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Michael J Russo, MS

Curiosity has always been a guiding force in my life. I was never content with simply knowing “what,” but also understanding "why" and "how." I realized at a young age that to discern fact from fiction, I would need to critically analyze how I find and verify information, and to adopt an open mindset that decentralizes my own beliefs. When I discovered Psychology, I was immediately fascinated, and each new thing I learned seemed uncannily relevant to my life and my goals of understanding myself and others better.

Around the same time in my life, I began experimenting with music as a way for me to find my identity and to process my experiences and emotions. I learned to play guitar in my early teen years, and playing music soon became a routine part of my daily self-therapy. Following that, I learned to play other musical instruments, composed original music with lyrics, recorded music, played for live audiences, and played in bands.

I followed my passions for Psychology and Music, which led me to formal study. I earned a Bachelor of Science from Fordham University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Music, and then completed a Masters of Science degree in Music Therapy at Molloy University. 
While finishing my undergraduate and post-graduate educations, I worked professionally as a music teacher for students with high support needs and developmental disabilities. Then, as a music therapy intern, I worked in diverse clinical settings that included an in-patient psychiatric unit, a detox unit, and a pediatric intensive care unit. After I received my board certification in music therapy, I worked for years as a music therapist for hospice, helping patients and their families to process and cope with anticipatory grief. I have worked with thousands of people, spanning a wide range of ages, backgrounds, abilities, and needs; and I am grateful to every person who has given me the opportunity to enter their life and support them.

Today, my personal and professional life are centered around living in alignment with values of health, happiness, and ethics. I prioritize physical and mental wellbeing, strive to maintain a positive outlook, and aim to create meaning in my life and the lives of others through my work and actions. I believe that our daily habits shape the foundation of our lives and that with intention, self-compassion, and persistence, we all have the power to change those habits and, ultimately, change our lives.

I’m grateful every day for the chance to do this work, and I’d be honored to support you in your journey to better health and happiness!