Experience

I am a Board-Certified Music Therapist and have worked in a variety of settings throughout my education and professional career, including: 

• Special education – provided group and individual music therapy sessions with students aged 3 to 21, with a variety of abilities and diagnoses, focusing on the use of music to address communication, social/emotional, and academic IEP goals

• Pediatric hospital – used interventions such as songwriting and improvisation with hospital patients and their families to decrease anxiety and promote self-expression 

• Mental health hospital – assisted in the daily care of adolescent and adult patients with a variety of mental health diagnoses by leading daily goals group, ensuring safety, and providing emotional support

• Memory care – provided music therapy sessions to older adults, focusing on reality orientation, executive functioning, and activities of daily living 

• Adult care home – implemented group music therapy sessions to adults diagnosed with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, schizophrenia, and intellectual disabilities 

 

Education

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• Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy – Western Michigan University (December 2019)

• Bachelor of Arts, Psychology – Valparaiso University (May 2015)

 

I believe there is always more to learn, and I am dedicated to fine-tuning my skills and seeking out continuing education opportunities that I can apply directly with the clients I support. I plan to begin a master’s program in professional clinical counseling this year so that I can expand my toolbox and more effectively support clients struggling with their mental health. 

 

Expertise

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As a music therapist, my goal is to work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their goals while guiding them to their true, authentic self through meaningful music experiences. I use a person-centered, humanistic, and neurodiversity affirming approach. As a queer therapist, I work diligently to create a safe and affirming environment, encouraging clients to express themselves freely. I have experience working in a variety of settings, including special education, mental health, pediatrics, memory care, early intervention, and more. Through these experiences, I have learned the high importance of catering interventions to each individuals’ unique preferences, abilities, and needs. I am highly attuned to my clients and advocate for their autonomy by providing opportunities for choice and self-expression throughout sessions. 

 

The services I currently offer are: individual music therapy, group music therapy, and traditional or adaptive music lessons (piano, guitar, and voice).

 

Why I Became a Music Therapist

 

Music has always been an anchor for me – it opens up my ability to connect with myself and the world around me. From a young age, I have been sensitive, highly empathetic, and have also experienced anxiety. I had a few negative experiences in therapy, (as well as positive!), which motivated me to pursue a career in the therapy realm so that I can help others feel more comfortable in this setting. I worked at a mental health hospital for about four years as a care provider, and while I loved so many aspects of this job, I found myself wishing I had a better way to connect with those clients who struggled to express themselves. Once I learned about music therapy as a career, I knew in my soul that this would be the perfect blend of how I could support my community in a way that felt so authentic to me.   

 

Bio

 

I am originally from Davenport, Iowa, where my love for music began at an early age. My heart has always belonged to the piano, but I also love making music with others, whether that’s playing trumpet in band, singing in choirs, or joining a hand-bell ensemble. I have since bounced between Indiana, Michigan, Maryland, and California for schooling and various job opportunities, and I’m excited to land in Denver where my family and I can start to spread some roots. I am in therapy myself, and I have spent the last few years looking inward to understand more about my emotional world and its complexities. I’m looking forward to continuing that expansion in a job and city that offer even more growth, healing, and community. I love the outdoors, spending time with my animals, traveling to visit friends and family, and making music. I feel immense gratitude that music still plays such an important role in my life, and that I get to experience that gratitude in the presences of others.