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

My inspiration: Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson and all of my students and clients!

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, post master’s certification in Vocal Psychotherapy

I play: Voice, guitar and piano

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

Personal Teaching Statement: We learn and grow through new experiences, breaking old patterns and improvising.

Biography: I have happily led the music therapy program at BKCM since 2011. As a music therapist, I have worked with neurodiverse children and adults, in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry and with adults in hospital settings. I teach in the music therapy program at New York University: Introduction to Music Therapy and Clinical Vocal Improvisation and work with adults in my clinical practice.

Music Therapy Outreach Program Coordinator

DANNYELE CRAWFORD, MS, MT-BC

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.

Lead Music Therapist

HANNAH HERSHMAN, MA, LCAT, MT-BC

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

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

WOLF (ERIC) FELDMAN, MM, MT-BC

Name: Wolf (Eric) Feldman

From: Edwards, Colorado

Education: Master’s in Music Therapy, Colorado State University

I play and teach: Guitar

My other artistic/musical endeavors: Wolf van Elfmand (both solo and full band)

Biography: Wolf completed his undergraduate degree in Guitar Performance from Berklee College of Music in 2008 and his Masters in Music focusing on Music Therapy from Colorado State University in 2013. For his graduate degree, he studied Neurologic Music Therapy techniques as well as the fundamentals of neuroanatomy and research design. While interning at the Center for Neuro-Rehabilitation in Fort Collins, Wolf worked with clients suffering from stroke, Parkinson’s, and traumatic brain injuries and co-treated with other professionals including Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapists.

Throughout the years, Wolf has served many populations such as Early Childhood Education, Children with Special Needs, Trauma, Veterans, Memory Care, Pediatric Oncology, Adult Oncology, and People Experiencing Homelessness. Beyond music therapy, Wolf is a performer and touring songwriter who has played his original material all across these United States.

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

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

Onsite Clinical Coordinator

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

LLOYD MILLER, MA, MT-BC

Name: Lloyd Miller

From: Odessa, Florida

My inspiration: All the clients, patients, and students I’ve worked with over the years

Education: MA, Music Therapy, New York University

I play and teach: Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Electric Bass, Voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: The Deedle Deedle Dees (an educational rock band that performs for family audiences), The Swayze Lift (early jazz + 80s covers), Lloyd H. Miller & His All-Star Band (jazz, pop, R&B, country), Chris Johnson and the Coney Island Players (early jazz, surf, 50s, 60s, blues and early rock-n-roll) + too many more to list.

Personal Teaching Statement: I believe that everyone can make music. My job as a therapist and musician is to find the music inherent in all people.

Biography: Lloyd H. Miller (MT-BC) came to music therapy after many years as a performing musician, teaching artist, and writer. He’s the founder and frontman of the Deedle Deedle Dees, a long-running band that performs original songs inspired by history, science, and folklore. He is also a regularly-gigging musician performing early jazz, R&B, klezmer, bluegrass, pop songs, and other genres as a bassist, guitarist, and singer.

In NYC, Lloyd is known by families for his weekly community sing-a-longs at a variety of venues. Online, he’s known as the creator of an extensive catalog of videos featuring interactive educational music. He has music-directed many theatrical productions and has co-written many original musicals with children of all ages. He graduated from NYU’s graduate program in music therapy and also holds an MFA in film from Columbia. He has lived in Brooklyn for many years and is thrilled to be part of the Conservatory community.

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

JAKE ROSENBERG

Music Therapy

STEPHANIE SCHECTER

Name: Stephanie Schecter

From: Rome, Georgia

I started teaching music in… 2016

I started teaching at the Conservatory in… 2019

My inspiration: My dad was my first musical inspiration, along with The Beatles and Nirvana. Then it grew and grew and grew.

Education: College of Charleston – BA, Music Theory/Composition; New York University – MA, Music Therapy

I play and teach: Piano, guitar, ukulele, voice

My other artistic/musical endeavors: I am also a singer/songwriter and front my indie rock/alt pop band, Ellajay.

Personal Teaching Statement: I believe in the humanistic approach to music therapy and work through the lens of trauma-informed care. I strive to help empower my students, reflecting their strengths, building their self-esteem, creating a sense of community and teaching skills to regulate emotions, all while providing opportunities for meaningful and creative self-expression.

Biography: Stephanie Schecter, MA, LCAT-LP, has been a board-certified music therapist since 2016. She has specialized primarily with children with emotional and behavioral difficulties in elementary schools, as well as with adults and adolescents in psychiatric hospitals. Stephanie has been working at an elementary school through BKCM’s music therapy outreach program since 2019, where she supports the social, emotional, psychological, and developmental needs of historically underserved children. She leads small music therapy groups through a variety of ways, including but not limited to musical improvisations in different styles and genres, songwriting, drumming, hip-hop and beat-making, music listening/discussion, sing-a-longs, dancing or drawing to music, and music relaxation techniques. Stephanie is primarily a singer and guitarist, and regularly uses piano, ukulele, and percussion skills, as well as music technology, in her sessions.

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

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 CLINICAL INTERN

HEATHER SWEENEY

Name: Heather Sweeney

From: Montclair, New Jersey

My inspiration: Coldplay, Sufjan Stevens, Big Thief, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, and so many more!

Education: Studied music therapy with a minor in psychology at Berklee College of Music

I play and teach: Piano, Guitar, Percussion, Voice

Biography: Music therapy has been in my life long before I even knew what it was. Music has undeniably served as a vessel for human connection and emotion, whether it was for myself or others. When I went to college, I finally learned about the profession that encompassed all of what music had given me growing up, showing me the tools I needed to pursue music therapy for real. I feel grateful to be a part of the community that BKCM has created so I can continue using music to make a difference in the lives of others.

Since moving to New York City, I have spent my free time going birding in Central Park, which is a hobby that makes me feel grounded and connected to nature! In addition, I love songwriting and the process of searching for the right words to express the myriad of feelings that people experience throughout their lives. I also consider people-watching one of my favorite activities because NYC is full of unique and creative individuals who express themselves in endlessly fascinating ways. If you see me around, please don’t hesitate to say hello!

Music Therapy Intern

OLIVIA TETUAN B.A.

Name: Olivia Tetuan

From: New York

My inspiration: Sara Bareilles, Chris Stapleton

Education: Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA

I play and teach: Piano, Guitar, Voice

Personal Teaching Statement: I believe in meeting each child where they are at, focusing mainly on a strengths-based perspective and understanding that each child is different. My goal as a therapist is to make sure every child feels seen and heard and to give them the tools to live a life that is complete to their own.

Biography:  I completed my Music Therapy internship at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music where I worked with at risk youth and children with special needs from the ages of 5-18 in schools in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

​I have also worked with psychiatric patients; children suffering from emotional and behavioral trauma; Alzheimer’s, dementia and cancer patients. ​

I have been singing and playing piano since I was 5 years old, and have loved music ever since. I later learned to play the guitar in college. I have always loved working with children throughout my young adult life and have a special place in my heart for children with special needs.

MUSIC THERAPY

FAKOYA JACK-VILMAR

Name: Fakoya Jack-Vilmar

From: Brooklyn, New York

My inspiration: Maya Angelou, Will Smith and my parents. My dad for his quick wit and tranquil vibes, and my mom for her grace, focus and self-determination 🙂

Few people know that I… have been to eleven countries outside of the U.S. #travelisthebesteducation

Education: BM in Music Therapy, Baldwin Wallace University; MS in Music Therapy, Molloy College

I play and teach: Piano, saxophone, bassoon, guitar, voice

Personal Teaching Statement: Everyone has the ability to be reached through music.

Biography: Music has always played a significant role in my life. The songs, sounds, leaps and bounds program at the Brooklyn Conservatory instilled my musical foundation from age one and led me to subconsciously develop my passion for music. From learning piano, to wind instruments at a neighborhood music studio ran by a woman that looked like me, I learned the importance of role models and giving back to the community and was inspired to work towards making the arts accessible to everyone. These two experiences in addition to my interest in science led me to completing my Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy at Baldwin Wallace University, becoming a Board Certified Music Therapist, and pursuing my Master’s of Science in Music Therapy at Molloy College. Being a part of the Conservatory staff, has always been a dream of mine, because of its impact on my music therapy journey (from taking bassoon lessons from the phenomenal Sara Schoenbeck, to observing a music therapist while in undergrad) and am so excited to be a part of this team!

I’ve been a board certified music therapist for three years and have worked with children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, developmental, emotional, social or intellectual needs, and older adults with various disabilities in a hospice setting.

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.

MUSIC THERAPY CLINICAL INTERN

DESTINY WILLIAMS

Name: Destiny Williams

From: Chesapeake, Virginia

My inspiration: Mali Music, India Arie

Few people know that I… used to play D1 Softball

Education: Howard University, BM in Music Therapy

I play and teach: Piano, Guitar, Percussion, Voice

Biography: Music has always played a big role in my purpose in life, but I was unsure of how the path would unfold for me. My family is full of musicians and singers, so I was always surrounded by the gift of music. When I first entered the music program at Howard, I was a Music Business major studying jazz voice, and although the experience was beneficial to my musical growth, it wasn’t fulfilling towards my purpose. I felt there was more to uncover and that is when i decided to switch to Music Therapy. I have always loved to help people in any capacity I could, and I loved music. By putting two things that are very close to my heart together, I knew that I had chosen the right path. As I continue to pursue my studies in this amazing field, I am grateful to be interning at BKCM! I love that I am able to participate in outreach programs for the underserved communities in New York as well as enhance my knowledge and experience working with differently abled children!