Tuning In: Music & Mindfulness
2026-06-15 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-06-22 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-06-29 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | St. Andrew’s United Church, 117 Bloor St E, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1A9, Canada
6-Week Series, Mondays May 25th – June 29th from 1:30-3:00 PM at St-Andrew’s United Church located at 117 Bloor St East.
Join us for an immersive and playful weekly series exploring music, mindfulness, and movement. Each session is crafted to cultivate joy, support relaxation, and promote both self-expression and community connection. This series welcomes participants living with mild to moderate dementia or Mild cognitive impairments along with their care team. Music Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Michaela Bekenn will highlight the ways music and mindfulness can support wellbeing across the realms of cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health. Each session will feature an engaging and fun group music-making process including singing familiar and new tunes, rhythm-games, and improvised songwriting. Inclusive approaches will be taken to invite participants into mindfulness-based activities such as gentle movement, accessible meditation, and calm breathing. Participants will also experience the benefits of a soothing “Sound bath,” featuring a live soundscape to offer nourishment and ease. Tune in to the song of your heart and let’s celebrate the music of life, together!
Please note: the content of this session does not intend to substitute for medical advice or formal therapy of any kind. Participants and care-partners assume full liability for their safety and wellbeing throughout each session.
Michaela Bekenn (she/they) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Music Therapist based in Tkaronto (Toronto). Alongside her practice in healthcare, she works as a certified sound therapy practitioner, yoga instructor, meditation guide, and singer songwriter. Michaela is a certified facilitator of Compassion-Based Resilience Training and mindfulness for stress reduction, addiction recovery, and chronic pain. With an interdisciplinary background in theatre, music, dance, and energy-work, Michaela brings a holistic, eclectic, and playful energy to her practice. She supports people across the lifespan within both community and clinical settings including mental health care, oncology, long term care, palliative care, paediatric rehabilitation, and classroom settings where she provides expressive arts programming for neurodiverse youth. Michaela is passionate for approaches to community care anchored within a framework of social justice and collective liberation. Michaela strives to create a welcoming space for folks of all identities to feel seen, supported, and nourished.

Golden Thread Choir
2026-10-07 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-10-14 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-10-21 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-10-28 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-11-04 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-11-11 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-11-18 13:30 - 15:00
6-Week Series on Wednesdays from October 7th – November 11th from 1:30 – 3:00 PM at St-Andrew’s United Church located at 117 Bloor St East.
Join the Golden Threads Choir for an enriching in-person singing series, designed for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Led by acclaimed musician Robin Dann, this program explores the joy of making music together, fostering connection and creativity.
During our workshops, you’ll experience:

Vocal warm-ups
Harmonizing
Exploring vocal ranges
The energizing experience of singing as one collective voice

No prior singing or choral experience is necessary—just a willingness to express yourself!
About Your Choir Leader:
Robin Dann is a critically acclaimed singer and the leader of the band Bernice, recognized internationally and nominated twice for Canada’s prestigious Polaris Prize. With over 15 years in Toronto’s vibrant music scene, Robin brings passion and expertise to our choir.

Minds in Motion
2026-10-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-26 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-11-02 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-11-09 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-11-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-11-23 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-11-30 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-12-07 13:00 - 15:00
8-Week Series on Mondays – October 19th – December 7th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at St-Andrew’s United Church located at 117 Bloor St East.
October 19th, 26th, November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, & December 7th 2026
Give your mind and body a boost!
Minds in Motion® is a program that combines physical activity and mental and social stimulation for individuals with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and their care partners. This program is offered once a week for 8 weeks and offers a great environment to establish new friendships with others who are living with similar experiences.
For more information please contact Kristin Bartlett at kbartlett@alz.to or call 416-389-6099.
