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.
Areas of Teaching
Music Therapy; Education
Education
MM, Western Michigan University (2009); BSc, University of Mary (2002)
Work in Detail
Teaching
- Intro to Music Therapy
- Developmental Music Therapy
- Observation and Clinical Skills
- Music Therapy Practicum I: Foundations of Clinical Practice
- Music Therapy Practicum II: Exploring the Clinical Process
- Music Therapy Practicum III: Senior Practicum
- Educational Assessment
- Neurodiversity and Learning Disabilities in the Classroom
- Psychology of Music
Applied
2019 - Juno Judge - Best Children's Album
2018 - Rhythm 2 Recovery Training
2014 - Winner of Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Emerging Business
2012 - Juno Judge - Best Children's Album
Community
Active Member of:
- Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT)
- Music Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM)
Faculty: In Their Own Words
Dr. Craig Martin, Assistant Professor of Business and Program Coordinator for the MBA program
Dr. Alex Sawatsky, Professor and Chair of Social Work
Dr. Sunder John Boopalan, Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
Michelle Yaciuk, Assistant Professor of Music Therapy
Lee-Anne Dowsett, Assistant Professor of Music Therapy
Dr. Gordon Zerbe, Professor of New Testament
Dr. Brian Froese, Associate Professor of History
Dr. Christine Longhurst, Assistant Professor of Music and Worship
Dr. Sheila Klassen-Wiebe, Assistant Professor of New Testament
Dr. Chris Huebner, Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy
Dr. Rachel Krause, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Delmar Epp, Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Paul Doerksen, Associate Professor of Theology and Anabaptist Studies
Dr. Sue Sorensen, Associate Professor of English
Dr. John Brubacher, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Paul Dyck, Professor of English
Dr. Janet Brenneman, Dean, School of Music; Associate Professor of Music
Prof. Andrew Dyck, Assistant Professor of Ministry Studies
Dr. Candice Viddal, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics
Dr. Tim Rogalsky, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Wendy Kroeker, Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies
Kenton Lobe, Instructor in International Development Studies