Erin Spring, MT-BC, has practiced music therapy in central and southeast Ohio since 2007. She completed her internship with Music School Settlement and Cleveland Clinic and earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music therapy from Ohio University, where she has also served as an adjunct professor and supervisor.

In 2010, Erin founded Central Ohio Music Therapy, LLC (COMT), which has grown into a team serving communities across central, northeast, and southeast Ohio through music therapy services, wellness programs, and nonprofit partnerships. As Executive Director, she leads initiatives supporting individuals across the lifespan and has helped develop sustainable arts and healing programs throughout Ohio. Her grant writing and administration efforts have secured more than $100,000 in funding from 2023–2026.

A passionate advocate for music therapy, Erin spent nearly a decade serving on the Ohio Music Therapy Task Force, including six years as co-chair, helping advance state licensure signed into law in 2023. In 2024, Governor Mike DeWine appointed her to Ohio’s inaugural Music Therapy Licensing Board.

Erin is also an experienced speaker, community leader, and nonprofit collaborator. She lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter, and goldendoodle, Teddy.

Laura has been a board-certified music therapist since 2009 after graduating from Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music with a degree in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology. She completed her internship at the Utah State Developmental Center. Laura worked as a music therapist under Medicaid in Indiana before moving to Ohio and joining COMT at the end of 2016. In addition to her work at a music therapist, Laura has also held various positions with the Ohio Music Therapy Task Force for 8 years, advocating for and achieving state licensure. 

Laura and her husband have 2 sons and 2 cats. In her spare time she enjoys skiing and playing soccer. 

Stephanie started working for COMT in November of 2012 while working to complete her Masters of Music in Music Therapy at Ohio University, finishing in August 2014. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. in 1982. She is married to Matthew B. Morris, Instructor of Bassoon and Theory at Ohio University and is the mother of two boys, Blane and Thomas (Kate, spouse).  She is the founder and director of the Athens County Community Singers, “A Choir for All Voices”, which is a community performing group for individuals with and without disabilities from the Athens County area as well as Beacon Singers, a transitional group for students with special needs. Stephanie is currently a member of the American Music Therapy Association, Association of Ohio Music Therapists, and serves as the Great Lakes Region Representative on Reimbursement. In the past, she has served as the treasurer for the Association of Ohio Music Therapists from 2014-2018 and acts as the Internship Director for Central Ohio Music Therapy, LLC.  Stephanie has also helped supervise Ohio University music therapy students conducting practicum field-work with diverse populations in and around the Athens area. Until 2023 she was an active Ohio Music Educator and previously facilitated for Ohio University’s RN to BSN Online Program. She enjoys working with a variety of ages ranging from preschool through Sprouting Melodies to older adults suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Kelsey Lawrence, MT-BC has been a board-certified music therapist since 2006 and has dedicated her career to helping children and families experience the power of music. Her educational journey began at BYU–Idaho, where she earned an Associate Degree in Psychology in 2001. She later pursued her passion for music at Radford University in Virginia, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy in 2005. Following her studies, Kelsey completed her clinical internship at The Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she gained valuable experience using creative arts therapies to support individuals with a variety of needs.

From the beginning of her career, Kelsey has been especially passionate about working with young children. While living in Pennsylvania, she joined The Academy of Community Music, where she developed and facilitated music experiences that encouraged music learning opportunities, and self-expression. After relocating to Ohio, she continued to share her love of music through her work with WeJoySing, providing engaging music experiences for children and families. She also teaches private music lessons from her home, helping students learn piano, music theory skills, and an appreciation for music. In 2022 Kelsey joined COMT, where she continues to combine her professional expertise, creativity, and compassion to serve clients and their families.

Outside of her professional life, Kelsey enjoys a full and active family life in Hilliard. She married her husband, Kevin, in 2002, and together they have raised four children—two daughters and two sons. Whether cheering on her children’s activities, volunteering in her church community, tending her garden, or training for her next run, Kelsey loves opportunities to connect with others and contribute to her community. Her dedication to  family, and music continues to inspire both her professional and personal life.

Hannah Westfall is a licensed and board certified music therapist out of Athens, Ohio. Hannah obtained her degree in Music Therapy, Magna Cum Laude, as a part of the first class of graduates from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio in 2021. She completed her internship at Bridgeway Academy in Columbus, Ohio, and specializes in working with individuals with ASD, ID/DD, in Substance Use Recovery, Mental Health, and Early Intervention. Hannah is the current Music Therapy Graduate Assistant at Ohio University and will complete her Master of Music Therapy degree in 2027. She is also a member of the American Music Therapy Association, and Association of Ohio Music Therapists. Hannah and her husband frequently play acoustic/band shows in the local communities of Athens, Marietta, and Parkersburg, WV. Hannah offers typical and adapted music lessons in piano and voice independently, in addition to leading community music play groups for children interested in exploring musical aptitude. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, spending time with her three dogs, and being out in the sun on the boat.

Jordann Schach, MT-BC, is a music therapist based in Columbus, Ohio, who loves serving children and families through the power of music. She earned her degree in music therapy from Ohio University in 2019. She has primarily worked supporting infants through school-aged children across a variety of settings. 

In her personal life, Jordann finds joy in reading, being outside, and spending time with her husband, two children and dog, Lucas. She is passionate about building a supportive, inclusive community for the families she serves.

Veronica joined the COMT team in June of 2026! Prior to this, Veronica has experience working at a residential facility and being a home care music therapist for adults and children with I/DD. She also has clinical experience working with older adults, individuals in hospice care and children in psychiatric settings. Veronica works in a humanistic, person-centered perspective, promoting the strengths, self-advocacy and independence of those she supports. As well as being a board-certified music therapist, Veronica is a Sergeant in the 122nd Ohio National Guard Army Band where she serves as a saxophone player.  In her free time, she loves staying active in nature, being a part of community theatre productions and snuggling with her many cats!

Josie has been a board-certified music therapist since February of 2020. She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Ohio University in 2019 where she also graduated with a Minor in Psychology. Josie completed her music therapy internship at Big Bend Hospice in Tallahassee, Florida. Hospice and palliative care music therapy, as well as working with adults with dementia, is her passion! Josie began working for COMT in June of 2021 right after returning from her honeymoon with her high school sweetheart, Nathan. Currently, she lives in Canton, Ohio with her husband, their son Archie, and their dog Blanche. Josie serves as one of COMT’s  senior music therapists. 

Emma Pennington, LPMT, MT-BC, is a licensed and board-certified music therapist based in
Lancaster, Ohio. She earned her degree from Marietta College and completed her internship at
University Hospitals in Cleveland. Emma joined COMT in 2025, specializing in work with older
adults, individuals with ASD, ID/DD, and mental health diagnoses. She utilizes a person-
centered approach to music therapy, emphasizing self-expression and empowerment within a
non-judgmental space.
An accomplished musician, Emma plays flute, piccolo, guitar, and piano. In addition to her
clinical work, she freelances on musical projects and performs flute in community settings. In
her free time, she enjoys thrifting, reading, spending time outdoors, and hosting jam sessions
with friends.

Jackson is a music therapist who graduated from the University of Louisville. He completed his internship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, where he worked with patients throughout various units (NICU, CTICU, rehab, dialysis). Jackson comes from a musical upbringing, and believes that anyone can connect through music. Jackson is also a dance instructor, teaching tap dance and hip-hop to students of varying ages. He loves to sing in choral ensembles, and spend time with family and friends.

Mark Rhodes is a cornerstone of the Columbus music community with a 32-year legacy of performing, writing, and community leadership. As a versatile and seasoned musician, Mark has shaped the local soundscape through his work with prominent Columbus bands, including Mescalito, Soul Fu Villains, Jamnesia, and New Pollution. Today, he continues to push his artistic boundaries by writing and releasing original material under his own self-titled project. Beyond the stage, Mark is deeply committed to using the transformative power of music for social good and education. He serves as the director of music education programs for COMT, heading vital initiatives at the Pickaway Correctional Institution and the Ohio Reformatory for Women—programs made possible through the support of The REID Foundation. Additionally, Mark helps nurture the next generation of local talent by teaching youth at The Boys & Girls Club South, a program funded by City Music. Through both his vibrant performances and impactful mentorship, Mark remains a driving force in the Ohio music scene.

Michaela Di Palmo is a Board-Certified Music Therapist with undergraduate degrees in Music Therapy and Psychology, a Master in Healthcare Administration, and a current doctoral student in Clinical Psychology. Originally from Long Island, NY, Michaela has lived and practiced in various states throughout the U.S., including Indiana, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and now Ohio!

Michaela specializes in pediatric and adult medical music therapy including oncology, intensive care units, hospice and palliative care, rehabilitation, mental health, partial hospitalization / intensive outpatient programs, and substance use disorders. Michaela has experiencing working with individuals with ID/DD as well as working in school systems and group homes.

Michaela is involved in the Music4Pain Research Network, where she received a research training grant in January 2026, and through this grant, Michaela had the opportunity to join Dr. Rebecca Lepping at the University of Kansas Medical Center. During this time, she gained experience in neuroimaging and its use in understanding the neurophysiological role of music in pain management. 

Outside of her professional life, Michaela enjoys spending time with her dog, Luca, who is a cuddly, 3-year-old, English Pointer / Boxer mix. Michaela also has a deep love for travel, having visited the U.K., Austria, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Canada, and many states throughout the U.S. She values the opportunities to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and brings that same sense of curiosity, compassion, and cultural appreciation into her clinical and research work.

Valerie Robinson graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology.  She served as President of the Association of Ohio Music Therapists for 4 years and then as Past President.  She has worked mainly with autistic individuals in school settings for the past 20 years before starting contract work with Central Ohio Music Therapy.  Valerie is also a registered Music Together teacher and accompanist. 

Abbie Dennis grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended Indiana Wesleyan University to pursue her degree in Music Therapy. She finished at IWU in the spring of 2026 and is now a Music Therapy intern at COMT. She's passionate about songwriting, movies, musicals, and walking alongside others in the celebratory as well as challenging moments of life.

Kendel completed the Bachelor of Music Therapy program at Ohio University in 2012, followed by an internship at Wildwood School in Albany, NY. He returned to Athens, OH and worked for COMT for five years, serving school-aged children across the region and leading the first Sprouting Melodies groups in Ohio. 

In 2018 Kendel moved to Evansville, IN where they continued practicing music therapy for three more years. In 2021 he transitioned to a role as a communication and regulation partner for an adult Autistic self-advocate who is non-speaking. And in December of 2025, Kendel came full circle and came back to COMT in a new role!

In his free time, Kendel enjoys playing video games, lifting weights and running, spending time with friends, being a nature nerd, and generally hanging out with his family, which includes his husband, three large rescue dogs, and two (pet) rats.