Music Therapy

We help hundreds of survivors heal by participating in our music therapy programs at partner agencies and shelters in St. Louis, Seattle, and New York City.

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”

— Victor Hugo

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the specialized use of music by a credentialed professional with a therapeutic goal in mind. Music therapy can help address social, communicative, emotional, physical, cognitive, sensory and spiritual needs.

We offer programming both in person as well as tele-health platforms. Due to the pandemic in 2020, we created innovative online music therapy programs to support our clients no matter what the circumstances.

Who runs the Sessions?

We hire music therapists who have been certified by the Certification Board of Music Therapy (CBMT) which has been fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) since 1986.

Music Therapists

Tracie Sandheinrich

Music Therapist, Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor

Tracie Sandheinrich, MA, PLPC, MT-BC received her Bachelorof Science in Music Therapy from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO in 2008and her MA in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University in Belleville,IL in 2018. Board certified in Music Therapy since 2008 and co-owner, leadmusic therapist and Director of Clinical Services/Development of Music TherapySt. Louis, a private music therapy practice. Tracie has vast experience workingwith children facing cancer and blood disorders (Maryville University’s KidsRock Cancer since 2009 and program development, neurological rehabilitation(NMT trained and leads a choir for the ABC Brigade whose members have beenaffected by stroke/aphasia), geriatrics (Alzheimer’s and dementia), palliative/hospicecare, mental health, and grief/loss/bereavement. While Tracie manages and oversees employeesand clinical programming through Music Therapy St. Louis, she will also join adjunct faculty atMaryville University in the fall 2021. She iscurrently completing her counseling supervision hours for professionallicensure. Tracie has been a long-time “roadie” for Angel Band and is humbledto join the team of therapists to support survivors.

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Tracie Sandheinrich
Music Therapist, Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor

Jaime Kennington

Music Therapist

Jaime Kennington, MMT, MT-BC received her Bachelor of Artsin Communication from University of Missouri Columbia, MO in 2002 and her Masterof Music Therapy from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO in 2017.  Board certified in Music Therapy since 2017, andcurrent co-owner, lead music therapist and Director Clinical Services &Supervision of Music Therapy St. Louis, a private music therapy practice. After a10-year career in marketing she decided to take a leap of faith and switchprofessions to follow her passion using music to service others. Jaime hasdiverse experience working with non-profit organizations serving children,individuals of all abilities, neurological/rehabilitation and children facingcancer and blood disorders (fellow team music therapist/research analyst forMaryville University’s Kids Rock Cancer since 2017). Jaime’s currently workingon publishing her masters research work discussing understanding lyricalanalysis in pediatric oncology.  By 2018, she had led three (2017, 2018, 2019) Creative Music Making performancescollaborating with the St. Louis Symphony and Maryville University. WhileJaime manages and oversees the student clinical programs through Music TherapySt. Louis, she has also been adjunctfaculty teaching at Maryville University since spring 2019. Jaime is very excitedto work with Angel Band because of the project’s uniqueness and intimateopportunity to touch survivors in the community in a profound way throughmusic.

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Jaime Kennington
Music Therapist

Katie Down

Music Therapist

Katie Down, (MT-BC, LCAT) is a licensed creative arts therapist, sound meditation teacher and facilitator, certified Reiki practitioner and performing musician offering listening and sound meditation classes, and training programs in music therapy and sound as well as clinical supervision. Katie received her master's degree in Music Psychotherapy at New York University with additional trauma training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and with Laurel Parnell in EMDR. Incorporating Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction techniques, EMDR for trauma, and creative visualization, Katie provides a nurturing, grounded and open environment for opening the heart and letting go of blockages and negative patterns that hold us back from feeling connected to our higher selves and each other.  She has also worked internationally in the Balkans, South Africa, and Ecuador, offering workshops in improvisation and song writing and has trained to work with immigrants and refugees with Musicians Without Borders in the Netherlands. www.soundwellcenter.com

Katie was inspired to hear of the work of The Angel Band Project and has been honored to be asked to facilitate music therapy for them. Her interest and belief in the power of music and sound to tap into our consciousness and provide a healing and grounding force for letting go of trauma has brought her to work for The Angel Band Project. 

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Katie Down
Music Therapist

Noa Fort

Music Therapist

Recently regarded as “one of New York's more interesting and original artists” (New York MusicDaily), Noa Fort is an Israeli born, Brooklyn based music therapist and musician. In her work as a music therapist at the Brooklyn Conservatory ofMusic, she integrates improvisation, songwriting, song analyzing, active listening and body awareness. Fort works with a variety of populations in different settings. As a pianist/vocalist/songwriter/improviser, she is active in the Jazz and improvised music scenes in NYC and regularly performs in the US as well as internationally. 

Fort is excited to join The Angel Band Project as she believes in the power of music to support one’s journey to health, as well as its power to promote social change.  

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Noa Fort
Music Therapist

Nadine Cadesky

Music Therapist

Nadine Cadesky, PhD, MTA, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist with 26 years of clinical experience. She received her PhD in music therapy from Temple University and is a Fellow in the Bonny method of guided imagery and music. Nadine has extensive experience doing music therapy with a wide variety of clients, including those living with acute and chronic mental health issues, complex grief, a history of intimate partner and sexual violence and other forms of trauma, vicarious trauma and workplace stressors, substance use, and homelessness; persons dealing with gender and identity issues; persons with HIV/AIDs, ALS, Huntington’s disease, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses; and persons at end of life. She also facilitates support groups for staff working with survivors, incarcerated people, and ex-prisoners. She is honored to be a part of the Angel Band Project, and to walk the path of healing with survivors in crisis and the staff who support them.

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Nadine Cadesky
Music Therapist

Jasmine Edwards

Music Therapist

Jasmine Edwards (she/her) is a doctoral fellow within the Steinhardt Music Education program with a focus in music therapy at New York University. Jasmine holds a BM and MA in music therapy from Florida State University and NYU, respectively. Her clinical experiences include private practice, outpatient, school-based, and medical pediatric settings, and she is trained inNICU-MT, First Sounds: RBL, and Austin Vocal Psychotherapy. Jasmine has a vested interest in elevating dialogues about cultural humility within music therapy education and clinical practice. She has served as an adjunct faculty member in the music therapy departments at Howard University, New York University, Montclair State University, Nazareth College, and Duquesne University. Jasmine identifies as a Black woman.

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Jasmine Edwards
Music Therapist

Barbara Jurgensmeier

Music Therapist

Barbara received her Bachelors in Music Education from Baker University in Baldwin City, KS and her Masters in Music Education, Major in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. She has extensive experience working with a wide variety of populations, ranging from early childhood through older adults. Barbara's thesis work utilized songwriting and lyric analysis to foster empowerment and self-confidence among homeless LGBTQ+adolescents. She has also led music therapy sessions with domestic violence survivors, incarcerated adults, and runaway, homeless, and/or vulnerable community youth. Barbara looks forward to continuing to use the profound power of music to improve quality outcomes for her clients.

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Barbara Jurgensmeier
Music Therapist

Megan Walsh

Music Therapist

Born and raised outside of Chicago, Megan is a licensed creative arts therapist (NY state), licensed professional music therapist (RI) and board-certified music therapist who owns and runs her own virtual music psychotherapy practice, serving teens and adults navigating a spectrum of complex experiences, including anxiety and trauma. Megan graduated with her master’s in music psychotherapy from New York University and has received advanced training as an analytical music therapy practitioner. 


Megan is honored to join The Angel Band Project. Both personally and professionally, Megan has experienced the incredible power of creative self-expression and its ability to foster grounding, safety, and healing to those who need it most. 

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Megan Walsh
Music Therapist

Jenny Hoi Yan Fu

Music Therapist

Born and raised in Hong Kong, China, Jenny Hoi Yan Fu is a licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT) and board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) practicing in New York City. She received her Master of Arts in music therapy from New York University and her post-master’s certificates in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy and in Austin Vocal Psychotherapy. Jenny uses talk, music, and other creative mediums in her practice. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and adults to address their anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and other developmental challenges. Jenny is passionate about helping her clients recognize their resources and reach their potential through play and creativity. Her expertise in musical improvisation allows her to connect with her clients and accompany them on a journey of expression and exploration at their level of comfort. Combined with the practice of mindfulness, Jenny works with her clients in a supportive environment to promote a sense of connection between mind and body, and between self and others.

Jenny is excited to join The Angel Band Project and feels honored for the opportunity to partner up with survivors on their journey towards healing.

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Jenny Hoi Yan Fu
Music Therapist

Kaela Funke-Stahlhut

Music Therapist

Kaela Funke-Stahlhut, MT-BC, graduated from Drury University with a bachelor of arts in music therapy and Spanish in May 2020. Kaela has worked with a variety of populations including children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities, older adults (dementia and Alzheimer's), early childhood, medically fragile children, and mental health. Kaela finds the work of music therapy incredibly rewarding and is honored to be one of the music therapists supporting survivors through Angel Band.

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Kaela Funke-Stahlhut
Music Therapist

Allison Reynolds

Music Therapist
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Allison Reynolds
Music Therapist

Anna Drexelius

Music Therapist

Anna Drexelius, MMT, MT-BC graduated from MaryvilleUniversity with a Master of Music Therapy degree in 2013 and has specialized in mental health treatment since 2011. She also earned a Bachelor of MusicPerformance from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. Anna is passionate about using music to help others heal from trauma, overcome obstacles, and build the lives they want and deserve. She believes in bringing her authentic self into sessions and creating safe, inclusive environments in which therapy participants can express, explore, and transform how they think and feel. Anna also encourages the use of practical strategies to meet personal goals and enhance unique perspectives on health and wellness.

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Anna Drexelius
Music Therapist

Rose Ritter

Music Therapist

Rose Ritter, MMT, MT-BC received her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy from Maryville University of St. Louis, MO in 2017 and her Masters of Music Therapy degree from Alverno College in 2023. Board certified in Music Therapy since 2017, Rose has diverse experience working for early childhood centers, schools nonprofits, in-home and in a private practice clinic. Rose specializes in working with children and adults who have experienced trauma in many different forms, including but not limited to foster/adoptive family placements, intimate partner violence, as well as children and adults with neurodivergent diagnoses and intellectual and developmental disabilities. She approaches her work with a trauma-informed lens using the philosophy of critical humanism and a neurodiversity-affirming, person-centered framework. The work of The Angel Band Project is very near and dear to her heart as she volunteered with them during her time at Maryville University, worked with the organization on the admin side as well as facilitating workshops in the Greater St. Louis, MO area. She is so excited to be returning to work with The Angel Band through their pilot expansion to Florida!

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Rose Ritter
Music Therapist

How do I Apply for Music Therapy Workshops?

If you are a survivor of sexual or intimate partner violence and are 18 years of age or older, please click on the “Contact Us” button below.  Our music therapy coordinator will then contact you to complete the application process and advise you of upcoming workshops in your area.

Contact Us

Contact Us

We have many volunteer opportunities in our three key cities: 
St. Louis, Seattle and New York City.
If you are interested in volunteering, have questions or just want to learn more, please fill out the form below.

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