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.
Connor Williams,
MT-BC
Board Certified
Music Therapist
Eivion Connor Williams graduated from Marywood University’s music therapy program in early 2017 after completing his honors thesis, and concluded his internship at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance in June of 2018. While at Hochstein, Connor worked with a variety of clientele including adults with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and multiple sclerosis, as well as children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.
He has been a musician all his life, beginning his journey on the cello at Shenendehowa Central School’s very own Skano Elementary. He hopes to provide excellent music therapy services to those in the Capital Region, and to share the experience of making music with everyone, big and small!
Andrea Peters,
MT-BC
Board Certified
Music Therapist
Andrea graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy. She completed her internship at Monroe BOCES #1 in Fairport, NY where she worked alongside children and adolescents with various developmental, intellectual, and mental health needs.
Andrea is a violinist and especially loves fiddling at open mic nights and creating music with other groups throughout the community.
Caroyln Keenan,
MT-BC
Board Certified
Music Therapist
Carolyn graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio with a Bachelors in Music Therapy and completed an internship in the Albany, NY area with Capital District Beginnings. She spent the earlier part of her career in Florida, where she worked for Gulf Coast Music Therapy in schools, hospice, and clinic settings.
Since returning to the Capital Region, Carolyn has specialized in early childhood music therapy, while also providing services for medically fragile children and adults with disabilities. Her background in dance strongly influences the movement incorporated throughout many of her music therapy sessions.