Music Therapy Services in the Capital Region

Courtney (she/her) 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 (she/her) 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.

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.

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.

Liora (they/them) earned their Bachelor of Music Therapy with a focus in Voice from Arizona State University, completing their internship at Albert J. Solnit Psychiatric Center in Middletown, CT. Liora has extensive experience working with both neurodivergent and neurotypical children across various settings. As a "Shira" leader at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia, PA, they guided children from preschool through eighth grade in music and prayer, fostering a meaningful and inclusive environment. Now stepping into their professional career, Liora is thrilled to begin their journey with Music Speaks.

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Liora boasts 13 years of choral experience, having performed with international and competition choirs at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Opera House. Liora is skilled in playing a variety of instruments, with the ukulele being their favorite, making frequent appearances during sessions whenever possible. Passionate about creating new and interesting experiences, Liora brings expertise in facilitating drum circles and leading a cappella arrangements of your favorite tunes.

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Outside of work, Liora enjoys baking bread, crocheting, or unwinding with video games. Their devoted Emotional Support dog, Phoenix, is never far away. As a proud Jewish individual, Liora is deeply connected to their Jewish identity and enjoys celebrating the Jewish holidays with friends and family. They are super excited to get to know everyone and begin working with the Music Speaks team!