Expert Music Therapists for ASD, ADHD, IDD/DD, Mental Health & Medical Complexities in Nashville, TN
Hey there! We’re Empower Music Therapy.
We’re a practice of board-certified music therapists offering inclusive, affirming care for individuals, families, and facilities.
We practice music therapy —
An evidence-based clinical practice in which board-certified clinicians use music intentionally to support social, emotional, and developmental goals.
We specialize in working with people who experience the world differently — including autistic individuals, people with ADHD, developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental health concerns, and complex medical needs — as well as neurotypical individuals seeking support with regulation, stress, and life transitions.
We also support families, siblings, and caregivers, recognizing that meaningful care happens within relationships, not in isolation.
We meet you exactly
where you are.
With a board-certified music therapist, you'll explore techniques like songwriting, improvisation, instrument play, and song discussion to support you or your loved one with…
Emotional Growth
Emotional regulation
Healthy coping
Flexibility
Self-expression
Social Connection
Social skills
Family bonding
Communication
Isolation Reduction
Developmental Support
Sensory regulation
Stress Reduction
Speech and motor development
Our Approach
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We view neurological differences as a natural part of human diversity, not something to be fixed. Our work prioritizes regulation, autonomy, and quality of life without asking people to mask or change who they are.
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We recognize that past experiences can shape how someone feels, responds, and engages in therapy. Our approach emphasizes safety, choice, predictability, and pacing that supports trust and nervous system regulation.
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Each session is shaped around the client’s goals, strengths, and comfort level. We collaborate closely with clients and families and adapt as needs change, rather than following a rigid model.
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We believe healing happens in relationship. Our work supports not only individuals, but also families, caregivers, and communities, helping people feel connected and supported beyond the therapy room.
Our Full Time Leaders:
Serving the greater Nashville area through compassionate, evidence-based music therapy
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Kate is a board-certified music therapist and registered yoga teacher. She graduated from Belmont University’s music therapy program and spent five years serving the inpatient mental health population before creating Empower Music Therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. She leads Empower’s vision, partnerships, speaking engagements, and growth, while continuing to offer therapeutic songwriting groups, support caregivers, and work with individuals of all ages with and without disabilities. Kate’s work is grounded in the belief that humans are wired for connection — and few things connect us like music. Empower has become one of her greatest teachers — a community, a calling, and a true gift in her life.
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Anna Laura is a board-certified music therapist with training from Appalachian State University and experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals, people with disabilities, and clients navigating mental health challenges. At Empower, she leads individual sessions, supports our KidPRO partnership, and facilitates the Adult Ensemble. As Clinical Director, she oversees caseloads and provides clinical support for the team. Her approach is simple: your voice, your story — and you — matter here.
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Maria is a board-certified music therapist with training from Belmont University and clinical experience at Mount Sinai’s Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine. She has supported clients across inpatient and adolescent psych, addiction and recovery, neurodiversity, medical settings, and hospice care. At Empower, Maria leads individual sessions, partners with Matthew 25, and facilitates songwriting collaborations across the community. As Director of Community Engagement, she builds partnerships, hosts events and supports staff culture. Her approach is grounded in helping clients express their truest selves — guided by the mantra, “be where your feet are.”
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Emily is a board-certified music therapist with training from Belmont University and clinical experience in addiction treatment, inpatient psych, juvenile detention, special education, home health, older adult care, and disability support across the lifespan. At Empower, she provides individual sessions, supports facility partnerships, and helps lead administrative work including outreach, inquiry calls, social media, and referral coordination. Emily’s approach centers belonging: showing up exactly as you are is celebrated here. She’s guided by the lyric, “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down,” and loves using music in meaningful, healing ways every day.
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Becca is a board-certified music therapist trained at Belmont University with clinical experience at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, supporting pediatric cancer patients through long-term treatment and procedural support. She has worked in pediatric hospitals, the NICU, inpatient mental health, and with children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. At Empower, Becca leads individual sessions, facilitates kids social groups and teen ensembles, and partners with BrightQuest, Centennial Adultcare Center, and Our Place. Her approach is collaborative and client-centered — music therapy can look many ways, and together you’ll discover what it looks like for you. Guided by the lyric, “No need to be ready, it’s okay if it’s messy, I’m on your side,” Becca creates a space where you can show up exactly as you are.
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Hanna is a board-certified music therapist with training from Belmont University and specialized experience in pediatric oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She has supported adolescents and adults in inpatient mental health, neurodivergent children in school settings, and children and teens across medical units including oncology, general pediatrics, and the PICU. At Empower, Hanna leads individual sessions, partners with Blind Early Services Tennessee and Centennial Adultcare Center and provides home visits to increase accessibility. Her approach is grounded in teamwork and authenticity. Hanna is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where every client can simply be.
Our Part Time & Remote Leaders:
Expanding our reach across Tennessee and the Southeast
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Lydia is a board-certified music therapist trained at Belmont University. She has supported students with and without IEPs, children and teens with disabilities, adults in outpatient mental health, older adults in assisted living and memory care, veterans in inpatient psychiatric care, and pediatric clients experiencing hospitalization. At Empower, Lydia leads individual sessions and partners with Anniston Academy. Her approach centers belonging, joy, and client strengths — your voice and story lead the way. Guided by the lyric, “You don’t have to do this all on your own…” Lydia creates a space where every part of you is welcomed and celebrated.
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Leandra is a board-certified music therapist with a Master’s in Music Therapy from Western Michigan University and a background in ethnomusicology and psychology from Bowling Green State University. She has worked across inpatient mental health, palliative care, school settings, substance recovery, and with individuals with developmental disabilities. At Empower, Leandra facilitates groups at Centennial Adult Day Center. Her approach is rooted in the belief that music therapy is for everyone. Guided by the Nietzsche quote, “Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music,” she brings curiosity, creativity, and deep respect to her work. Leandra loves working with diverse communities and creating spaces for connection through music.
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Katlin is a board-certified music therapist with training from the Mississippi University for Women and a Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She has experience with a wide range of communities, including children with disabilities, students in behavioral intervention programs, adolescents in correctional settings, individuals with substance use disorders, adults with disabilities, survivors of human trafficking, and clients in hospice, palliative care, and bereavement.
At Empower, Katlin provides music therapy through our partnership with Vet’s Recover. Her approach is grounded in warmth and presence — come as you are. Katlin hopes every client feels seen, heard, and supported. Guided by the mantra, “The slower I go, the faster I arrive,” she brings steadiness and compassion to her work.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Whether you’re exploring therapy for your child, yourself, or your family — we’re here to help you take the next step.