Cathy Bollinger

Cathy Bollinger is a board certified music therapist, children’s songwriter and performer. For the last thirty years she has worked with children and adults of varying ages and abilities in a variety of settings. Her music therapy experience includes work with children and adults with developmental and neurological disabilities including brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, and autism. She currently provides individual and group music therapy sessions at Crozet Speech and Learning, Innisfree Village, Albemarle County Schools, the Bridgeline, and Westminster Canterbury. Cathy also teaches music and provides music enrichment classes at St. Mark Preschool.

Cathy has performed countless music workshops and school assemblies across the country. Her parent/teacher workshops demonstrate how to use music to teach essential skills to young children. Cathy has produced eleven children’s CD’s which have been nationally recognized by Parent’s Choice Awards, the American Library Association, and Parenting Magazine. Her music encompasses a range of educational topics such as speech development, early reading skills, healthy habits, and social skills. Cathy is fueled by a strong belief in the power of music to nurture, teach, and inspire!

Cathy received a master’s degree in music therapy from Drexel University (formerly Hahnemann University) and completed her internship at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children in Richmond, VA. She is also trained as a neurological music therapist.

The Mildred W. Spicer Arts Fund, a Charlottesville-based initiative designed to enhance artistic discovery and creativity, awarded Cathy Bollinger as winner of its fourth annual Arts Award. The Arts Award celebrates inclusive art (visual art, music, writing, poetry, motion/dance) opportunities for people with disabilities within the community.