Hello, I’m Natalia. Your Friendly Neighborhood Music Therapist in Portland, OR
Music has always been a part of my life. My parents often told me that since birth I seemed to have a special connection with it — bouncing to the beat and giggling at any musician nearby. They enrolled me in music classes, and by the age of five, I was singing in choir and exploring different instruments. My strongest friendships were built through music — friendships that have lasted so long, we feel more like siblings than friends. At seven, I was introduced to the violin, and that’s when my love for music grew into a passion.
No one else in my family was a musician, except for my great-grandpa, whom I was fortunate to know. He also played violin, so sometimes it felt like we shared a secret bond. I would often visit his house and play his violin. He recorded tapes “for posterity” and always told me how proud he was. As he aged and his health declined, my playing became a source of joy and connection for him and our whole family. I didn’t realize its power then, but looking back, I see how much music helped us through those difficult times.
I had the honor of playing for him and my family as we gathered to say goodbye. Through tears, I played his favorite song — the only way I knew to say farewell.
This experience profoundly shaped my understanding of music—and of myself as a musician.
I moved beyond seeing music as simply a fun pastime to appreciating its deep power: music touches our soul in ways few things can. This realization paved the way for my journey into the world of music therapy.
Today, I specialize in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT®) — an evidence-based approach that uses music to support the rehabilitation of speech, movement, and cognitive function. Through NMT, I work with adults and older adults recovering from stroke, living with dementia, or navigating other neurologic challenges — helping them reconnect with their abilities, their loved ones, and themselves. In my practice, I work in a variety of settings: hospice care, inpatient units, nursing homes, memory care facilities, and clients' homes. Each session is tailored to the individual — I conduct a thorough assessment and design personalized music experiences that target the goals most meaningful and beneficial to them.
Whether we’re working toward regaining speech, improving mobility, or simply creating moments of joy and connection — music is always at the heart of the process.
If you or a loved one are navigating the effects of stroke, dementia, or another neurologic condition, know that you’re not alone — and that healing can take many forms. Music therapy offers a unique and meaningful way to support recovery, connection, and quality of life.
I’d be honored to walk that journey with you. If you're curious about how music therapy could help, I offer a free 15-minute consultation where we can talk about your needs and explore whether it’s a good fit.
You can book your consultation here or fill out the intake form to get started.
