NATALIE RUGGIERO - MUSIC THERAPIST , natalier@laurensinstitute.org                                                          

Natalie Ruggiero, MT-BC, graduated from ASU in the spring of 2011 with her undergraduate degree in Music Therapy. She was so eager to be a part of L.I.F.E.’s team that she joined as a paraprofessional after completing her music therapy internship in February of this year. Currently she maintains a full-time schedule of individual music therapy sessions as well as running music groups for the Academy twice a week. As all music therapists are, Natalie is trained in a variety of instruments such as the flute, guitar, and piano. She has always had a passion for children and music, so it only made sense to combine the two for her profession. Her compassion and love for children is evident in every session and encounter she has with them. Natalie is always striving toward creating fruitful opportunities for each and every child she meets. In her spare time, Natalie partakes in baking delicious desserts, rock climbing at her local rock gym, and camping in the great outdoors.