Sally Mettler Joyce retired to Cape Cod after working for 43 years as a Music Therapist on the South Shore. She has worked with the elderly, psychiatrically ill adults, and developmentally delayed adults. For the past 25 years she has worked in schools with children who are on the autism spectrum, developmentally delayed, physically challenged, and with multiple neuro-divergent diagnoses.
Sally is passionate about her work as a Music Therapist, stressing that it is about “process, not product.” She uses music to work on non-musical goals including communication skills, appropriate socialization, emotional and behavioral regulation, and improved motor planning. Her strategies include singing, movement, songwriting, instruments, and music-related books. Her groups are structured yet encourage creativity and self-expression from each child. Sally believes in meeting children wherever they are on their journey and helping them to grow. She uses visuals, sign language, Picture Exchange System, and Assistive Communication Devices.
Sally has also facilitated Professional Development Workshops for music educators and special education teachers, helping them to learn how to enhance their classes with music for special education students.
