Our Team of Music Therapists
Courtney A. Elder, MT-BC
Owner, Board Certified Music Therapist & MT Coordinator
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 student above all else, and emphasized collaboration with teachers 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 students express themselves through original songs, including collaborating on original recordings. Courtney still performs with her husband Andrew, in the duo "Hearty Hearty Love", throughout the Albany area.
Cassie Perrone, MT-BC
Board Certified Music Therapist
Cassie graduated from Marywood University with a degree in Music Therapy and her voice as her principle instrument. She completed her internship at Broome-Tioga BOCES in Binghamton, NY. Here, she was able to work with students of all ages in order to assist them in achieving social, physical, and intellectual goals. Cassie's excited to be welcomed aboard the Music Speaks team and can't wait to see what's in store!
Cassie is from Syracuse, NY and has grown up in a very musical household. With both parents and all 3 siblings having been involved in ensembles and musicals, it was impossible to deny her immediate love of music. She enjoys performing occasionally with her former music teacher at various events as well as spending time with friends and family
Amanda Pfeiffer, MT-BC
Board Certified Music Therapist
Amanda Pfeiffer graduated from the University of Kansas in 2020 with a Bachelor's in Music Therapy. She completed her internship at the Institute for Therapy through the Arts in Chicago. Throughout her practicum experiences and internship, Amanda worked with a wide range of populations from children to older adults with diagnoses such as ASD, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer's, Dementia, Depression, Anxiety, and more. Amanda looks forward to continuing working with a variety of clients as a Board Certified Music Therapist with Music Speaks.
Amanda grew up playing music and singing with her sisters around the family piano. She also enjoyed singing in choirs and playing the French Horn in bands and orchestras. Amanda is thrilled to have the opportunity to help others experience the benefits of music in therapeutic settings.
Alyssa Yeager, MA, MT-BC
Board Certified Music Therapist
Alyssa Yeager, MA, MT-BC obtained her masters degree in music therapy from Drexel University in Philadelphia. She has worked with children of all ages in settings ranging from in-home to schools and hospitals. Alyssa created the music therapy internship program at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, OH, and continues to provide clinical and continuing education services now in the Capital District.