Kirsti Kaldro earned a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music in 1989 and a Master of Music in 1994 from Brooklyn College Conservatory both in Vocal Performance. She is a lifelong musician residing in Blacksburg with her family. She has been a singer, voice and piano teacher, children's choir director, and music store owner among other roles. She began playing folk harp in 2008 and enrolled in the International Harp Therapy Program in 2017. In the IHTP, Kirsti learned to create a "Cradle of Sound" with the harp for those in need of healing, in which each patient's music is tailored to their mood and musical preferences using familiar tunes, improvisation, modal scales, and attention to tempo. The goal of the therapeutic harpist is to use "Inclusive Attention," a non-judgmental and open state of mind to harmonize with the patient and the environment to create a space that promotes healing and relaxation. Kirsti also does interactive harp therapy with patients where it is helpful, as some patients benefit greatly from making their own music on the harp. Her training in the IHTP has also equipped her to work with groups in various situations, which she also enjoys greatly! She completed her internship at Carilion New River Medical Center, where she is now working as a Resident Artist. She will soon have her certification as a harp therapist through the IHTP.