Music Therapy Services in the Capital Region

Courtney A. Elder, MT-BC

Founder, MT Coordinator, Clinical Supervisor

North Bethlehem, NY

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.

Dara Ribis, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist

Albany, NY

Dara graduated from the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College music therapy program in July 2021. She also received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University at Albany. Dara has been part of the Music Speaks team since January 2021 and completed her six-month clinical internship under the direction of Courtney Elder, MT-BC. She has experience working with individuals of all ages with complex medical conditions, developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments, and behavioral and mental health concerns, supporting social, cognitive, emotional, communication, and physical needs. 

Dara’s primary instrument is the viola, which she has been playing for over 25 years. She has performed with orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and the Capital District. Dara enjoys performing and composing music with her husband and is an active member of the University Symphony Orchestra at the University at Albany. Dara is grateful and excited to be part of Music Speaks! 

Emily Ennis, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist

Queensbury, NY

Emily first participated in her music therapy training at Montclair State University in New Jersey from 2017 to 2021. Emily began working with Music Speaks as an intern in January of 2021 in order to complete all criteria for her undergraduate degree while being closer to her home in Queensbury. During her clinical practicums at Montclair she worked closely with dementia, Alzheimers, children with ASD, Down Syndrome, other developmental disabilities, as well as adults with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Depression and substance abuse.

Emily is a classically trained violinist of over 10 years having been a member of Empire State Youth Orchestra during high school and playing venues such as Carnegie Hall and Disney World, as well as being part of her university orchestra for 2 years. Emily now joins Music Speaks as a music therapist and is excited to begin as a new professional in the field!

Sarah Kappes, MM MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist

Jacksonville, FL

Sarah graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in music education from The Pennsylvania State University in 2018 and her Master's in music therapy from Florida State University in 2020. Sarah completed her internship at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital working with patients of all ages in a medical setting. After obtaining her MT-BC credential, Sarah worked as the Graduate Teaching Assistant for Florida State at the hospital supervising clinical practicum students within the pediatric units. During her time here she became a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Music Therapist (NICU-MT) and recently completed her Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) training. 

Sarah currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida and uses her NMT skills in an adult rehabilitation setting. She is thrilled to join the Music Speaks team! Sarah's primary instrument is oboe, and in her free time enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, photography, and walking her two mini golden-doodles, Phoebe and Pepper.

Colleen Thomas, MM, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist

Normal, IL

Colleen graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Illinois State University in 2016 and completed her internship at Helping Hand Center in Countryside, Illinois. After obtaining her MT-BC credential, Colleen worked in northern Illinois providing music therapy services to a wide variety of populations and diagnoses, including hospice, older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, children with ASD, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2018, Colleen returned to Illinois State University to complete her Master’s in music therapy and acted as the Graduate Teaching Assistant for the music therapy program, supervising clinical practicum students and co-teaching undergraduate courses. She graduated from ISU with her Master’s in music therapy in 2020 and is thrilled to join the Music Speaks team!

Colleen’s primary instrument is voice, and in her free time, enjoys singing and performing with her fiancé Daniel in their singer-songwriter duo Apricot Protocol. She lives in her hometown of Normal, Illinois.

Alyssa Yeager, MA, MT-BC

Board Certified Music Therapist

Troy, NY

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.