Nicole’s journey into music therapy at Evolving Pain is deeply personal. Growing up in New York, she fell in love with music through voice lessons and musical theatre. Her path took an academic turn, leading her to lecture at universities in New York and New Zealand – but in 2017, everything changed. A spinal injury while instructing yoga led her to pick up the ukulele as a form of therapy, reconnecting her with the joy of singing and striking a renewed passion for music. 

 

During the COVID lockdowns, while working in disability support, Nicole expanded her skills by learning the cello. Never one to stop exploring, she is now adding the flute and banjo to her repertoire. Also fluent in guitar and ukulele, she brings a rich, hands-on musical background to her sessions, making music fun and accessible for all ages.

 

Nicole graduated with her Master’s in Music Therapy in 2024, and has accumulated much experience across various sectors, such as neurological conditions, palliative care, intellectual and physical disability, neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+, children and aged care, but has a specialised interest in chronic pain, due to her lived experience and management of it. 

 

When not musicking at work or with friends, Nicole can often be found at her local leisure, swimming laps, or hanging in the spa or sauna.