What is your role in BCH?
I am a board-certified music therapist at BCHO. I use music to support patients and families in meeting non-musical needs, such as relaxation, expression of thoughts and feelings, developmentally appropriate stimuli, caregiver support, etc. 

Can you describe to me the organization culture at BCH?
The culture at BCH works to provide a person and family-centered care focus. Every person's story is unique, and as providers, we strive to do our best in honoring that. We do this through working together within interdisciplinary teams to come up with treatment plans that reflect not only the physical needs, but also the psychosocial needs of our patients and families. When we respect and honor one another as staff and colleagues, we also honor our patients and families. 

What is your personal story? How did you get here?
I grew up in San Francisco in a Chinese-American immigrant family. I became a music therapist so that I could use music as a tool to support people during difficult times in their lives and also to amplify the voices of those who may feel silenced or diminished in society. One of the reasons I was drawn to BCH was due to the institution's commitment to provide care to all children regardless of their ability to pay. As someone who is actively engaged with the Chinese-American immigrant population in San Francisco's Chinatown, this community resource at BCH is a form of justice that I am proud to take part in. 

How do you see Diversity, Equity and Inclusion integrated at BCH?
In my interactions with staff and leadership, the importance of engaging in conversations surrounding the topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been apparent. I have experienced this to be especially true within my department (Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy), where there is an openness and willingness to have uncomfortable, yet profound conversations that deal with the lived experiences of our patients and families of color as well as our colleagues of color. There is a shared understanding at BCH that the topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is an ongoing learning process, and that we are all in need to continue learning and bettering ourselves to best serve patients, families, and colleagues.