Music Therapist Board Certified BCH Oakland Hematology/Oncology & Surgical

Here is what Lauren's nominator had to say about her: 

“Lauren is a credit to the field of music therapy. She is an excellent clinician who makes a meaningful difference with her patients in HEM/ONC. Her involvement in BCHO's work towards anti-racist practice is excellent. She regularly speaks on the intersection of therapy, identity, and navigating systems to groups of various backgrounds. Lauren is the "go-to" for interviews and presentations. She is truly changing the way clinical work is done at Children's Oakland and within the profession of music therapy.” 

Nominated by: Rebecca Hames 

Lauren's Bio: 

Lauren has worked in the music therapy profession for 11+ years, gaining experience in pediatrics, mental health, special education, and palliative/hospice.  Prior to children's she pioneered music therapy services at a variety of Bay Area pediatric units including work in private practice. Her current role involves direct clinical work on inpatient UCSF BCH-Oakland hematology/oncology units and working with the UCSF BCH-Oakland trauma team. In addition to inpatient clinical work, she is also the co-chair lead for UCSF’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion-Anti Racism Council.  This cross-bay initiative connects members of the BCH community in their journey to be an anti-racist institution, reduce health disparities experienced by patients and families, and improve health equity for all.  It's this work within the council that empowers her to lead alongside some of the most intelligent and inspirational leaders in this institution. The music therapy team has been a longstanding program that has served as a student and internship training site, as well as been part of a multi-site study investigating the effects of music therapy to help patients and families manage stress during their oncology treatment.  She also serves as manager and program director for the music therapy program at the Pacific Resiliency Center, which provides music therapy services in the community. She has dedicated her career to helping patients and families navigate challenging experiences through music therapy. As a BIPOC clinician, she is passionate about sharing her personal and clinical experience. Lauren has presented both nationally and internationally about the effects of music therapy in pediatrics, and advocates for anti-oppressive frameworks when presenting and training music therapy clinicians. 

What has been an important success in your career? Have you had a key breakthrough moment?

An important and meaningful moment in my career was speaking about racially conscious and anti-oppressive music therapy internationally.  It was eye opening and also empowering to talk about these issues on an international scale, and to be in community with music therapists and pediatric providers from around the world.  To share space on a stage of that magnitude felt like a breakthrough in terms of elevating these discussions and bringing music therapy to the forefront.      

Do you have a favorite song? If you had to choose an anthem, what would it be?  

As a music therapist I feel strongly we should never limit ourselves to one favorite song, band, or genre, and that we should all have playlists, and music experiences for the different phases and stages of our lives.  That being said, today's anthem is Corrine Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On" 

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF through Our Spotlight.