As a musician, Valerie Michalowski strives to do more than just perform -- she tries to work with her audience to provide them with a meaningful experience.

A double major in music therapy and piano performance, Valerie has always been interested in music and has played the clarinet, piano and guitar for the past 14 years.

"Music therapy allows me to share my musical skills and love of music with people who need assistance in overcoming obstacles in their lives," she said.

Valerie volunteers at local retirement homes, where she works with residents one-on-one and in group settings. "In some cases they can't remember their names, but sing songs they grew up with," said Valerie. "They love it-their faces brighten up."

Valerie is now completing fieldwork at St. Frances Preschool in Poughkeepsie, where she works with children between the ages of three and five who have developmental delays or are at risk. "It is an amazing experience," said Valerie. "It is very encouraging and rewarding working with a child who does not even know what the weather is like outside when asked, yet after singing a song a few times about the weather, can give the correct answer."

In December, Valerie will be graduating and moving to Columbia, South Carolina, where she will complete an internship with the Palmetto Baptist Health and Medical Center.

Why New Paltz? "I chose New Paltz because of its highly acclaimed music therapy professors, it's distance to my hometown, and the type of area New Paltz is," said Valerie.

Hobbies: reading, drawing and exercising

Goals: Valerie plans to get her master's in social work or music therapy and then work in a psychiatric or children's hospital.

Little-Known Fact: Valerie is in the honor's program and is writing her thesis on how to set up your own private piano studio.