Michelle Yaciuk | Faculty and Staff

Michelle Yaciuk she/her

Associate Professor of Education and Music Therapy; Co-Chair of Education; Co-Program Coordinator of Music Therapy; Affiliate Faculty of Experiential Learning

Program(s): Music Therapy and Education

Email: myaciuk:@:cmu.ca

Office: F330

With a background that spans clinical work, entrepreneurship, and teacher education, Michelle brings a practical, real world lens to her teaching. She founded Prelude Music Inc. and spent over a decade growing it into Manitoba’s largest music therapy practice, experience that continues to shape how she works with students. Much of her clinical work has taken place in school settings, in both traditional classrooms and specialized programming, where she has supported diverse learners beyond academics.

Michelle teaches across education and music therapy, with a focus on preparing students for the realities of practice. She brings both an educator and therapist lens to her work, with a strong commitment to helping people reach their potential, co-regulate when needed, and remain curious in the process.

Her classroom, however, rarely looks traditional. Michelle is known for pushing against standard grading practices, using alternative assessment models that prioritize reflection, competency, and meaningful engagement over points and percentages. Students are expected to take ownership of their learning, build practical skills, and think critically about how their work translates into real life practice.

At the core of Michelle’s work is a simple idea, learning should matter. She is committed to designing experiences that push students to think, reflect, and show up fully, so that what they learn in the classroom actually carries into the work they will go on to do.