Music Therapy Faculty

Music Therapy Director

TOBY WILLIAMS, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Toby Williams

I’m from… Santa Cruz, California

I became a music therapist in… 2003

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2011

The populations I’ve worked with include… children with autism spectrum disorders,  inpatient psych, adult cancer patients, and adults recovering from open heart surgery.

The primary population I work with is…  Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

My other clinical specialties:  I have a post graduate certificate in Vocal Psychotherapy. Supervision.

My inspiration:  My Dad for his kindness and vision; My Mom for her creativity and willingness to be wacky; Stevie Wonder, Freddy Mercury, Ella Fitzgerald and Gwen Stefani.

Few people know that I… can juggle, do a triple time step, and can recite most any line from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (The first one)

Education: University of California at Irvine – BA in Psychology, Minor in Music
New York University – MA in Music Therapy

I play:  Voice, guitar, piano, and percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Sometimes I sing some of the jazz with jazz type people

Music Therapy On-Site Coordinator

CHRISTINA STERRETT CALIZ, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Christina Sterrett

I’m from: Kobe, Japan

I became a music therapist in… 2010

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2011

The populations I’ve worked with include… Adults and children with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down’s syndrome, William’s syndrome, speech delays, global delays

The primary population I work with is… Children with developmental disabilities

My inspiration:  Sergei Rachmaninov

Few people know that I… speak Japanese

Education: Geneva College – BA, music and voice
New York University – MA, Music Therapy

I play:  Piano, guitar, and voice

Music Therapy Administrative Coordinator

MELISSA HARRIS, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Melissa Harris

I’m from… Lancaster county, PA

I became a music therapist in… 2013

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2011

The populations I’ve worked with include… children, young adults, and seniors with a wide range of developmental, social and emotional needs

The primary population I work with is…  children with developmental needs

My other clinical specialties:  I am experienced in helping people discover their own abilities and grow those abilities.

My inspiration: My clients inspire me with their joy and determination. My own children inspire me with their boundless creative energy. My colleagues and friends inspire me with their passion and commitment to growth and nurturance. Jack White inspires my own creative music making.

Few people know that I… love backcountry hiking.

Education:  Penn State University – B.S. in Music Education
New York University – M.A. in Music Therapy
Teachers College, Columbia University – M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching

I play:  Flute, guitar, and piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I write my own music and play with friends. I also play chamber music occasionally.

Music Therapy

MARIANA ASLAN, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name:  Mariana Aslan

I’m from… Argentina

I became a music therapist in… 2013

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2014

The populations I’ve worked with include… From newborns to elderly people – working with special needs (autism spectrum disorders, neuro-developmental issues), at-risk children, post-stroke, psych, dementia, palliative care, NICU

The primary population I work with is…  Autism spectrum and other neuro-developmental issues

My inspiration: Nordoff-Robbins, Colwyn Trevarthen, my children, and innumerable musicians

Few people know that I… practiced martial arts for many years (Tai Chi Chuan and Shao Lin Chuan)

Education: Juan José Castro Conservatory (Argentina) – Choral Conductor
CUNY – MM in Vocal Performance
New York University – MA in Music Therapy

I play: Voice, piano, guitar. I like variety 🙂

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I sing periodically in classical music concerts with Theresa Rosas (pianist). I’ve also performed with the Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra a couple of times, and I’ve done some concerts of tango and Argentine folk music

Music Therapy

SUSAN BERKOWITZ, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Susan Berkowitz

I’m from: Brooklyn, of course! (But I was born in Massachusetts)

I became a music therapist in… 2007

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2009

The populations I’ve worked with include… Children through seniors: autism spectrum, learning disabled and other developmental delays, neurologically damaged through stroke, traumatic brain injury, or accident; geriatric and end-of-life

The primary population I work with is…  currently split fairly evenly between children and adults with developmental delays

My other clinical specialties:  I play flute, so I try to incorporate breathing for well-being wherever I can

My inspiration: My clients

Few people know that I… was a vice president in the systems area of a major brokerage firm in a former career. I use many of the problem-solving and team building skills I learned in that career in music therapy.

Education: Northwestern University – BA History
New York University – MA Music Therapy

I play:  Flute, piccolo, piano, and guitar

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Flutist with The Riverside Orchestra

Music Therapy

CHRISTOPHER DENNISON, MA, MT-BC

Name: Christopher Dennison

I’m from: Kingston, NY

I became a music therapist in… This is my first year out of graduate school.

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… This is my first year at the conservatory, and I’m excited to be here!

The populations I’ve worked with include… Neurotypical children, children and adults with developmental delays, and adults with psychiatric diagnoses.

The primary population I work with is…  I am lucky to get to work with all of the above populations in different settings each week. With the Conservatory I work with neurotypical middle schoolers and developmentally delays adults.

My other clinical specialties: I am passionate about community music therapy and working with recording and performing.

I taught undergraduate music theory and music history at Rutgers for five semesters.

My inspiration:  My earliest inspiration to play the piano was Thelonious Monk. Later, the Beatles inspired me to play other instruments and experiment with recording.

I’m most directly inspired by everyone I make music with – clients, friends, family.

Few people know that I…  lived in Tanzania for a year!

Education: Fordham University, B.A. in English
NYU, M.A. in Music Therapy; Rutgers University, M.A. in Jazz History and Research

I play: Drums, piano, guitar, bass

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I enjoy working in theatre, composing and improvising with playwrights and actors. I don’t have any shows coming up right now, but I’m hoping some shows I’ve done before will be produced again sometime!

I’m always making music with friends, but no consistent bands for the time being.

Music Therapy

NOA FORT, MA, MT-BC, LCAT-LP

Name: Noa Fort

I’m from: Israel

I became a music therapist in… 2016

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2017

The populations I’ve worked with include… Inpatient psychiatry – adults and children, Outpatient psychiatry – adults, Youth at risk, toddlers with developmental disabilities

The primary population I work with is…   At-risk youth

My other clinical specialties: Development of music therapy programs

My inspiration:  Nina Simone, Meredith Monk, Georgia O’keeffe, Agnes Martin

Few people know that I…  participated in the Israeli Sesame Street as a child singer 🙂

Education: Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance – Bachelor of Music Peformance (jazz piano)
NYU – Master of Arts, Music Therapy

I play:  Piano, voice, and guitar

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  My own band, called Noa Fort and Band, as well as Red Exit and other projects, mainly improvised music

Music Therapy

EVAN GARFIELD MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Evan Garfield

I’m from… Coral Springs, Florida.

I became a music therapist in… 2012

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2019

The populations I’ve worked with include… Preschool-aged children and adolescents with special needs, low-income families and those experiencing homelessness, and adults with mental illness.

The primary population I work with is…  Preschool-aged children with special needs.

My other clinical specialties:  Using music to help young children explore, understand, and express their feelings.

My inspiration: My parents, Paul Simon, Sam Cooke, Fela Kuti.

Few people know that I…  am verrry into coffee and espresso, and have a professional espresso machine at home!

Education: University of Florida, BA with a major in Sociology and minor in African Studies
New York University, Masters in Music Therapy

I play:  Drum Set, Congas, Guitar, Voice.

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I play drum set with a band called Yotoco.

Music Therapy

TAL GUR, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Tal Gur

I’m from… Brooklyn, but I was born in Israel

I became a music therapist in… 2009

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2011

The populations I’ve worked with include…  Autistic spectrum disorder, head trauma (army veterans), multiple disabilities, stroke rehab, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Parkinsons, mental health

The primary population I work with is… Autistic spectrum disorder

My other clinical specialties:  Nordoff-Robbins music therapy

My inspiration:  Thelonious Monk, Kendrick Lamar

Few people know that I… can eat lemon straight through

Education:  Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance – B.Mus performance art, saxophone Jazz major, Bar-Ilan University – Masters of Arts in Music Therapy,

Instrument(s) you play:  Saxophone, vocal, guitar, bass guitar, drums

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I’m the head of “Mind Crossing,” a multidisciplinary international project (video, dance, music, documentary) that tells the story of my grandparents survival of the holocaust, dealing with loss and choosing life. The project serves as a platform to process multi-generation transference of the trauma with various artistic mediums.

Music Therapy

HANNAH HERSHMAN, MT-BC, MA

Name: Hannah Hershman

I’m from… Chicago, IL

I became a music therapist in… 2013

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2013

The populations I’ve worked with include…  Individuals with special needs, oncology

The primary population I work with is… Individuals with special needs

My inspiration:  Stevie Wonder, Carole King, and my dad 🙂

Few people know that I… want to open my own animal shelter!

Education:  Berklee College of Music – BA, Music Therapy
New York University – MA, Music Therapy

I play:  Voice, piano, and guitar

Music Therapy

DAVID HERMAN, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name:  David Herman

I’m from… Queens, NY

I became a music therapist in… 1992

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2009

The populations I’ve worked with include… All

The primary population I work with is…  Children

My other clinical specialties: I teach adapted guitar to special needs individuals

My inspiration: Buddha, The Doors, The Beatles, Bob Dylan

Few people know that I… practice Buddhism

Education: Syracuse University – BA
New York University – MA

I play:  guitar, piano, harmonica, and percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I’m a performing songwriter. I have played in many clubs in the New York Area. Currently I’m playing at Rockwood Music Hall and at American Bar

Music Therapy

JASPER LEWIS

Music Therapy

MARIE LEWIS, MA, MT-BC

Name: Marie Lewis

I’m from: Queens, New York

I became a music therapist in… 2017

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2013. I’ve been affiliated with the conservatory’s music therapy program since 2013, first as a volunteer, then as an intern, and now as a music therapist.

The populations I’ve worked with include… I’ve worked with clients aged 3-21.

The primary population I work with is… Children and adolescents with developmental delays

My inspiration: Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell and Sarah Vaughn

Few people know that I…  have a twin brother.

Education:  University of Massachusetts, Amherst – BA, English
New York University – MA, Music Therapy

I you play:  Guitar, piano, and my voice

Music Therapy

TODD O’CONNOR, MA, MT-BC, LCAT

Name: Todd O’Connor

I’m from… Brooklyn

I became a music therapist in… 2005

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2010

The populations I’ve worked with include…  adult psychiatric, palliative care, pediatric medical, children on autism spectrum and adults with developmental disabilities

What is the primary population you work with?  children on autism spectrum

My other clinical specialties: medical music therapy

My inspiration: Today it’s David Brooks, Barry Greenstein, George Lakoff, Miles Davis, Brian Eno, Can, Delta Spirit

Few people know that I… am a closet farmer

Education: New York University – MA, Music Therapy

I play:  guitar, drums, and trumpet

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  Creative Arts Therapy Supervisor at Kravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai

Music Therapy

ANTHONY RISCICA MA, MT-BC, LCAT-LP

Name: Anthony J. Riscica Jr.

I’m from… Long Island City, NY

I became a music therapist in… 2018

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2018

The populations I’ve worked with include…  Children on the Autism Spectrum, At-Risk Youth, Adults and Children with Developmental Disabilities, Adult/Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry, Adolescents with Trauma, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

The primary population I work with is…  At-Risk Youth, Children with Developmental Disabilities

My other clinical specialties:  Adaptive Music Lessons

My inspiration: John Bonham, Tony Williams, Stevie Wonder, Albert Einstein, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Leonardo DaVinci

Few people know that I…  Have played trombone since I was 8 years old.

Education:  SUNY – Purchase College (Bachelors Degree in Jazz Performance – Drum Set)
New York University

I play: Drums, guitar, piano, voice, bass, guitar, vocals (singing and rapping), recording software

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I play drums for the Blue Man Group. I teach private music lessons. I record, engineer, and produce in studios.

Music Therapy

STEPHANIE SCHECTER

Music Therapy

NICOLETTE (NIKKI) SCHOEN BA, MT-BC

Name: Nicolette Schoen

I’m from: Tarrytown, NY

I became a music therapist in… 2013

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2013

The populations I’ve worked with include…  Geriatrics, psychiatric, early childhood, autism-spectrum disorders, developmental disorders

The primary population I work with is…   Early childhood/pre-school

My other clinical specialties: incorporating songwriting into music therapy

My inspiration: Joni Mitchell & Oliver Sacks

Few people know that I… am a hardcore Yankee fan

Education:  Berklee College of Music – BM in Music Therapy

I play:  Voice, guitar, piano, and percussion

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  My father is a musician (keyboard/organ) and songwriter so we have always shared a special musical bond. Whenever I am home in Tarrytown we will write music and perform together.

Music Therapy

JENNA SMITH, MA, MT-BC, LCAT-LP

Name: Jenna Smith

I’m from: Raleigh, North Carolina

I became a music therapist in… 2011

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2012

The populations I’ve worked with include… Children & adolescents with emotional & behavioral difficulties, people of all ages diagnosed with Autism and developmental disabilities, adults with mental illness, older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia

The primary population I work with is…  At-risk children with emotional & behavioral difficulties

My other clinical specialties:  Songwriting, free play, elements of music psychotherapy

Who’s your inspiration, musical or otherwise?  Linda Ronstadt, Meryl Streep, Stevie Nicks, Maya Angelou

Few people know that I… said I wanted to be “on broadway” when I grew up!

Education: Bachelor’s in Music Therapy, Appalachian State University (Boone, North Carolina) – voice concentration
Master’s in Music Therapy, University of Jyväskyla (Jyväskyla, Finland)

I play:  Guitar, voice, piano

My other artistic/musical endeavors:  I’m a singer/songwriter & front dreamy pop band called Jenna & the Janes

Music Therapy

RAFAEL STEPTO, MA, MT-BC, LCAT-LP

Name: Rafael Stepto

I’m from… Brooklyn, NY

I became a music therapist in… 2015

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… 2015

The populations I’ve worked with include…  Children, the medically fragile, people living with dementia

The primary population I work with is…  Children

My other clinical specialties:  Medical, Dementia

My inspiration: Anyone who is immersed in what they are doing.

Few people know that I…  love to build and look at furniture.

Education:  The New School
New York University – Masters in Music Therapy

I play:  Guitar, piano, and voice

Music Therapy Intern

OLIVIA TETUAN B.A.

Music Therapy Clinical Intern

CAROLINE VIOLANTE M.A, MT-BC

Name: Caroline Violante

I’m from… Clover, SC

I became a music therapist in… I am currently completing my clinical internship at the Brooklyn Conservatory in order to fulfill my Master’s requirement, so sometime in the next year I will be able to take my board-certification to become a licensed music therapist.

I started practicing music therapy at the Conservatory in… This is my first year.

The populations I’ve worked with include… Children with autism spectrum disorders and geriatric patients

The primary population I work with is…  Children with developmental or physical disabilities

My other clinical specialties:  Medical, Dementia

My inspiration: Toby Williams, my supervisor and the music therapy program director at BKCM (and I’m definitely not just saying this to get an A in class). Otherwise, my family continues to be an amazing support system, constantly filling me with compassion and teaching me patience

Few people know that I…  have two different sized feet. And I am a professional harpist. 

Education:  Furman University: BM in Harp Performance
New York University: MA Music Therapy

I play:  The piano, guitar, kazoo, and harp.