Our Team of Music Therapists
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 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 still performs with her husband Andrew, in the duo "Hearty Hearty Love", throughout the Albany area.
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!
Matthew Stevenson, MT-BC
Board Certified Music Therapist
Southeastern IN
Matthew graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy from The University of Dayton in 2019. His clinical practicums allowed him experiences with down syndrome, children with ASD and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance abuse rehabilitation, dementia and alzheimers, as well as hospice care. He completed his internship at Giant Steps, an innovative educational and therapeutic program for individuals living with autism, in Lisle, IL in 2020. Here, he experienced working closely with mainly high-school aged students with ASD, both in an in-person setting as well as a virtual setting during the COVID-19 shutdown. In 2021, Matthew began work as a contract music therapist in southeast Indiana, working one on one with clients ranging in diagnosis including autism, down syndrome, dementia, and various intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Matthew has a passion for percussion, which he performs with in a variety of groups. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends. Matthew is very excited to be joining the Music Speaks team!
Erica Fernandez, MT-BC, NICU-MT
Board Certified Music Therapist
Jacksonville, FL
Erica earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music from Florida Atlantic University in 2017. She went on to study music therapy at Florida State University, where she earned her Master’s Degree in 2019. Erica became board-certified in December 2019 and holds specialized training in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU-MT) and Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). She currently lives in Jacksonville, FL where she provides music therapy services for children with a variety of developmental diagnoses in schools, private settings, and medical settings.
Erica’s primary instrument is flute. In her free time she enjoys reading, playing board games, and going to the beach.
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!
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.
