Meet the Team
Leadership

Nikki Lanza (she/her)
Clinical Director

Madison Michel (she/her)
Education Director

Annie Roberson (she/her)
Internship Supervisor

Jordan Tenpas (she/her)
Internship Supervisor
Music Therapists

Jordan Bailey (he/him)
Music Therapist

Ashley Bautista (she/her)
Music Therapist

Briley Casserilla (she/her)
Music Therapist

Karah Chappel (she/her)
Music Therapist

Taylor Cockrum (she/her)
Music Therapist

Emily Hammons (she/her)
Music Therapist

Marissa Marmolejo (she/her)
Music Therapist

Haruki Nunn (she/her)
Music Therapist

Isabelle Spence (she/her)
Music Therapist

Victor Torres (he/him)
Music Therapist

Sarah Turner (she/her)
Music Therapist

Sara Yoon (she/her)
Music Therapist

Angelica Zavala (she/her)
Music Therapist
Music Therapy Interns

Ruth Franklin (she/her)
Intern

Amanda Johnson (she/her)
Intern
Nikki Lanza (she/her),
Clinical Director
Nikki Belshe Lanza, MNLM, MT-BC, is the founder and Clinical Director of Heart and Harmony Music Therapy. She is also founder and current President of the Board for Music Therapy Access Fund, a nonprofit founded in 2019 to increase access to music therapy.
Nikki has a Masters of Nonprofit Leadership and Management degree from Arizona State University, and Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy with a minor in Vocal Studies from Sam Houston State University. Nikki is a board-certified music therapist (#08938) and was recognized as one of Fort Worth’s Forty Under Forty in 2020. She currently serves on the board of directors for Certification Board for Music Therapists.
Nikki has worked primarily with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 2009. She was a participant in The Arc of Texas Partners in Disability Leadership 2021. Nikki is passionate about autonomy and human rights.
Nikki cares deeply about professional sustainability and is invested not only in creating a healthy work environment for her staff members, but in empowering her colleagues to be aware of healthy and sustainable professional practices so that they can thrive. She cares about a whole slew of things including private practice ethics; racial, gender, and disability equity; and reimbursement, funding, and accessibility of music therapy. When she’s not making music, you’ll find Nikki hiking, tending plants, watching birds, reading in the hammock, or – most likely – being chased by her kiddos.
Jordan Bailey (he/him),
Music Therapist
Jordan Bailey, MT-BC, Neonatal ICU Music Therapist, is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He completed his coursework in music therapy at The University of Alabama. His primary instrument is voice, but he also enjoys playing the trombone. At UA, Jordan participated in many music ensembles including the University Chorus, the University Singers, the UA Trombone Choir, and The Million Dollar Band. He served as Research Chair of the Capstone Music Therapy Association for two years and the Vice President of the University Singers, which is the UA school of music’s premier vocal ensemble.His clinical experience includes populations involving premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders (EDBD), adults in the oncology unit of a local hospital, older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in an assisted living facility, and an adaptive pop ensemble of high school students that included students with IDD and EDBD.
Jordan enjoys musical theater, watching TV shows on Netflix, playing games such as Taboo and Phase 10 with family and friends, and attempting to cook in his free time.
Ashley Bautista (she/her),
Music Therapist
Ashley Bautista, MT-BC, is originally from Illinois and received her bachelors in music therapy from Illinois State University in 2021 with an emphasis in voice. Ashley also has experience on guitar, piano, ukulele, and the viola. Ashley completed her music therapy internship with Denton ISD in the summer of 2022. She is currently enrolled at Texas Woman’s University to obtain her master’s degree in Child Life.
Ashley has worked with many client populations including Autism, ID, ED/BD, visual/hearing impairments, early education, and older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
In her free time, Ashley loves to travel, hike, and spend time with her family and dog.
Briley Casserilla (she/her),
Music Therapist
Briley Casserilla, MT-BC, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Woman’s University with a BS in Music Therapy and a BA in Music Performance, primary emphasis on clarinet. In 2023, she completed her music therapy clinical internship with The Center for Discovery in Harris, NY.
Briley’s primary clinical experience has been working with disabled communities in residential and school settings. Briley also has experience working with individuals in assisted living facilities and in preschool educational settings. During her internship, Briley specialized in clinical improvisation using Nordoff-Robbins music therapy techniques. She is a strong advocate for client autonomy and disability justice, prioritizing the empowerment of individuals through music and accessibility.
When she’s not in her professional work, Briley enjoys quality time with her partner, watching movies, staying up-to-date with the latest Marvel news, and sharing her life with her two beloved cats, Apple and Jax.
Karah Chappel (she/her),
Music Therapist
Karah Chappel, MT-BC, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Music Therapy from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. During her undergraduate years, Karah also completed undergraduate and graduate coursework in Criminal Justice & Criminology. Karah has distributed and published multiple research studies on topics such as music therapy in policing, trauma treatment in music therapy, and impacts of low socio-economic status on music therapy as a career choice. She also has additional training in organizational-level trauma informed care implementation. After completing her post-graduation internship in acute behavioral health and obtaining her MT-BC, Karah worked at an acute behavioral health facility before moving into her current position with Heart and Harmony.
Originally from Ohio, Karah is a transplant to the DFW area. In her free time, she enjoys meeting new people, exploring the metroplex, and being outside. Karah is not a fan of all the bugs in Texas and is open to any and all advice on keeping them out of her apartment.
Taylor Cockrum (she/her),
Music Therapist
Taylor Cockrum, MT-BC graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Music Therapy from Texas Woman’s University with her primary instrument as voice. She completed her internship with Heart and Harmony in Summer 2020.
Taylor’s clinical experience includes working with children, teens, and adults with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities, older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and people of all ages in a range of mental health settings including trauma, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders.
Additionally, she became a Sound Birthing Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth Specialist in August 2020, and hopes to pursue further education and training to help support mothers and their babies through music throughout pre- and post-natal stages of pregnancy.
When she is not singing or playing music, Taylor loves traveling around the world, musical theatre, sunflowers, drinking lots of coffee, and petting lots of dogs! She is passionate about inclusivity, representation, learning new things, and providing access to music (therapy AND education) services.
Emily Hammons (she/her),
Music Therapist
Emily Hammons, MT-BC, grew up in San Antonio, Texas where she was involved in choirs and visual arts from a young age. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and Voice Performance and a Minor in Psychology.
In 2020, Emily completed her internship at Dallas Academy, a school for children with learning differences. Emily’s clinical experience also includes adult inpatient psychiatric mental health and substance abuse and migrant youth populations. Additionally, Emily is experienced in teaching traditional and adapted music lessons for beginners in voice, guitar, ukulele, and piano.
When Emily isn’t making music, she can be found baking, laughing with friends, painting, and walking her greyhound.
Marissa Marmolejo (she/her),
Music Therapist
Marissa Marmolejo, MMT, MT-BC, completed her Master’s of Music Therapy degree coursework at Texas Woman’s University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of North Texas, with minors in psychology and Spanish. Marissa is currently conducting graduate research exploring the ways music therapists account for the intersecting identities of clients in their approach to practice.
Marissa interned with Rehabilitative Rhythms, a nonprofit private practice in Aurora, Colorado, where she worked with neurodiverse individuals across the lifespan. During her time in Colorado, she networked with several neuro-rehab facilities and brain injury organizations, and successfully launched a beat-making group. Marissa strives to increase awareness of underrepresented genres like rap, hip hop, and r&b in music therapy to ensure that preferred music of all clients are honored. For this purpose, she also aims to increase knowledge and use of music technology in music therapy practice. In addition, Marissa’s recent clinical experience has been working at an inpatient mental health facility for individuals with socioemotional and behavioral needs.
During her free time, Marissa enjoys traveling, hiking, rock climbing, live music events, and spending time with her family, friends, and her dog.
Madison Michel (she/her),
Education Director
Madison Michel, MM, MT-BC, Neonatal ICU Music Therapist, graduated from The University of Alabama with her BM in Music Therapy with a principle in voice in 2015, interned with Heart and Harmony Music Therapy. While working as a therapist for Heart and Harmony, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with her MM in Music Therapy from Colorado State University (distance) in December 2020. In addition, she has been honored as a DFW Child Magazine Mom-Approved Therapist two years in a row (2019-2020). Madison has been supervising interns since July 2017 and is now the Heart and Harmony Education Director with a vision to create a dynamic, supportive, and challenging environment that pushes each intern and practicum student to develop into a passionate and competent professional.
Madison specializes in a neurodevelopmental sensory-based treatment approach that uses the puzzle pieces of music, research, and therapeutic experience to target the individual needs of each client. She believes in lifelong learning and is currently independently studying the neurodevelopmental impacts of stress.
In addition to her work at Heart and Harmony, Madison has presented at both regional and national music therapy conferences and enjoys presenting in her community. She has worked for Adam’s Camp Colorado and Adam’s Camp Alaska on a multidisciplinary therapy team for both children with ASD and genetic disorders. Madison is proud to be a third generation music therapist and is currently pursuing historical research on her grandfather, Dr. Donald E. Michel, a pioneer in music therapy who began practicing in 1950.
Outside of music therapy, Madison enjoys spending time with her fiance and pets, board game nights, and hiking trips.
Madison was interviewed for Thrive, part of DFW Child Magazine.
Haruki Nunn (she/her),
Music Therapist
Haruki Nunn was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. She started playing the piano at the age of four. After high school, she moved to California to pursue her BA in liberal arts with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences at Soka University of America. She also studied abroad in Strasbourg, France, for one semester, where she learned how music can support communication among people as well as building a community. Then, she completed her coursework in music therapy at Berklee College of Music with her primary instrument as piano. She has many experiences of accompanying chorus groups, vocalists as well as instrumentalists and performing a solo.
Haruki’s clinical experience includes adolescents with special needs, early children with a variety of developmental and physical needs, older adults with dementia and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
During her free time, Haruki loves traveling around the world, camping with her family and friends, exploring new cafes and eating and cooking something new!
Annie Roberson (she/her),
Internship Supervisor
Annie Roberson, MT-BC, Neonatal ICU Music Therapist, Sound Birthing Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth Specialist, completed her music therapy coursework at the University of Alabama with a primary instrument of trumpet. Annie completed her internship with Heart and Harmony in the fall of 2018. She is a professional member of Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN).
Annie’s clinical experience includes NICU infants, children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, children and teens with emotional and behavioral disorders, adults in oncology units, and adults with dementia in memory care units. Annie completed her Sound Birthing Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth Specialist in July 2019 and is excited to support parents and babies in the DFW area.
In her free time, Annie enjoys watching the Nashville Predators play hockey, the Alabama Crimson Tide win national championships, crocheting, and being in the great outdoors. Born and raised in Nashville, TN, Annie is thrilled to serve the DFW community with the incredible team of Heart and Harmony therapists!
Isabelle Spence (she/her),
Music Therapist
Isabelle Spence, MT-BC, graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and a minor in psychology in December 2021. Isabelle is passionate about performing on her primary instrument, the flute, and she has performed as an ensemble member and as a soloist across the United States. Isabelle completed her internship with Heart and Harmony in the fall of 2021.
Isabelle’s clinical experience includes premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), child, adolescent and adult outpatient mental healthcare, adults with cerebral palsy (CP), children and adults with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD), older adults with dementia, and school-aged children in inclusive and self-contained classrooms. She also teaches adaptive voice and guitar lessons. While not in sessions, Isabelle serves as the Event Coordinator for the team, planning social and community events for our clients.
During her free time, Isabelle enjoys backpacking, reading, baking, and traveling. She has two cats named Pickles and Olive and a horse named Sweet Pea. Isabelle is excited to join the Heart and Harmony team and serve the DFW community.
Jordan Tenpas (she/her),
Internship Supervisor
Victor Torres (he/him),
Music Therapist
Victor Torres, MT-BC, is a native Texan and has lived in the DFW area for the better part of his life. He developed his prowess as a musician by first starting in choir in the first grade. There he began his musical journey where he met wonderful mentors and teachers that sharpened his skills and continued to raise his musicianship to the next level. Along the way, Victor has performed in many contexts from the late-night open mic nights to performing alongside English rock band, The Rolling Stones on their ZipCode tour.
Victor’s love for music led him to earn his BA in Audio Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. After earning this degree, Victor spent time recording artists, playing shows around the DFW, releasing music, and sharing his talents in a Recreational Department at a local psych hospital. After a few years of working with this hospital and connecting with his childhood volunteer work, Victor decided to change course and use music for the betterment of others. He has since completed his coursework at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana as part of earning the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist), an internship with Heart and Harmony, and is humbled to be with the Heart and Harmony team as a music therapist.
When Victor is not making music, you can find him camping near a 14er in the San Juan Mountains in CO, spending time with family and friends playing some good ol’ Nintendo, or tearing up a local skate park.
Sarah Turner (she/her),
Music Therapist
Sarah Turner, MMT, MT-BC, grew up in Dallas and attended Texas Woman’s University in Denton, where she completed her Bachelor’s in Music Therapy and recently finished her Master of Music Therapy Degree. Sarah played flute throughout school and enjoyed marching band, later joining the Flute Choir at TWU.
During her internship at Denton ISD, Sarah worked with children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also has clinical experience with young adults with mental health needs as well as children with hearing impariments. Sarah has loved using music to have meaningful experiences with all kinds of people, and is excited to continue learning and growing as a music therapist.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time in nature, eating Thai food, and harassing (and cuddling) her cat, Olive.
Sara Yoon (she/her),
Music Therapist
Sara Yoon, MT-BC, was inspired to pursue music therapy after witnessing the effects it had on her brother growing up. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Woman’s University with a B.S. in Music Therapy, with cello as her primary instrument, and a minor in Applied Psychology. In 2022, Sara completed her internship with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) at both the Western Psychiatric Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Sara’s clinical experience includes working with various inpatient psychiatric, neonatal, and pediatric populations including NICU infants, children, teens, adults, and older adults with a variety of psychosocial, emotional, intellectual and developmental needs. She has also served within settings such as therapeutic theater, juvenile detention, and assisted living. Additionally, Sara has prior experience with instrumental instruction, such as teaching cello lessons for middle school and high school, as well as leading ukulele summer camps for children.
Sara’s future goal is to pursue a M.A. in Professional Counseling and apply her knowledge experiences from both fields to better serve her community and those around her. When she’s not making music, Sara enjoys arts & crafts, playing board games, serving her church, and hanging out with her friends for hours.
Angelica Zavala (she/her),
Music Therapist
Angelica Zavala, MT-BC, received a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University (TWU). She is currently pursuing a Master of Music Therapy from TWU. Angelica completed her clinical internship with Heart and Harmony in 2021 and is honored to provide services in her local community
alongside a supportive team of therapists.
Angelica’s clinical experience has been primarily with disabled people of all ages in the home health setting and recently with children and adolescents with mental health needs. In addition, she has experience working with clients in various settings, such as a non-profit therapeutic arts organization, inpatient eating disorder unit, juvenile detention center, and more.
Outside of work, Angelica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, painting, exploring the outdoors, and taking too many photos of her cat.
Ruth Franklin (she/her),
Music Therapy Intern
Ruth Franklin, Music Therapy Intern, is from Plano, Texas. She grew up loving music – you could catch Ruth listening to the radio on the bus ride home, singing in choir, or playing keys in the jazz band. Ruth is passionate about health and caring for those around her. She completed her music therapy classroom coursework at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and began to learn how music could be used to care for others. Ruth is thrilled to continue to learn and grow through her internship at Heart and Harmony.
Ruth loves spending time with people and getting to know their stories. Making music with other people is one of her favorite things to do– she often gets together with her friends for jam sessions. In her free time, Ruth enjoys watching movies with her family, going to concerts with her friends, or going on walks with her dogs.
Amanda Johnson (she/her),
Music Therapy Intern
Amanda Johnson, Music Therapy Intern, is from Kasson, MN. She graduated high school in Cresco, IA and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Voice is her primary instrument, but she can also play the french horn. While in college she was a four year member of St. Elizabeth’s Chorale, the all female ensemble at Wartburg College. She is excited to continue her education with us at Heart and Harmony.
Amanda absolutely adores kiddos, she has loved to spend her time with any age from toddler to teenagers. She has loved to babysit and chill with her younger cousins just for fun. She loves music theater. She has participated in many shows as well as attended some. Her most recent involvement was playing the Dragon in Shrek the Musical.
When not making music you can find Amanda curled up with a good book, watching a movie or painting/drawing. She absolutely loves silly romance books and fiction novels. She even enjoys writing stories of her own.
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We believe in what we do. We do it with passion.
Heart and Harmony Music Therapy is a team of like-minded music therapists and music therapy interns who are committed to providing accessible, high-quality music therapy services to the Dallas – Fort Worth community.
When you work with Heart and Harmony Music Therapy, you help us provide our employees with important benefits like health insurance – something that contracted music therapists often don’t have access to. At Heart and Harmony, we believe that top-notch therapy is only possible when therapists and clients alike have top-notch support.
Heart and Harmony believes in honoring the self-identities of our clients. We build upon our clients’ strengths, meeting them where they are and celebrating with them as they grow. We are passionate about client autonomy and the accessibility of our services. We offer flexibility by making services available in-home or in-studio to provide a least restrictive environment. We work with individuals on the Texas CLASS and YES Medicaid waiver programs and also accept private pay clients. Payment plans are available to increase accessibility to the benefits of music therapy.