Renee Yong

Registered Music Therapist
Auckland Regional Centre

Renee grew up in Penang, Malaysia and found her love for music while serving in the praise band at her local church as a vocalist and pianist. In 2017, she graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, USA, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Renee completed her Master of Music Therapy at Appalachian State University in North Carolina in December 2022.

Renee completed her 6-month internship at University Hospitals of Cleveland in Ohio, working in psychiatric units, emergency rooms, and surgical units. After earning her board certification, she worked as a music therapist with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Indiana and continued to gain valuable clinical experiences through advanced practicums working with children with anxiety and depression.

She is particularly interested in reaching individuals with internalizing symptoms through the therapeutic use of music through interventions such as songwriting, song analysis and other creative arts approaches. She is passionate about using songwriting as an avenue for self-awareness and expression. During her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking and backpacking. She is excited to serve the Auckland community and be part of the amazing team at Raukatauri.