Quarterly Member Spotlight

2025, Quarter 2

Describe your career as a music therapist—education, populations served, etc.
I’ve been a board-certified music therapist for 28 years and am also the founder of Metro Music Makers in Atlanta. After earning my degree in music therapy, I took several years to focus on songwriting, recording, and touring the Southeast as a performing musician. That experience deepened my understanding of music’s power to connect and communicate—and ultimately led me back to the therapeutic roots of my training. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of populations—including children and teens with autism and other developmental delays, individuals navigating mental health challenges, and older adults with dementia. I’m especially passionate about using music as a tool for connection, self-expression, and emotional healing across the lifespan.

What brought you to the field of music therapy or why did you decide to pursue music therapy as a profession?
I started piano lessons when I was 6, and from the very beginning, music felt like my safe place. I was that kid whose parents begged them to go outside and play with others—but I was happiest at the piano. Over time, I developed a deep love for the instrument that guided me toward pursuing music as a career. I transferred to Florida State University in my junior year as a performance major, but soon realized I didn’t want to spend all my time alone in a practice room. That’s when I discovered the field of music therapy. The idea of helping people through music—the thing I loved most, and the thing that had “saved” me at times—felt like the most natural and meaningful direction I could take.

What suggestions do you have for novice music therapists?
Be a lifelong learner—both about music and about people. Trust your instincts, but also don’t be afraid to ask for help. Surround yourself with mentors and a support system of fellow therapists. And remember, presence and authenticity often matter more than having the “perfect” session plan.

What are some of your favorite resources (Websites, books, blogs, journals, etc.)?
Most of what I consume these days is related to entrepreneurship and small business, which ties into my role as the founder of Metro Music Makers. One of my favorite ways to engage with new ideas is through our company book club—we read a new book together each semester. The selections range from self-help and music education to music therapy and even musician biographies. You can see some of our past picks here: Metro Music Makers Book List.

For session inspiration and practical tools, I often turn to YouTube—it's a treasure trove of ideas, especially when you need quick, creative content tailored to specific client needs. I also find tremendous value in conversations with colleagues during our team meetings and at music therapy events. Some of the best ideas come from simply sharing experiences and learning from each other.

Tell us about one of your most favorite moments of being a music therapist.
It’s hard to choose just one, because honestly, the most meaningful moments are often the quiet, unexpected ones. Like the time an adult client in a mental health group told me that music had become his lifeline—that it helped him say what he couldn’t express in words and made him feel understood. That moment reminded me of the deep and lasting impact music therapy can have, even when we don’t always see it in the moment.

And then there are days like today—a staff member came up to me after a group and said, “Thank you so much for what you do with the clients. Your energy and what you bring is really amazing.” When a client, family member, or staff member takes the time to say, “That was really needed today,” it reaffirms why I do this work. Those moments are always a highlight.

Describe a challenge you have had in your career and what you did to overcome it.
Running a music therapy practice comes with many learning curves, especially when it comes to balancing clinical work with the responsibilities of leading a growing business. One of the biggest challenges I face is navigating growth while preserving the heart of our mission. I lean heavily on my team, seek mentorship, and have been pursuing an MBA to better equip myself with the tools I need—I’ll be finishing the program in just a few weeks! I’ve learned that evolving as a professional often means embracing discomfort and stretching beyond what I thought I was capable of.

What goals do you have for the next few years?
On a personal note, I’m getting married next Valentine’s Day, and I have a teenager who will be graduating in two years—so those are definitely big milestones and goals in their own right! Professionally, I’m looking forward to applying the knowledge I’ve gained through my MBA program to support the continued growth and expansion of my business. I’m especially focused on strengthening the music therapy side of Metro Music Makers and continuing to support the next generation of music therapists through mentorship and training opportunities.

Do you have hobbies outside of music?
Absolutely! I love going to live shows, music festivals, and collecting vinyl—there’s something magical about the ritual of putting on a record. I also enjoy writing, exploring vegan cooking, and traveling. I'm an avid reader and a big believer in lifelong learning—whether through books, podcasts, or deep conversations with interesting people.

Why are you a member of MTAG?
MTAG provides a sense of community, advocacy, and shared purpose that I deeply value. It’s empowering to be part of a collective voice that’s advancing our field, supporting one another, and working to make music therapy accessible and understood across Georgia.

What else would you like us to know about you?
In addition to being a music therapist, I’m an entrepreneur, educator, and creative thinker. I genuinely love what I do—and I feel lucky that my work allows me to blend creativity, service, and leadership every day. Whether I’m working with clients, mentoring therapists and teachers, or dreaming up the next big idea, I’m always thinking about how we can do more good through music. Feel free to connect with me professionally on LinkedIn, or follow along with my personal and creative life on Instagram.