Creative Arts Spotlights 2026
The Creative Arts Program empowers individuals to unlock their full potential, cultivating essential life skills through creative expression. By engaging in creative activities, participants discover powerful tools for emotional intelligence, self-discovery, and personal growth. This transformative journey not only nurtures creativity but builds a robust foundation of confidence, resilience, and innovative thinking that will illuminate their path forward.
When Daniel was diagnosed with autism, we were unsure what his future would look like. His evaluator offered us a list of resources and the Creative Arts’ music therapy program at Wesley stood out to us. As a toddler, Daniel was always humming or singing: from first thing in the morning to the last moments before he fell asleep. When he started the program, we didn’t have an instrument or anything in mind. Just left him have fun and explore music. Over time, we all gravitated to the piano, because his father had played as a child. Practicing the piano became an excellent positive reinforcement for Daniel. We offer lots of praise and admiration when he can sit and focus on mastering a new song. Focusing on playing a song also became like a second OT session for him. He became better and better at coordinating both of his hands. Practicing the piano at home also became a bonding time for us. Daniel loves sharing with me what he has learned at his lessons. He gets to become the expert and teach me all the notes and symbols. And as someone who has never had the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument, it is so fascinating! We are deeply indebted to the Creative Arts and Music of the Heart recital programs. This year will be Daniel’s third year performing and we just love his smile and confidence when he performs.
When Katie turned 21, it was difficult to find programs/activities for her to both enjoy and participate meaningfully. Throughout her life, Katie has always had a love of music. She has attended many concerts and even enjoys listening to live local music. We discovered WFS Music Therapy Program and Katie joined her Rock Band in the fall of 2024. Katie has since participated in one recital and is working toward her second recital this upcoming June. Katie looks forward to every Rock Band practice. She delights in singing a variety of songs and visiting with the other member of her Rock Band. WFS Music Therapy Program has enabled Katie to be an active participant in her favorite activity. Singing has brought Katie so much happiness-she looks forward to many more performances!
I am beyond grateful to get the chance to work with Katie in Rock Band. Katie brings a vast music taste from Maroon 5 to Journey, an open mindedness for trying new instruments and playing while singing, patience with practicing lyrics multiple times, and a caring curiosity for her band mates. Each session she continues to develop on her communication skills, social skills, building positive friendships, and letting her singing voice shine! I cherish the time I had and will have with Katie on her Music Therapy journey.
When the opportunity was brought to Matti about doing Music therapy, there was no hesitation with his answer. Matti loves music. He listens to it every chance he gets. Doing Music therapy has allowed Matti to explore different instruments, which he enjoys. Matti loves singing songs and singing on the microphone. Music Therapy gives him something to look forward too during the week.
Working with Matti in music therapy has been a very rewarding experience. His personality truly shines when he’s singing into the microphone or rocking out on the drum set! It’s been wonderful to see his confidence and abilities grow as he continues to develop new skills on both the guitar and the piano. These skills have provided him with another musical outlet to help increase both musical and non-musical goals. He not only enjoys belting out his favorite songs but also shows a great openness to learning new songs and styles of music. Matti has made great progress and brings a fun sense of humor to each session, making our time together both meaningful and fun.
Nayla began attending the Creative Arts Program a few years ago and it has been such a wonderful experience for her! Music helped Nayla find her voice through song before speech. Her joy for performance has blossomed through encouragement from the staff working with her. She is singing, dancing and acting daily either at home, in the car, or with peers. Personalized songs have become her way to express feelings, build confidence, and connect with others, supporting her growth socially, academically, and emotionally. Music has given Nayla an outlet for self-expression and self-confidence that have made a tremendous impact on her.
Being a part of Nayla’s journey through music therapy has been both exciting and meaningful. Her individuality shines through in the music, whether she’s dancing, drumming, singing, or creating music with her friends in group. She brings an infectious and fun-loving energy that lifts the entire group every single week! Through her time in music therapy, we have watched Nayla grow and make meaningful progress towards her goals while expressing herself in such a joyful and authentic way.
Having been part of the Wesley Music Therapy program since he was just 2 years old, Nolan has grown up surrounded by the joy and language of music. He began playing piano at a young age and has participated in the annual recital for 16 years, proudly taking part in the very first one! With his remarkable gift of perfect pitch and a deep love for all genres of music, Nolan expresses music in a way that is uniquely his own. Being honored as one of this year’s Spotlight Performers is a special honor that reflects his dedication, talent, and lifelong love of music. We are incredibly grateful to Wesley and their amazing staff for years of encouragement, patience, and unwavering support for Nolan. Their belief in each and every student is truly inspiring. We simply want to say thank you and we will be forever grateful for all the ways you have helped Nolan grow.
Watching Nolan’s musical journey unfold has been an extraordinary privilege. Having worked with him since 2005—over 20 years in our program—I still remember him in those earliest days, first stepping into group and earning French fries as a celebration. Even then, something powerful was already present. Today, his gift is undeniable—not just in his perfect pitch, but in the way his voice shines through every piece of music he learns and plays. Nolan communicates and expresses himself so clearly through music—it is truly his voice. His journey is a testament to what can happen when a child’s gifts are seen, nurtured, and believed in, and I am truly honored to have been part of that story.
Xander has enjoyed music from a very early age. Whether singing along with his favorite tunes or dancing to the beat, music has always been a part of his life. We wanted to support his talents but wanted a place that encouraged and understood our son. We decided to look into music therapy and found the Creative Arts Program in 2024. From the start we felt our son’s needs were well understood and his abilities encouraged. The Creative Arts Program has been so wonderful for Xander. He has had the opportunity to play numerous instruments such as drums, ukulele, bells and his absolute favorite, the boom whackers. Last year he surprised us by stepping out of his comfort zone and began learning to play the piano. With the encouragement and support of the Wesley staff, we’ve watched his abilities grow each week. We’ve seen his confidence grow over the years to where he’s more comfortable now expressing himself around others. His creativity and imagination have also grown. We’re glad to be a part of the Wesley family and look forward to all that Xander is going to accomplish in the future!
Xander brings so much joy and enthusiasm to everything he does. Whether it’s learning piano or singing his favorite songs, he always gives it everything he has. It has been an honor to see him grow not only on his musical journey but also in his personal goals. His natural musical abilities are undeniable and his passion is contagious. I am excited to continue our music therapy sessions together and see all of the wonderful things he will accomplish!
It has been so exciting to work with Daniel and see his progress over the past year. He brings an incredible amount of energy into every session and is always eager to dive into something new. One of his greatest strengths is how proud he is of his progress. Whether learning a new song or a new skill, his confidence continues to grow. His curiosity about music and how the piano works makes every session engaging and fun. It has been such a joy to see his enthusiasm turn into real musical progress, and I can’t wait to see where his love of learning takes him next!