Music Therapy

Tracie Sandheinrich, MA, PLPC, MT-BC received her Bachelorof Science in Music Therapy from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO in 2008and her MA in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University in Belleville,IL in 2018. Board certified in Music Therapy since 2008 and co-owner, leadmusic therapist and Director of Clinical Services/Development of Music TherapySt. Louis, a private music therapy practice. Tracie has vast experience workingwith children facing cancer and blood disorders (Maryville University’s KidsRock Cancer since 2009 and program development, neurological rehabilitation(NMT trained and leads a choir for the ABC Brigade whose members have beenaffected by stroke/aphasia), geriatrics (Alzheimer’s and dementia), palliative/hospicecare, mental health, and grief/loss/bereavement. While Tracie manages and oversees employeesand clinical programming through Music Therapy St. Louis, she will also join adjunct faculty atMaryville University in the fall 2021. She iscurrently completing her counseling supervision hours for professionallicensure. Tracie has been a long-time “roadie” for Angel Band and is humbledto join the team of therapists to support survivors.

Jaime Kennington, MMT, MT-BC received her Bachelor of Artsin Communication from University of Missouri Columbia, MO in 2002 and her Masterof Music Therapy from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO in 2017.  Board certified in Music Therapy since 2017, andcurrent co-owner, lead music therapist and Director Clinical Services &Supervision of Music Therapy St. Louis, a private music therapy practice. After a10-year career in marketing she decided to take a leap of faith and switchprofessions to follow her passion using music to service others. Jaime hasdiverse experience working with non-profit organizations serving children,individuals of all abilities, neurological/rehabilitation and children facingcancer and blood disorders (fellow team music therapist/research analyst forMaryville University’s Kids Rock Cancer since 2017). Jaime’s currently workingon publishing her masters research work discussing understanding lyricalanalysis in pediatric oncology.  By 2018, she had led three (2017, 2018, 2019) Creative Music Making performancescollaborating with the St. Louis Symphony and Maryville University. WhileJaime manages and oversees the student clinical programs through Music TherapySt. Louis, she has also been adjunctfaculty teaching at Maryville University since spring 2019. Jaime is very excitedto work with Angel Band because of the project’s uniqueness and intimateopportunity to touch survivors in the community in a profound way throughmusic.

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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. 

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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Natalia Alvarez-Figueroa MMT, MT-BC

Natalia is a music therapist who resides in Philadelphia, PA.  She received her Masters in Music Therapy in May 2015 from the Boyer School of Music and Dance at Temple University.  She was board-certified as a music therapist in 2013, and received an Outstanding Achievement Award in Music Therapy at her graduation. Prior to attending Temple University, Natalia attended the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico. She is Founder and therapist for Resilient Rhythms, which provides bilingual trauma-focused music therapy services,  Natalia is also an Individual therapist at Nationalities Services Center in Philadelphia, providing services for immigrant population survivors of human trafficking, torture and domestic/intimate partner violence.

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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.

Sarah Michaelis, board certified music therapist, graduated from St. Louis University with a bachelor of arts in music studies in 2013 and completed her master of music therapy at Maryville University. Sarah has worked with a variety of clients including children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, older adults with neurodegenerative diseases, and individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Currently, Sarah provides music therapy services to adolescents and adults experiencing acute crises in an inpatient psychiatric hospital in addition to her work with The Angel Band Project. Sarah strives to provide clients with a safe space to explore and express thoughts and feelings while improving emotional, mental, and physical wellness through interactive musical experiences.

Sarah chose to work with The Angel Band Project because the voices of survivors deserve to and must be heard and amplified.

Emily Perna, MMT, MT-BC received her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA in 2004 and her Masters of Music Therapy degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in 2015. Board certified in Music Therapy since 2005, Emily has diverse experience working for non-profit organizations with adults managing mental health disorders, addiction and trauma, homeless LGBTQ youth as well as children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her approach is strength-based and person-centered.  She strives to facilitate experiences that promote personal growth, empowerment and interpersonal and community connectedness through creative music making. Emily is excited for the opportunity to align with The Angel Band Project in lifting the voices of survivors of sexual violence and creating a community that adequately honors and supports their journey.

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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Kaela Funke-Stahlhut, MT-BC, graduated from Drury University with a bachelor of arts in music therapy and Spanish in May 2020. Kaela has worked with a variety of populations including children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities, older adults (dementia and Alzheimer's), early childhood, medically fragile children, and mental health. Kaela finds the work of music therapy incredibly rewarding and is honored to be one of the music therapists supporting survivors through Angel Band.

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