Music Therapy Services in the Capital Region

Courtney started Music Speaks in 2011 after nearly a decade working in the music therapy field in the Capital Region, seeing a need for creative therapeutic services that focused on the client above all else, and emphasized collaboration with teachers, teams and parents. Courtney graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston with her Bachelor's in Music Therapy, conducted clinical work at facilities like Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, and completed her internship at Wildwood School in Schenectady under the supervision of Beth McLaughlin, MME, LCAT, MT-BC.

A performer and songwriter from an early age, Courtney enjoys helping her clients express themselves through original songs, including collaborating on original recordings. Courtney composes and records for studio recordings around the country, and continues to perform solo and with her husband Andrew, in the duo "Hearty Hearty Love", throughout the Albany area.

Sharon is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and a NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. She received her Bachelor of 

Music Therapy from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and completed her internship at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, OH. She holds a master’s degree in Health Education from Penn State. Sharon was raised in The Capital District and started the first MT Collation for the area to support local music therapists over 20 years ago. She was also integral in serving on two Regional MT Conferences held in the Capital Region. Sharon has worked in a variety of settings from neurodiverse children, adult and adolescent inpatient and outpatient mental health, Eating Disorders, General medical and end of life care. Sharon is a NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapist  and enjoys teaching art interpretation to clients. In

addition, Sharon is a Certified Healing Touch  Practitioner and has a passion for integrative approach to health and wellness as noted in creating and managing The Healing Arts program at Albany

Medical Center.

Sharon’s primary instrument is trumpet, but most times you will see her with guitar in hand! In her spare time Sharon enjoys playing with her Celtic band Triskele who performs both locally and

internationally and has several CD recordings. She also loves traveling, kayaking, hosting get-togethers at her house with her spouse and spending time with her dog and cat. As a retired international soccer referee, she also mentors’ soccer referees to improve their skills to prepare them for higher level games

as a National referee coach.

Aubrie has been practicing music therapy for 20 years.  She graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology in 2001.  Aubrie also received a Master of Arts degree in Social Policy from Empire State College in 2006.  Her research for her final project discussed laws and special education, music therapy court cases, assessment and evaluation methods in music therapy, and advocacy for music therapy.  She presented her research from her final project at The American Music Therapy Association National Conference in November of 2005. Aubrie completed practicum work in a nursing home, head start program, and hemodialysis unit in a hospital.  She completed her internship at Quincy United Methodist Home in Quincy, Pennsylvania in December of 2001.  She worked in a skilled nursing home, assisted living home, and children’s day care center while interning at Quincy United Methodist Home.

Aubrie enjoys helping neurodiverse children through music.  She has been working with neurodiverse children in schools and homes since 2002.  She is looking forward to being part of the Music Speaks team.

Emily is a Board Certified Music Therapist, graduating with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Therapy from Montclair State University in 2021 upon completion of her internship with Music Speaks. After earning her MT-BC credentials, she began working as an employee for Music Speaks in 2021 gaining experience with children, teens, adults and older adults, primarily with developmental disabilities.

Emily has been a classical violinist for over 15 years and has applied her musical skill set to assist in providing fun, creative therapeutic experiences with clients. Although still a new professional, Emily is excited to continue working with Music Speaks and to expand her skills as a music therapist.

Sarah is a board-certified music therapist with an undergraduate degree in music therapy from Temple University. While studying there, she completed her internship at Somerset Academy Early Learning Center in Philadelphia, PA. Both in and outside of music therapy, Sarah has had a variety of experiences working with and supporting the development of children, and she is looking forward to focusing on this aspect of her career. She is also passionate about connecting with clients through music and helping them reach the goals that are important to them, and she is grateful for the opportunity to do so as a Music Speaks team member.

When Sarah isn’t providing music therapy services, she enjoys being creative with anything from writing to music making to improv acting. She also loves spending time with her wonderful family and friends. Sarah is so excited to be a part of the Music Speaks team and is looking forward to meeting and connecting with everyone!

Carol is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and graduated with a Master of Science degree in Music Therapy from SUNY New Paltz in May 2019. Carol also received a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Hartt School of Music in Hartford, CT and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from State University of New York, College at Oswego, NY. She completed her internship at The Arc of Ulster-Greene (Cairo and Catskill day facilities) and at Hudson Valley Creative Arts Studio in Kingston, NY, as well as her practicum at Elant at Meadow Hill in Newburg, NY. Carol has experience working with adults with a wide range of intellectual and

developmental disabilities, and has also worked with aging adults, supporting a variety of issues that include hearing/sight impairments, memory loss, stroke, and depression.

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Carol’s primary instrument is piano, although she now also enjoys guitar and ukulele. She was classically trained in piano and taught students of all ages for over 25 years through her private

piano studio as well as through Catholic Central High School in Troy, NY. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, taking long walks, being out in nature, and spending time with family. Carol is very excited to be part of the Music Speaks Team and looks forward to developing as a Music Therapist.