TESTIMONIALS
“When you are the parent to a child with special needs, finding both a therapy and practitioners who instinctively meet your child where they are yet move them forward at every meeting, you know you’ve found home. At Sonatina Center, my daughter has simply thrived - from communication to interactions to cognition and auditory processing - at each step on the journey, she’s been fabulously supported by her amazing music therapists!”
— HOLLY CARMAN, PARENT
“I am so thankful that we found Marissa. Music Therapy has made a tremendous difference for my daughter and I am amazed every day at the progress she has made.”
— JODI DUGGAN, PARENT
“Since working with Brandy, my 6 year old daughter has developed many tools to deal with her anxiety and difficulties with change and transition. The best part is that she loves it and looks forward to going each week!”
— LINDSEY, PARENT
“We are so pleased with the music enrichment that The Sonatina Center offers our program on a weekly basis. Marissa has a gentle and adaptive approach that the children really respond to. She has a lovely voice and provides the children with many opportunities to explore various instruments at their own unique skill level and pace.”
— BEVIN SMITH, CENTER DIRECTOR AT LITTLE TREE EDUCATION, MADBURY, NH
"Oliver is a 23 year old man with down syndrome who has been participating in music and art therapy groups at The Sonatina Center for several years. He absolutely loves it! He can't wait to go every week. He has made good friends there and has developed a wonderful rapport with his therapists. Oliver is not musically or artistically talented, but it doesn't matter. He has a blast! He proudly shares his artwork and also tells in great detail everything that happened in the music group. Choosing songs to sing, solo and in duet form with friends, playing instruments, and playing music related games. He feels SO good about himself and what he is able to do. The therapists are so supportive and encouraging and FUN! Finding social activities and opportunities for enrichment can be so difficult for adults with special needs. But the Sonatina Center has provided just that for Oliver and so many others. We are so grateful for this amazing resource that provides him with these wonderful experiences. We highly recommend The Sonatina Center for anyone looking for this type of enrichment in their life!"
-JUDY LIVINGSTON, PARENT
"We love The Sonatina community! Our family has been involved with The Sonatina Center in many ways the last three years from sessions at our daughters’ daycare to enrichment classes and now individual sessions for our Toddler. Cacia has been a phenomenal blessing to our family - assisting in our now 3 year old’s transition to becoming a big sister, the loss of her beloved teacher, and working through/understanding the overall big emotions of being a toddler. We are blown away by the impact these sessions have had on our daughter’s coping, self awareness and confidence. We love the family approach Cacia has taken and love being involved in this safe space of self expression for our girl. Thank you for all you do, we appreciate you!"
— JABLONSKI FAMILY
"I'm so appreciative of the opportunity for my child to experience a form of therapy that he otherwise would not have access to without the scholarship. He has really enjoyed the music therapy group, combining his love of music with development of his social skills and sensory regulation. We look forward to the group each week. The Sonatina Center is a very welcoming environment which has also allowed me to connect with other parents to share resources and ideas. I feel great knowing my child is experiencing such a targeted, age appropriate intervention that is also a ton of fun!"
— KARA ALLAIRE, PARENT
"A blessing is the first thing that comes to mind. I am having a hard time finding the right words to say. We found the Sonatina Center through a conversation with a couple who was measuring my pool for a new liner! Never did I think it would change our lives in so many ways! I was looking for art therapy for my then 8 year old little girl, and when there was only music available we said sure. It was then we met Emma! My daughter has a hard time connecting and an even harder time opening up. After 2 sessions with Emma my daughter was calling her family. That alone speaks in volume. Not only is Emma extremely amazing! She is so compassionate and honest. I went from a struggling little girl whose parents were in the middle of an ugly divorce to a thriving young lady whose grades improved drastically and who has learned to trust and express herself in an appropriate manner. That is just the beginning! The kindness and compassion flows through the center from the moment you walk into their waiting room and even after you leave the parking lot. Seeing the growth of other youngsters we encounter during our visits is short of a miracle. And that is just while we wait in the waiting room. The compassion and understanding we have received during hardships were also a blessing. I can't say enough how thankful we are to have discovered this wonderful place. While every other facility was either closed or only virtual the Sonatina Center was one of few still open and dedicated to the well being of their clients. We love this place so much we drive over 1 hr each week so my daughter can continue to thrive and learn to be her best self, while growing up in a not so desirable world. I appreciate that not all are treated as equals. Each person who walks through their door is treated as an individual and their needs and goals are unique to them. I could go on and on. One thing for sure is that my daughter would not be the young lady she is right now without the Sonatina Center and we will forever be grateful."
- JENNIFER SMITH, PARENT
"Music Therapy was introduced by the CHaD Staff at WDH for my 9 year old daughter. Through many GI procedures, x-rays and bloodwork, a young person grows tired and loses interest in activities that they've enjoyed in the past. I inquired and was surprised to hear that the center offered ukulele groups. My daughter enjoys music and dance. After the first group, I noticed her "sparkle" coming out. I love seeing my daughter sparkle and smile. Thank you for all the support and for the encouragement. My daughter has a positive self esteem, looks forward to group and enjoys her new friends."
— PATRICIA A. BRESLIN, PARENT
"My child was referred to The Sonatina Center by his guidance counselor at school. The opportunity for him to practice small group peer involvement in a setting such as music therapy or art therapy has been invaluable. He is learning to understand his role as a friend as well as a 'team member' while participating in activities he would otherwise not be involved in. He has developed friendships, improved his social skills, and had fun while doing so. I highly recommend the services of The Sonatina Center."
— GIANINA LINDSEY, PARENT