OUR TEAM
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MEKAELA BAYNES
Registered Music Therapist/Contractor
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BMus, CertArts
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Mekaela Baynes is a dedicated and capable young music therapist. She completed her Masters of Music Therapy in 2026 and completed a Bachelor of Music in performance violin in 2022. From a young age, Mekaela has had a committed desire to serve others through music. She has a warm therapeutic approach to working with a variety of client populations and eagerly applies her extensive musical knowledge to her music therapy practice. She is committed to constantly growing so she can provide effective and supportive musical and therapeutic experiences to her clients. Mekaela is delighted to be part of the Southern Music Therapy team and their mission of making meaningful connections through music.
TING-WEI LIN
Registered Music Therapist
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Ting-Wei completed her Bachelor of Music in Taiwan and has joined the team after completing her placement with Southern Music Therapy. She has experience working with children and adolescents in pediatric wards and educational settings, as well as with adults with intellectual disabilities and neurological conditions.
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Ting-Wei’s primary instrument is percussion, and she also plays piano and guitar. She strongly believes that music is a powerful medium that can support people’s wellbeing and enjoys building connections with others through music. Gentle, patient, and friendly, Ting-Wei values accompanying people on their journeys and witnessing their growth. She is originally from Taiwan and has been living in New Zealand since 2024.
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In her free time, Ting-Wei enjoys walking in nature, visiting cafés, practising latte art, spending time with family and friends, and has a love for both dogs and cats.
NOBUKO
Musical Volunteer
Encouraged by my kindergarten teacher, I started learning the piano at the age of four, beginning a lifelong journey with music.
I later attended a music high school affiliated with a conservatory, where I majored in piano, and then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, with a specialization in Early Childhood Education.
I began teaching piano while I was still at university in Japan and continued teaching there for approximately eight years. I then spent 17 years in Singapore teaching piano and Eurhythmics. My Eurhythmics classes included parent-and-child sessions for babies and young children from infancy.
After that, I worked for approximately one year as a part-time music teacher at an international school in Togo, West Africa, teaching children from Nursery to Year 2.
I love seeing people enjoy music and watching them grow in confidence and shine through their musical experiences.