Intern Spotlight: Lauren Viljamaa

Lauren Viljamaa comes to us from the University of Georgia and she has many places she considers her hometown. She has lived in Glenview, IL, Appleton, WI, and Hoschton, GA. She has also attended Lawrence University for Music Education and Lesley University for Masters in Integrating the Arts into Curriculum. Lauren also has a minor in voice, which is one of her two major instruments with the other being piano.

Outside of music therapy, Lauren loves to advocate for the arts. She explains this passion best in her own words. "Whether it’s working behind the scenes building sets, helping with lighting design, tap dancing in the chorus, going to my brother and sister’s art gallery openings, directing the pit or chorus ensemble, choreographing big dance numbers, or giving notes to the cast it’s simply a magical bonding experience like no other. The Arts bring us together: we work together, we play together, we struggle together and we begin to truly learn about each other and know each other, through the arts."

Outside of advocating, she enjoys going to the gym and is a fitness instructor for various group classes. Lauren has also been active in musical theatre and was able to play Velma Kelly in a musical "Chicago" - one of her all time favorites. This role is especially interesting to her because Lauren grew up near the Cook County Jail (the setting for the infamous “Cell Block Tango” and other jail scenes in the musical).

Welcome to the team, Lauren!