MEET THE TEAM
KATH FATHERS (she/they)
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MA, Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT)
Co-founder & Creative Director, CNY Music Therapy LLC
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Kath Fathers is a Welsh musician and writer who trained and first practiced music therapy in the UK before moving to Syracuse in 2014. . She is inspired by the uniqueness of each individual and passionate about the transforming power of music to offer a voice to the voiceless and a connection for those feeling isolated. Born in Wales and therefore coming from a very small nation with a minority language, she understands both the challenges and the value of ensuring that every voice is heard, however small.
Kath has music therapy experience with a range of populations both in the UK and the US: children with multiple and complex disabilities (including ASD); people in palliative care in hospice along with their families; the elderly in nursing homes (including those with dementia and Alzheimer’s); mental health within the community and in hospitals; private practice working as music psychotherapist. She currently works in schools and a hospital and is also a co-creative director with the Syracuse Community Choir and adjunct professor at Syracuse University.
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ALYSSA COURTER (she/they)
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MS, Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
Co-founder and Lead Therapist, CNY Music Therapy LLC
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Alyssa is a music therapist passionate about guiding her clients through growth and self-expression. She studied Music Therapy at SUNY New Paltz (M.S. 2018) and has a degree in Music Education from Syracuse University (M.S. 2010) and a background in vocal performance. Alyssa is currently working in schools as a music therapist with students and is excited to expand her training to include NICU-Music Therapy in the fall of 2023. In addition to music therapy in schools, Alyssa has a particular interest for pre- and perinatal music therapy: supporting people before and during their journey into parenthood. She is also a registered yoga teacher with training in Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Yoga-Nidra, and incorporates breathing techniques and mindfulness whenever indicated in her practice.
Alyssa says, “My favorite part of this work is watching students expand the ways they are able to communicate with others and advocate for their wants and needs.”
Alyssa says, “Providing space in sessions for vocal expression and exploration, and validating a client’s voice in music, are especially impactful experiences.”
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HANNAH MOHR (they/them)
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Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
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Hannah is a music therapist who enjoys working with a variety of populations. They studied music therapy at SUNY Fredonia (B.S. 2023) and completed their internship at Dayton Children's Hospital in Ohio, providing services to Hematology and Oncology, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Hannah passed their board-certification exam in 2023, and began working in school districts and private homes. Currently, Hannah works in school districts with preschool, elementary, and high school students.
In their spare time, Hannah enjoys reading books, hiking, and playing piano. They are hoping to further their music journey by studying collaborative piano, working with collegiate musicians.
Hannah says, "I'm so excited to see what opportunities arise for us as a team and what settings we can expand our work to. I believe that music should be accessible to everyone, and I am thrilled to be a part of this journey of growth."
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Picture coming soon!
JAMES SMITH (he/him)
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Music Therapy Intern
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James has been completing his internship with CNY Music Therapy during the spring semester of 2023. James is currently studying music therapy at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and has a background in music education from Ithaca College (B.M. 2016) and Kent State University (M.M. 2019). James is working as a music therapy intern in schools and preschools in Onondaga and Oswego counties, and co-leads singing groups for pain management and memory care as part of the Singing Soulutions program. James is also a private lesson instructor with a small studio of woodwind students.
James says, "I've lived in Central New York all of my life, and am excited to continue working towards becoming a board-certified music therapist in the place I call home. I'm thrilled to be part of a growing and innovative team here at CNY Music Therapy!"
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RACHEL HIDLAY (she/her)
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Music Therapy Intern
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Rachel started her career as a local musician and teacher. She received her Bachelor's degree in piano performance from Liberty University (2009) with extra credits in music education, a Master's degree in piano performance from Ithaca College (2011) and an advanced certification in piano pedagogy from Nazareth College (2013). She is currently finishing her Music Therapy Internship, where she works in school districts with students with IEPs, and then plans to become board certified. Throughout her prolific teaching career and now her clinical experience, Rachel has worked with people of all ages. She is also an intern at a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation, specifically for clients with Parkinson’s Disease and memory care needs.
Rachel says, “I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the team at CNY and am inspired by the breadth of music therapy resources and services the company provides for their clients! I'm excited to watch the team grow and continue to further the field of music therapy!”
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