Calgary. Through his work, Patrick strives to create meaningful connections with every one of his clients while providing a safe space to be themselves. He also aspires to continue his work with the various populations JBMT serves, and further his research into the uses of Digital Audio Workstations in clinical songwriting.

Blessy is a recent Music Therapy graduate from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland. She believes in the healing power of music across all populations and has a special passion for working with seniors. Through her
experience in memory care, she has witnessed firsthand how music can bring comfort, joy, connection, and meaningful moments to individuals living with memory loss. Blessy is deeply grateful to be part of the JBMT team and looks forward to using music to make a positive difference in the lives of those she serves.

Jessica is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Master of Music Therapy program. She is an innovative and supportive music therapist known for her warmth, sensitivity, and professionalism. With experience in palliative care, bereavement, and women’s support, Jessica skillfully integrates psychotherapy with music, employing her violin, voice, and guitar.

Kate is glad to be part of the JB Music Therapy Team. She believes that within each music therapy session there is an opportunity to connect with others, learn something new, reminisce, and express oneself. Kate enjoys using familiar songs, improvisation and the violin to facilitate sessions. This Acadia University graduate likes the ocean, but the mountains are where she would call home. 

Renee recently graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts (First-Class Honours) in Psychology and a Bachelor of Music (Piano Performance, with Distinction). She has now started her Master of Public Policy in Digital Society at McMaster University.

As a Music Therapist since 1999, Shannon brings decades of experience working with children, adults, and seniors. She believes in the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire growth. Shannon is passionate about creating services that are responsive, relationship-centred, and grounded in strong clinical practice. In her role as Head of Operations – Clinical Services, she is committed to mentoring a team that shares her passion for this work, while focusing on fostering meaningful connections and effective engagement with every client.

Emma was born and raised in Alberta. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Voice Performance at McGill University, Emma completed her Masters of Arts in Creative Arts Therapies – Music Therapy at Concordia University. Emma is honoured to be settled at home working with the JB Music Therapy team and sharing her passion for music to promote wellness and empowerment.

Sarah is a certified music therapist and a born and bred Métis and Albertan. After travelling extensively, she completed her music therapy degree at Acadia University in Nova Scotia. In addition to serving clients at home, in hospitals and in long-term care, she also offers professional supervision to the JB Music Therapy team.

Lauren graduated with a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Capilano University after completing a Music Diploma with a major in Vocal Performance at MacEwan University. Guided by a deep passion for fostering human connection through music, she brings a warm and empathetic approach to her music therapy practice. Lauren is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all ages and abilities, where clients feel supported to express themselves freely and authentically.

Rebecca graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy and completed further training in Neurologic Music Therapy ®. In her practice, Rebecca utilizes: voice, guitar, piano, and harp. She employs warmth and a tailored approach to build on the strengths of each client. Rebecca greatly enjoys working with individuals from the diverse populations served by JB Music Therapy.