Michaela Minnear

Michaela (she/they) is an AuDHD music therapist and child life specialist working with children, adolescents and young adults with a wide variety of disabilities at Voices Together in Eastern North Carolina. As a music therapist, Michaela prioritizes honoring the autonomy and individuality of each client they work with, regardless of disability, diagnosis, or support needs. They are also committed to educating family, caregivers, and staff to understand how to support neurodivergent and disabled people while, first and foremost, respecting their personhood.

Michaela was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at 24 years old while completing their training to become a music therapist and child life specialist. This diagnosis has allowed Michaela to better understand herself in relation to a neurotypical world and significantly shaped their perspective and approach to music therapy, especially when working with autistic individuals.  

Michaela is a fierce self-advocate and an outspoken advocate for those that society often wrongly overlooks and underestimates. As a self-advocate, Michaela frequently engages in presentations and speaking events, sharing their lived experience as a late-diagnosed individual as it relates to their work as a music therapist and child life specialist. She has given presentations at Eastern Carolina University, Cape Fear Community College, Southeastern Region American Music Therapy Association Conferences, and internal presentations and workshops at Voices Together to increase awareness and education for music therapy and neurodiversity. In addition, Michaela also uses social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share short-form content related to neurodiversity, mental health, and music therapy.

For more information, please visit voicestogether.org