Joanna Kirby Karns, MT-BC is a board certified music therapist, who has been practicing music therapy in the Harrisburg Pennsylvania area Since 2005.  On August 31, 2009, Joanna Kirby Karns became an independent practitioner. She serves individuals, groups, and families in various settings in Dauphin County, PA.  She enjoys introducing people to new instruments and building her repertoire by learning client’s preferred music.  Joanna engages her clients abilities while creating original songs and musical motifs.

Joanna received a degree in Music Therapy from Elizabethtown College in 2004 after completing a music therapy internship for Hospice, Inc in Poughkeepsie, NY. While in her internship Joanna learned to help people manage pain and restlessness using live music.  She used live music to bridge family dynamics and create common ground.  Using live music she brought quality of life to people in isolation and moments clarity to those experiencing confusion and grief.

Following her internship with Hospice, Inc., Joanna landed music therapy job with Living Unlimited, Inc. a human service organization serving groups and individuals in Dauphin County, PA.  In this time Joanna facilitated 10 adult mental health groups at Harrisburg State Hospital and maintained a case load of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Joanna is an active member of the American Music Therapy Association. She attends the Mid Atlantic Region’s annual Music Therapy Conference where she increases her knowledge, skill and interest in advocating for the profession.  Most recently she has become interested in the use of  improvisational music therapy and the DIR/Floortime method.

Joanna currently provides music therapy treatment to individuals with a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum.  She is also a special instructor for Early Intervention in Dauphin County.

If you are interested in learning more about the service provided by Joanna Kirby Karns, MT-BC please send an email to joannakmusic@gmail.com. Thank you.