Music Therapy Faculty

Music Therapy Division: Music Therapy

Degrees and Studies: BA, Wesleyan University; MA, Music Therapy, NYU

Music Conservatory of Westchester: Faculty since 2000

Provides individual and group music therapy onsite and outreach.

Born in: Harlem, NY

Distinctions: Over 23 years of experience as a music therapist working with special needs individuals. Studied with various noted African and Latin percussionists before settling at the world-renowned Harbor School of the Performing Arts in East Harlem, New York. During her tenure there, she studied at the National School of Modern Dance and Folklore in Havana. She performed with several Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, and African folkloric groups, including Women of the Calabash, Retumba Con Pie, Obini Aché, and Riské. She founded the internationally known women’s percussion and vocal ensemble ASÉ which was the first group to record women playing bata drums. She has also recorded with Paul Simon (producer) on Edie Brickell’s “Picture Perfect Morning.” She is versed in pop, rock, gospel, and percussive styles and finds accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists some of the most rewarding creative endeavors.

Teaching Philosophy: “I believe it is a privilege and an honor to work with special needs individuals. This work has provided some of the richest learning experiences in my professional life.”

Music Therapy Institute Director of Onsite Services 

Provides individual and group music therapy onsite and outreach.

Music Therapy Division: Music Therapy

Degrees and Studies: BA, Music Binghamton University, MMT, Music Therapy, Temple University

Music Conservatory of Westchester: Faculty since 2001

Provides individual and group music therapy onsite and outreach.

Born in: Manhattan, NY

Distinctions: Angeline works extensively as a pianist and Music Director for several community theaters in New York and Connecticut

Teaching Philosophy: “I believe that music is truly universal – it is a wonderful medium through which change and growth can happen. I encourage all of my clients to freely express themselves musically; I act as a musical guide as I address physical/cognitive/emotional goals. It is truly an amazing process to witness.”

Provides individual and group music therapy onsite and outreach.

Born in: New York, NY

Distinctions: Original recordings: “Radio Imagination!” &” Brand New Lullabyes and Love Songs, Vol. I”; Publication:

Philosophy: “I approach my work with the goal of meeting each individual’s needs while focusing on the joy of being in and making music. By presenting a program of preferred music/songs, each client is motivated to spontaneously and purposefully engage in music in their own unique way. Thus, engagement and positive responses stem from the individual’s inherent desire to participate in music. Put simply, my clients join in the music because they want to. They are motivated, inspired, and moved to do so. I “open the door,” and invite each individual to join me in making music.”

Provides individual and group music therapy onsite and outreach.

Distinctions: Jasper has released several albums of original music.  Jasper has performed with many independent artists and singer-songwriters in New York City and Pittsburgh as a guitarist and bassist.

Teaching Philosophy: “I use a music-centered and relationship-based approach to build communication and self-expression skills.  I believe that music can be a way for people of all ages and abilities to uncover new truths about themselves, to build on their resources, or to share their unique experience with others.”

Provides individual and group music therapy onsite and outreach.

Distinctions: Over 30 years of experience working as a music therapist with special needs individuals, Lisa also has extensive experience teaching piano and adapted instruction.

Provides individual and group music therapy onsite and outreach.

Born in: New Orleans, LA

Distinctions: Has specialty training and experience working with trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. Teaches continuing education courses for board-certified music therapists. Provides music therapy presentations in medical and psychiatric settings. Has experience as a clinical music therapy supervisor. Has more than 26 years of experience teaching voice and piano lessons, music directing theatrical productions, and performing professionally.

Teaching Philosophy: “I believe passionately in a strengths-based approach to music therapy. This means collaborating with each participant to explore and celebrate their unique strengths and abilities and promote a greater sense of empowerment and self-appreciation. I believe creative expression is inherently therapeutic, and music therapy has the power to help each of us experience more joy, tranquility, and satisfaction.”

Provides individual and group music therapy onsite and outreach.

Performances and Distinctions: Over the past 11 years, Donald has worked as a Music Therapist in the Westchester area. During his time at the Music Conservatory, Donald has written music for students and was able to perform original pieces on huge platforms such as Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Capitol Theatre, and much more. Outside of his work as a music therapist, Donald works as the Director of Music at Bethel Baptist Church, where he oversees various singing groups.

Teaching Philosophy: “I believe that music can bring out the best in an individual, and also has the ability to speak directly to a person. Music has always been a natural source of medicine that heals the soul. I approach music and therapy with the mindset that every child and adult has an ability, not a disability. The goal is not how well you can play an instrument or sing, but how well are you able to receive the universal sound of music.”