Board Certified Music Therapist

Founder and CEO of Florida Music Therapy

National Roster Internship Director

National Roster Internship Supervisor

Contact: courtney@floridamusictherapy.com // 321.209.1009⁩

Hometown: Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Specializations: Clients with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders, Trauma, Sexual Trauma, Intimate Partner Violence, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression.

What do you love about music therapy? “I love how music engages EVERYONE. People of all ages, abilities, and experiences can benefit from music therapy strategies. What a powerful medium for wellness!”

Favorite pastime/self-care: “I love road trips with my husband, daughters, and two cats!

Fun fact: Courtney was once on the Price is Right with Bob Barker. Not on the stage. In the audience. Screaming all the right answers.

Education and Accomplishments:

2008 - Courtney Arndt graduated from Maryville University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy.

2008 - Courtney received the Excellence in Music Therapy Award from Maryville University.

2011 - Courtney presented at the Early Childhood Intervention Conference in St. Louis.

2014, twice in 2015, and twice again in 2017 - Courtney presented at the National American Music Therapy Conference.

2014 - Courtney wrote and piloted a trauma-informed program for the national nonprofit, The Angel Band Project.

2015 - Courtney presented at the Midwest Regional Music Therapy Conference.

2016 - Courtney created and implemented The Songs of Survival CD Project, funded by Broadway Cares, a songwriting project for survivors of sexual and/or intimate partner violence.

2018 - Courtney authored The Angel Band Project Program Manual.

2018 - Courtney received the Excellence in Music Therapy Award from The Angel Band Project.

2018 - Courtney attended and was featured at The United Nation’s Activism to End Violence Against Women in New York, where the ABP Virtual Choir Project was highlighted.

2019 - Courtney presented a national trauma-informed care training weekend at Maryville University in St. Louis.

2021 - Courtney was accepted as a AMTA National Roster Site Internship Director

2022 - Guest speaker at the Florida Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics’ Wellness Series for pediatricians, nurses, and other medical staff.

Courtney has provided music therapy services to over 100 hospitalized patients, over 250 children and adults with developmental disabilities, and over 300 children and adults with sexual and/or intimate partner trauma.

Board Certified Music Therapist

Florida Music Therapy Branch Manager, Brevard County

National Roster Internship Supervisor

Florida Music Therapy Internship Coordinator

Contact: rose@floridamusictherpy.com // 321.209.1010

Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri

Specializations: Trauma-Informed Care, Neurodiversity-Affirming Care, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders, Intimate Partner Violence, PTSD, Mental Wellness, Foster/Adoption, Early Childhood Development

What do you love about music therapy? "I love that music therapy combines the emotional connection that humans have to music with the psychological and physical effects of music on the brain and body to help people live their best lives!"

Favorite pastimes/self-care: "I love reading, playing with my daughter, and going to the beach!"

Education/Accomplishments:

2016- Rose graduated from Maryville University-Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy

2016- Rose received Board Certification in Music Therapy

2018- Rose presented at 3 different Early Childhood Centers in St. Louis, MO

2019- Rose became a supervisor for music therapy practicum students through Maryville University

2019- Rose was a teaching assistant at Maryville University

2019- Rose presented for the St. Louis Music Therapy Association

2021- Accepted as an AMTA National Roster Internship Supervisor

2021- Received an Ability Award for Contextualization from Alverno College

2021- Presented virtually to music therapy students at Alverno College

2022- Facilitated breakout group discussions during a Trauma-Informed Care Weekend Workshop at Alverno College

2022- Presented virtually to MT Mentor Peer Supervision Group

2023- Received her master of music therapy degree from Alverno College

2024- Promoted to Branch Manager of the Brevard County Location

-Rose has provided music therapy services to over 220 children in early childhood centers, over 150 children and adults with developmental disabilities, and over 130 children and adults with histories of trauma.

Board Certified Music Therapist

Florida Music Therapy Branch Manager, Lee County

National Roster Internship Supervisor

Contact: jackie@floridamusictherapy.com // 941.202.4113

Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida

Specializations: Neurodiversity-Affirming Care, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Down Syndrome, Early Childhood, Virtual Sessions

What do you love about music therapy? “I love that music therapy is so versatile. There are so many different styles of music that can be utilized and so many different types of goals that can be achieved, and it makes music therapy very inclusive!”

Favorite pastimes/self-care: “I love going to the beach, playing board games, and baking!”

Education/Accomplishments:

-2017 Jackie began music therapy classes at Florida Gulf Coast University

-2019-2020 Jackie was vice president of the FGCU Music Therapy Association

-2021 Jackie began her music therapy internship at The Music Intervention Center

-2021 Received her Board Certification in Music Therapy

-2023 Jackie was accepted as a AMTA National Roster Internship Supervisor

-2024 Jackie was promoted to Branch Manager of the Lee County Location

Board Certified Music Therapist

Neurologic Music Therapist

National Roster Internship Supervisor

Contact: rob@floridamusictherapy.com // 321.209.1016

Hometown: Irondequoit, New York

Specializations: Neurologic Music Therapy, Older Adults, Traumatic Brain Injury

What do you love about music therapy? I love how music therapy stimulates the body and mind. It can invigorate the senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing, balance and movement) which helps ground oneself in the experience of the present moment. When we are present to our environment, that is when we express our true, authentic selves!

Favorite pastime/self care: I love exercising, playing all kinds of sports, and traveling with my wife and goldendoodle!

Education/Accomplishments:

2015- Rob graduated with his Bachelors in Science of Contemporary Music Studies, Music Therapy track.

2016- Rob attended the Institute of Music and Neurologic Function conference and Music Has Power Award ceremony in New York City.

2017- Rob started his music therapy internship at the Northeast Center for Brain Injury and Rehabilitation.

2018- Rob received his Board Certification in Music Therapy.

2020- Rob graduated with his Masters of Science in Music Therapy from the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Board Certified Music Therapist

Contact: isy@floridamusictherapy.com // 321.345.3704

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Specializations: participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities, medical trauma, complex/chronic illness, Deaf/HH communities.

What do you love about music therapy? I love how adaptable and accessible it can be to every person and their individual goals. Music has the power to inspire and create change. Music is for everyone, and its clinical use can be powerful in the integration of our lives.

Favorite Pastimes/self-care: I love painting, reading, and making tea!

Education/Accomplishments:

2022- Graduated as a Multicultural Scholar and Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) Scholar from Maryville University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy, minor in Deaf Studies

2022- Recipient of the Maryville Multicultural Recognition Award

2022- Began internship at Florida Music Therapy

2023- Board Certified by CBMT

2023- Started full time position at Florida Music Therapy

Board Certified Music Therapist

Contact: mackenzi@floridamusictherapy.com // 321.209.1026

Hometown: Pontiac, Illinois

Specializations: Autism, Language Development, Sensory/Emotional Regulation

What do you love about music therapy? I love that so many populations can benefit from music therapy. Music plays an important role in people’s lives, and it is an engaging and motivating medium that is used in music therapy to promote wellbeing.

Favorite Pastimes/self-care: I like reading, playing with my dog, and spending time with my family.

Education/Accomplishments:

2023 - Mackenzi graduated with her bachelor of science in music therapy from Belmont University

2024 - Mackenzi completed her 1040 hour music therapy internship at Florida Music Therapy

2024- Received Board Certification in Music Therapy

Board Certified Music Therapist

Contact: maddie@floridamusictherapy.com // 321.209.1038

Hometown: Terre Haute, Indiana

Specializations: Autism, Anxiety, Mental Wellness, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood Development

What do you love about music therapy? I love that music therapy applies to everyone and caters to an individual's needs. Music affects each person differently, and music therapy uses this individuality to help one reach their fullest potential.

Favorite Pastimes/self-care: I love to crochet, play video games, and learn new coffee recipes!

Education/Accomplishments:

2019: Maddie started her degree in music therapy at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC)

2022-2023: Maddie served as President of the Music Therapy Student Association at SMWC

2023: Maddie graduated with her bachelor of science in music therapy from SMWC

2024: Maddie completed her 1040 hour music therapy internship at Florida Music Therapy

2024: Received Board Certification in Music Therapy

Board Certified Music Therapist

Contact: katie@floridamusictherapy.com // 321.209.1058

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

What do you love about music therapy? I love how powerful music is. Music therapy is an accessible outlet for expression, creativity, and positivity. Music therapy is also a fun way to reach individual goals.

Favorite Pastimes/self-care: I love playing with animals, Nintendo games, and Disney!

Education/Accomplishments:

2021 - Katie started her degree in Music Therapy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)

2023 - Katie helped to create the Music Therapy Club at UTC and served as the inaugural secretary

2024 - Katie began her internship at Florida Music Therapy

2024 - Katie passed the CBMT board exam

Board Certified Music Therapist

Contact: sophie@floridamusictherapy.com // 321.209.1093

Hometown: Paso Robles, California

Specializations: Anxiety, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Autism, Home Health Rehabilitation, Hospice

What do you love about music therapy? I love music therapy because music is a universally beloved tool that can be used to address many different goals in many different populations.

Favorite Pastimes/self-care: Even though most of my day involves music, I still love to sing and play piano and guitar in my free time. I also love to spend time with my friends, my husband, and our cat. 

Education/Accomplishments:

2014: Sophie graduated with her Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in voice at Pepperdine University

2019: Sophie started her master's equivalency degree in music therapy at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) 

2022: Sophie completed her internship at RISE School of Houston 

2023: Received Board Certification in Music Therapy

2023: Defended Master’s thesis, Music Healing the Mind: Understanding my Personal Music Therapy

Music Therapist

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN

Contact: briley@floridamusictherapy.com

// 321.209.1091

What do you love about music therapy? I love music therapy because it facilitates a strong connection with participants. Music plays such a big role in peoples’ lives, and it’s something that is personal to everyone. When people relate and explore themselves through music, amazing things happen!

Favorite Pastimes/Self-care: I love spending time with my family, traveling, spending time in the outdoors and finding new music!

Education/Accomplishments:

2022- Briley started her degree in Music Therapy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)

2022-23- Briley marched for two years through Drum Corps International with The Sacramento Mandarins.

2024- Briley started her internship with Florida Music Therapy

Board Certified Music Therapist

Contact: ashley@floridamusictherapy.com // 407.205.2479

Hometown: Satellite Beach, FL

What do you love about music therapy? "Music Therapy removes barriers and empowers a client and therapist to connect and work together towards the client’s goals."

Favorite pastimes/self-care: service, reading, movies, singing, travel, skiing, food exploration, and Disney-bounding

Education/Accomplishments:

2004: Ashley completed a summer intensive course at Shands Hospital for Arts in Healthcare

2005: Ashley graduated from University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education

2005-2021: Ashley taught Chorus, Orchestra, AP Music Theory, and Elementary General Music in a variety of schools in Brevard County

2016-2026: Ashley earned certifications for Music Education (K-12) and Effective Teaching Practices for Students with Disabilities

2022: Ashley started her degree in music therapy at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC)

2024: Ashley began her internship at Florida Music Therapy

Music Therapist

Contact: najette@floridamusictherapy.com // 941.202.4115

Hometown: Elmhurst, Illinois

What do you love about music therapy? I love being able to use music constructively and help others. I want everyone to feel comfortable and cared for within my sessions. Music Therapy allows me to give back and pursue my love for music.

Favorite Pastimes/self-care: I have many different pastimes and hobbies that I enjoy on a day to day basis. A few of my favorite hobbies are crocheting, building mini dollhouses, legos, and puzzling.

Education/Accomplishments:

-2019 Najette started her degree in Music Therapy at Western Michigan University.

-2024 Najette started her internship at Florida Music Therapy.

Music Therapist

Hometown: Fort Myers, FL

Contact: hannah@floridamusictherapy.com

// 941.202.4118

What do you love about Music Therapy? I love the possibilities that come with helping clients work towards personalized goals and objectives. I also love expanding my knowledge of the science behind how music affects the brain. Music therapy gives me the opportunity to help people AND play music all day which are two of my favorite things!

Favorite Pastimes/Self-care: If I’m not jamming out to music in my car or spending quality time with my husband and beautiful baby girl, you might find me relaxing at the beach or curled up in the corner of the room with a good book.

Education/Accomplishments:

2021- Hannah received her Associate in Arts (AA) degree from Florida Southwestern State College

2021- Hannah began her studies for her Bachelor’s in Music Therapy degree at Florida Gulf Coast University.

2024- Hannah began her internship at Florida Music Therapy!

Music Therapy Intern

Hometown: East Orange, New Jersey

Contact: kimberly@floridamusictherapy.com // 941-202-4066

What do you love about Music Therapy? I love how music is comprehensive and versatile for everyone. Creating and sharing experiences while encouraging creativity in a safe space is truly amazing. The adaptability of music helps with a variety of goals which is influential and powerful.     

Favorite Pastimes/Self-care: I love reading, playing puzzles, songwriting, traveling, and knitting.

Education/Accomplishments:

2020- Kimberly received her Associate in Arts (AA) degree from Essex County College

2020- Kimberly began her studies for her Bachelor’s in Music Therapy degree at Montclair State University

2024- Kimberly began her internship at Florida Music Therapy

Front Office Manager

Insurance Authorization Specialist

Contact: info@floridamusictherapy.com / / 321.209.1008

Hometown: San Diego California