Music Therapy

Our Mission at Work

What Is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an evidence-based and recognized health profession in the United States. Deeply connected to memories, emotions, self-expression, and creativity, music serves as a powerful virtual bridge for survivors, addressing emotions that are often difficult to articulate through words alone.

What are the benefits of music therapy?

Music therapy provides a nonverbal outlet for expressing emotions that are difficult to articulate. Engaging with music can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and create a space for self-reflection, safety, and empowerment. Additionally, the creative process involved in music therapy can promote resilience and strengthen the connection to a sense of identity and personal strength.

Music therapy can:

Reduce anxiety and stress

Improve emotional regulation

Increase self-awareness and expression

Enhance feelings of safety and trust

Offer a greater sense of empowerment and control

Improve social connection and reduced isolation

Process emotions and memories in a safe and non-threatening way

Promote resilience and coping skills

What is trauma-informed music therapy?

Because our music therapy programming is dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, all of our music therapy programming is rooted in trauma-informed care.

Research consistently underscores the profound and lasting effects of trauma on well-being. Trauma-informed music therapy is a specialized approach that understands these impacts and adapts therapeutic interventions accordingly.

Rather than directly treating the trauma itself, our practices are deeply sensitive to trauma-related concerns. We prioritize creating safe and supportive environments that prevent re-traumatization by focusing on principles such as safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity, ultimately highlighting each individual's strengths and resilience.

What happens in music therapy sessions?

Our board-certified music therapists provide trauma-informed, therapeutic interventions in small group settings at partner organizations, such as crisis counseling agencies, safe houses, and shelters. Over eight weeks, clients collaborate with a music therapist and fellow survivors to process their emotions.

Utilizing a variety of techniques tailored to client needs and goals in consultation with our agency partners, sessions may include drumming workshops, lyric analysis, music for coping and relaxation, and songwriting.

Therapy Tools and Process

Assessment

Music therapists evaluate emotional well-being, physical  health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses.

Intervention Design

Based on client needs, music therapists create personalized music interventions for individuals and groups.

Progress Monitoring

Music therapists follow up on progress and adjust interventions as necessary.

Music Therapists

Tracie Sandheinrich

Music Therapist, MA, LPC, MT-BC

Tracie Sandheinrich, MA, LPC, MT-BC received her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO in 2008 and her MA in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University in Belleville,IL in 2018. Board certified in Music Therapy since 2008 and owner, lead music therapist and Director of Clinical Services/Development for Music Therapy St. Louis, a private music therapy practice based in St. Louis, serving both MO and IL counties. Tracie has vast experience working with children facing life-altering medical conditions (pioneered Maryville University’s Kids Rock Cancer, est. 2009), neurological rehabilitation (NMT trained), stroke support, geriatrics (Alzheimer’s and dementia), palliative/hospice care, mental health, and grief/loss/bereavement. While Tracie manages and oversees clinical programming at Music Therapy St. Louis, she is also a Professional Licensed Counselor where she enjoys combining a creative arts approach to wellness for her private clients. Tracie has been a long-time “roadie” for The Angel Band Project and is humbled to join the team of therapists to support survivors.

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Tracie Sandheinrich
Music Therapist, MA, LPC, MT-BC

Sarah Bernstein

Music Therapist

Sarah Bernstein, MMT, MT-BC graduated from Maryville University with a Master of Music Therapy degree in 2017. The bulk of Sarah’s clinical experience over the last 10 years is with children and their families. Sarah specializes in working with children who have experienced different forms of trauma (specifically medical and foster/adoptive family placements) as well as children with genetic or neurodivergent diagnoses and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Though passionate about Music Therapy and its many forms, Sarah especially loves using music to alter the brain in neurorehabilitation and utilizing therapeutic songwriting to aid in self-expression. While Sarah loves working with young people, the Angel Band Project and its mission have always had a special place in her heart. Sarah is a long-time member of the band as she volunteered with Angel Band while in graduate school at Maryville. Sarah is humbled and honored to work with groups of survivors, helping them to explore and express themselves safely through the container of music.

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Sarah Bernstein
Music Therapist

Anna Drexelius

Music Therapist

Anna Drexelius, MMT, MT-BC graduated from MaryvilleUniversity with a Master of Music Therapy degree in 2013 and has specialized in mental health treatment since 2011. She also earned a Bachelor of MusicPerformance from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. Anna is passionate about using music to help others heal from trauma, overcome obstacles, and build the lives they want and deserve. She believes in bringing her authentic self into sessions and creating safe, inclusive environments in which therapy participants can express, explore, and transform how they think and feel. Anna also encourages the use of practical strategies to meet personal goals and enhance unique perspectives on health and wellness.

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Anna Drexelius
Music Therapist

Rosalie Starkweather

Music Therapist

RosalieStarkweather, MA, MT-BC, NMTMusic Therapist

Rosalie wasborn in Wisconsin, where her love for music was fostered through singing andsongwriting, as it gave her a means to process her emotions and life events.This fueled her passion to go on to study music therapy. Rosalie graduated fromOral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her bachelor’s in musictherapy. Rosalie has experience in geriatric, psychiatric,developmental, and medicine & rehabilitation. Rosalie is a neurologicmusic therapist, using this specialization to help clients in cognitive,speech, motor goals. Rosalie has a strong passion for work in behavior, trauma,and self-management using music therapy. Rosalie has also completed hermaster’s in special education & applied behavior analysis through ArizonaState University. Rosalie believes music is the strongest motivator andreinforcer for positive change. Rosalie's working experience ranges from ID/DDto early childhood development and trauma to forensic psychiatric.

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Rosalie Starkweather
Music Therapist

Destiny Bushway

Music Therapist

DestinyBushway, MT-BC
Music Therapist 

Specialization: Children and adults of varying abilities, mental health,medical, hospice, geriatric and palliative care.

Musichas been a part of Destiny’s life since she can remember. Her family is verymusical and her father taught music when she was a child. This made music apart of everyday life for her. She began singing and taking piano lessons at avery young age and her desire to be involved with music continued to grow. Allthrough her early education, she was involved in choirs and bands. It was inher teens that she joined her first contemporary band and fell in love withperforming and songwriting. She has continued to write songs and play in bandsas well as being involved in the direction of a church band for nearly adecade. Her desire to use music in a career that would serve others continuedto nudge her through her twenties when she learned about music therapy throughher grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was intrigued by how musicaffected her so positively through one of the most difficult times of herfamily’s lives. This is where she learned that her love for music and forhelping others could be combined in the use of music therapy. Since that point,she knew that’s where she belonged and has been pursuing that dream ever since.She received her Bachelors in Music Therapy at Maryville University.

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Destiny Bushway
Music Therapist

Jasmine Edwards

Music Therapist

Jasmine Edwards (she/her) is a doctoral fellow within the Steinhardt Music Education program with a focus in music therapy at New York University. Jasmine holds a BM and MA in music therapy from Florida State University and NYU, respectively. Her clinical experiences include private practice, outpatient, school-based, and medical pediatric settings, and she is trained inNICU-MT, First Sounds: RBL, and Austin Vocal Psychotherapy. Jasmine has a vested interest in elevating dialogues about cultural humility within music therapy education and clinical practice. She has served as an adjunct faculty member in the music therapy departments at Howard University, New York University, Montclair State University, Nazareth College, and Duquesne University. Jasmine identifies as a Black woman.

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Jasmine Edwards
Music Therapist

Katie Down

Music Therapist

Katie Down, (MT-BC, LCAT) is a licensed creative arts therapist, sound meditation teacher and facilitator, certified Reiki practitioner and performing musician offering listening and sound meditation classes, and training programs in music therapy and sound as well as clinical supervision. Katie received her master's degree in Music Psychotherapy at New York University with additional trauma training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and with Laurel Parnell in EMDR. Incorporating Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction techniques, EMDR for trauma, and creative visualization, Katie provides a nurturing, grounded and open environment for opening the heart and letting go of blockages and negative patterns that hold us back from feeling connected to our higher selves and each other.  She has also worked internationally in the Balkans, South Africa, and Ecuador, offering workshops in improvisation and song writing and has trained to work with immigrants and refugees with Musicians Without Borders in the Netherlands. www.soundwellcenter.com

Katie was inspired to hear of the work of The Angel Band Project and has been honored to be asked to facilitate music therapy for them. Her interest and belief in the power of music and sound to tap into our consciousness and provide a healing and grounding force for letting go of trauma has brought her to work for The Angel Band Project. 

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Katie Down
Music Therapist

Jenny Hoi Yan Fu

Music Therapist

Born and raised in Hong Kong, China, Jenny Hoi Yan Fu is a licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT) and board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) practicing in New York City. She received her Master of Arts in music therapy from New York University and her post-master’s certificates in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and in Austin Vocal Psychotherapy. Jenny uses talk, music, and other creative mediums in her practice. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and adults to address their anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and other developmental challenges. Jenny is passionate about helping her clients recognize their resources and reach their potential through play and creativity. Her expertise in musical improvisation allows her to connect with her clients and accompany them on a journey of expression and exploration at their level of comfort. Combined with the practice of mindfulness, Jenny works with her clients in a supportive environment to promote a sense of connection between mind and body, and between self and others.

Jenny is excited to join The Angel Band Project and feels honored for the opportunity to partner up with survivors on their journey towards healing.

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Jenny Hoi Yan Fu
Music Therapist

Noa Fort

Music Therapist

Recently regarded as “one of New York's more interesting and original artists” (New York MusicDaily), Noa Fort is an Israeli born, Brooklyn based music therapist and musician. In her work as a music therapist at the Brooklyn Conservatory ofMusic, she integrates improvisation, songwriting, song analyzing, active listening and body awareness. Fort works with a variety of populations in different settings. As a pianist/vocalist/songwriter/improviser, she is active in the Jazz and improvised music scenes in NYC and regularly performs in the US as well as internationally. 

Fort is excited to join The Angel Band Project as she believes in the power of music to support one’s journey to health, as well as its power to promote social change.  

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Noa Fort
Music Therapist

Nadine Cadesky

Music Therapist

Nadine Cadesky, PhD, MTA, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist with 26 years of clinical experience. She received her PhD in music therapy from Temple University and is a Fellow in the Bonny method of guided imagery and music. Nadine has extensive experience doing music therapy with a wide variety of clients, including those living with acute and chronic mental health issues, complex grief, a history of intimate partner and sexual violence and other forms of trauma, vicarious trauma and workplace stressors, substance use, and homelessness; persons dealing with gender and identity issues; persons with HIV/AIDs, ALS, Huntington’s disease, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses; and persons at end of life. She also facilitates support groups for staff working with survivors, incarcerated people, and ex-prisoners. She is honored to be a part of the Angel Band Project, and to walk the path of healing with survivors in crisis and the staff who support them.

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Nadine Cadesky
Music Therapist

Barbara Jurgensmeier

Music Therapist

Barbara received her Bachelors in Music Education from Baker University in Baldwin City, KS and her Masters in Music Education, Major in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. She has extensive experience working with a wide variety of populations, ranging from early childhood through older adults. Barbara's thesis work utilized songwriting and lyric analysis to foster empowerment and self-confidence among homeless LGBTQ+adolescents. She has also led music therapy sessions with domestic violence survivors, incarcerated adults, and runaway, homeless, and/or vulnerable community youth. Barbara looks forward to continuing to use the profound power of music to improve quality outcomes for her clients.

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Barbara Jurgensmeier
Music Therapist

Rose Ritter

Music Therapist

Rose Ritter, MMT, MT-BC received her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy from Maryville University of St. Louis, MO in 2017 and her Masters of Music Therapy degree from Alverno College in 2023. Board certified in Music Therapy since 2017, Rose has diverse experience working for early childhood centers, schools nonprofits, in-home and in a private practice clinic. Rose specializes in working with children and adults who have experienced trauma in many different forms, including but not limited to foster/adoptive family placements, intimate partner violence, as well as children and adults with neurodivergent diagnoses and intellectual and developmental disabilities. She approaches her work with a trauma-informed lens using the philosophy of critical humanism and a neurodiversity-affirming, person-centered framework. The work of The Angel Band Project is very near and dear to her heart as she volunteered with them during her time at Maryville University, worked with the organization on the admin side as well as facilitating workshops in the Greater St. Louis, MO area. She is so excited to be returning to work with The Angel Band through their pilot expansion to Florida!

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Rose Ritter
Music Therapist

Audrey Hausig

Music Therapist

Audrey Hausig has been practicing music therapy in and around Philadelphia since 2000.She completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Temple University. Audrey works from humanistic, resource oriented, anti-oppressive frameworks. She is adjunct faculty at Drexel University and does continuing education and clinical supervision through her company, Philadelphia Music Therapy. She plays violin, bass, guitar, drums, and she sings. In her free time, Audrey plays in a punk rock band, is part of the treatment not trauma coalition, is president of theMidAtlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association, and engages in activism for liberation with her family and community.

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Audrey Hausig
Music Therapist

What Certifications Do Music Therapists Have?

The Angel Band Project music therapy sessions are facilitated by music therapists certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapy and accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

To become a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) in the United States, the initial step involves obtaining a bachelor's degree or higher in music therapy from a program approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

These rigorous academic programs integrate musical foundations, clinical principles, and specialized music therapy coursework alongside a crucial component of at least 1,200 hours of supervised clinical training, including an internship.