Peak Music & Wellness

11/12/2026

11/11/2026

Happy Veterans Day! Today, I’d like to tell you a bit about my journey as a music therapist. When I got out of the Marine Corps, I studied music therapy at the University of Miami. At the time I didn’t have much direction, but I knew this was the path for me. And my first week at UM met a fellow Marine Corps veteran, who asked “I have PTSD. How can music therapy help me?” At the time I didn’t have an answer, but I have spent my career working with veterans and searching for that answer.

Music therapy has a long connection to the military in the US. After World War I and World War II, musicians traveled to treatment facilities and started to notice healthcare benefit benefits to making music for and with injured service members. While music has been used for healing across cultures for millennia, this was the start of music therapy, becoming an organized profession in the US. Now, music therapists can be found working across the lifespan with so many different clinical populations!

As a veteran, I have found deep meaning in my clinical work with fellow veterans. Fortunately, research support supporting music therapy with military and veteran populations has continued to grow thanks to organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts. Research supports the use of music therapy to build, interpersonal skills, improve coping and emotional regulation, increase, self-awareness, facilitate self expression, build communication, skills, improve pain management, support, life, transitions, and more!

Music therapy is an individualized approach. Sessions are designed to support your needs and might incorporate active approaches like music making or songwriting or receptive approaches, like discussing impactful songs or listening to relaxing music. It really depends on each person’s preferences and clinical needs!

Music therapy supports PTSD treatment by offering a nonverbal approach to symptom management. Research shows that music therapy can support stress reduction, emotional regulation, expression, processing through trauma, memories, building, resilience, and creating positive change.

You can connect with music therapy through your Veterans Affairs treatment facility, through a variety of community programs and nonprofits, and through music therapy private practices like Peak Music and Wellness!

11/11/2026

Are you curious about how music therapy works with military and veteran populations? In 2021, the American Music Therapy Association published a fact sheet titled "Music Therapy with Military Service Members and Veterans" that gives an overview of the work! This fact sheet was created by music therapists working within the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and NEA Creative Forces. I was thrilled to be part of the team who created this document! Take a look to learn more.

11/11/2026

Join me on January 30, 2027 for the Roanoke Valley Holistic Hub Winter Symposium. I will be leading Finding Your Voice - Embrace the resonance, vibration, and power of your voice through toning, mantra, and meditation. In addition to my workshop, you will also enjoy 7 other workshops relating to health and wellness with plenty of time for journaling, reflection, and community building!

11/11/2026

I always enjoy easy nights teaching yoga & making music 🧘‍♀️🪷🎶 How did you take care of yourself tonight?

11/09/2026

I’ve had a busy week recording podcasts and putting the finishing touches on several workshops. If you or someone you know are looking for ways to use music to support your wellness, you are in the right place! I have several upcoming music and wellness workshops in the Roanoke, Salem, and Bedford VA areas, with several other to be announced soon!

11/09/2026

This is the face of a busy, busy bee! On Friday, I recorded a podcast with Mike Komorous speaking about my experiences as a Marine Veteran & Music Therapist. This morning, I recorded a podcast with Henry Hawk about Guided Imagery and Music. I can’t WAIT to share those episodes with you! I’ve also been busy planning workshops for the new year. Scroll to see a few things you can look forward to!

On Saturday November 21st from 10am-12pm, join me in Bedford, VA at Bower Center For The Arts for Seasons of Gratitude Music Imagery Workshop! Deeply connect with gratitude for self, others, and the world around us. Explore your imagination through guided imagery, music, and art. You do not need to be musical to enjoy this reflective workshop!

On December 19th from 6-7:30, join me at The Lotus Collective for Music & Breath! Explore how music supports your bodies, natural rhythms and deepens your connection with breath. This workshop will feature live music on singing bowls, harp, flutes, shruti box, guitar, and more!

Join me on January 2, 2027 at YogaSix Roanoke for Mantra for the New Year! Start 2027 off right by reflecting on your goals, connecting with your self worth, and creating a mantra that reflects your hopes for the year. We will enjoy traditional mantra practice and take time to write a personal mantra. No music or singing experience necessary!

Join me at salem_senior_center for a beginner ukulele group! We meet Mondays starting January 4, 2027. We will learn chords and melodies to familiar songs, taking our time to enjoy music together. This free group is for seniors in the Salem VA area. You do not need a musical background! All ukuleles and materials provided.

Join me at YogaSix Roanoke for Music & Mindfulness on February 26, 2027. Listen to the music. Be in the moment. You will be invited to connect to the music in different ways throughout the workshop, staying aware and reflective. You do not need to be musical to enjoy

11/06/2026

Have you been looking for more creative paths to connect with your inner world and work towards your goals? I specialize in Guided Imagery and Music, a music psychotherapy approach that uses programmed music and guided imagery meditation to access altered states of consciousness and stimulate your imagination. Reach out to learn more!

11/04/2026

Deeply connect with gratitude for self, others, and the world around us with this music imagery workshop. Explore your imagination through guided imagery, music and art. You do not need to be musical to participate in or enjoy this workshop! All materials will be provided. Register at https://members.bowercenter.org/classes/Details/season-of-gratitude-music-imagery-workshop-1980559?sourceTypeId=Website

11/04/2026

Peak Music and Wellness offers music therapy, Guided Imagery and Music, adaptive flute lessons, yoga, and community wellness workshops. I am currently taking new clients in Virginia and beyond via telehealth. Reach out at 540-632-0317 or [email protected] today to schedule your free consultation!