Orla joined the STEPS team in April 2024. She graduated from Newcastle University in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in music, specialising in vocal performance. While spending a year studying at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick, Orla was first introduced to the idea of Music Therapy.
After completing her studies, Orla decided to take a break from education and focus on gaining some life experience through travel and working abroad. She spent a few years working at Summer Camps for kids in the USA, working in Canada and visiting as many countries as possible.
One of her most memorable trips was driving her campervan from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Athens, Greece! (Feel free to ask her about it!)
Orla went on to work as a Nursing Assistant in a Mental Health Unit where her love for caring for others was realised and how she could use her musical skills in a therapy setting.