Kaylyn Manlove-Simmons

Kaylyn Manlove-Simmons is a music therapy intern. She studied Music Therapy at Arizona State University and is also pursuing an associate degree in Speech-Language Pathology as a step toward earning her Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) license. She is passionate about integrating music therapy and speech therapy techniques to better support individuals with disabilities. Music has been a central part of Kaylyn’s life since early childhood. She began playing piano at age five, started studying voice at age nine, and later added guitar in high school—an instrument that has become especially valuable in her music therapy work. She has also performed at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Kaylyn first discovered music therapy in high school after watching a TED Talk by musician Robert Gupta. In the talk, Gupta described how he helped former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords regain her speech after she sustained a gunshot wound to the head. That moment inspired Kaylyn to pursue a career combining music and speech therapy to help others. In her free time, Kaylyn enjoys watching anime and musicals. She loves to travel and has visited Japan, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Ireland in the past year alone. She collects instruments from each destination and is currently studying Chinese, Japanese, and American Sign Language. Kaylyn is driven by a deep passion for supporting individuals in becoming the best versions of themselves. She believes in the transformative power of music as a tool for connection, communication, and healing.