Music Therapy Interns Jo and Maya

It’s always exciting to introduce new team members! We have two new music therapy interns joining us for the next 6 months, fulfilling their final clinical training requirements before taking the CBMT exam and becoming professional music therapists!

Introducing:

As an East Bay native, Jo Lyell moved across the country to complete their Music Therapy coursework at Loyola University New Orleans with a concentration in Jazz Voice and a minor in Psychology. With experience singing in rock bands, choirs, and big bands, Jo is a versatile musician and performer. They enjoy an assortment of genres ranging from jazz, folk-punk, R&B, hardcore, hyperpop, ska, rap, and indie rock. In their free time, Jo can be found making chainmail jewelry, reading sci-fi fantasy, going to local shows, hanging out with their pet rabbit, or frolicking through a meadow.

They are ecstatic to return to the Bay Area to be part of the wonderful Music Therapy team at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital for their internship. Jo is beyond excited to connect with and learn from the patients and families at BCH.

Maya is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts! She aspires to earn a Master’s degree in music therapy as well. She’s a New England native and is so excited to explore all that San Francisco has to offer during her time here. She’s so thrilled to be a part of the Music Therapy team here at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital! Maya’s primary instrument is voice, and she has enjoyed participating in choir, jazz bands, and musical theater throughout her life. She also directed a children’s choir back in high school, which was a big passion for her. Some of her favorite genres include indie/alternative, folk, singer-songwriter, R&B, and of course some showtunes. You can typically catch her playing gigs with her best friends from college around the east coast! In her free time you can also typically find her attending live music, traveling, reading at coffee shops, or watching Love Island with her roommates. Maya can’t wait to build meaningful relationships with the patients and families here at BCH and grow as a clinician!

Zahra