Meet Your Music Therapist:
My Story

I'm the proud owner and founder of Over The Rainbow Music Therapy. And I am so happy that you're here.

​

Growing up, I was an extremely sensitive child. I often felt overwhelmed and anxious, and had trouble making sense of the world around me.

I was always drawn to music. As a toddler, I would sit down at my dad's piano and figure out the melodies of songs I'd heard at school. My parents noticed this knack, and enrolled me in piano lessons at the age of three.
The piano quickly became my safe space. What I didn't realize at the time is that I was naturally learning to regulate through playing the piano. I started to compose my own melodies and lyrics, and at the age of six, my original compositions were sent to the Juliard School of Music.

From that moment on, I never stopped writing. Songwriting carried me through my childhood and teen years, helping me to process and overcome all obstacles. 

If you know me now, you may not believe this... but I was actually super shy as a kid. For a while, I kept my songwriting a secret. I didn't feel brave enough to share such a vulnerable part of myself with the world.
One day, I decided I was ready, and never looked back! At around age 13, I started performing my original music for audiences. I acted as my own manager, emailing venues and playing my songs anywhere that would let me!

And through this process, I learned one unexpected lesson. I learned that connection and belonging aren't just important, but they are basic human needs that everyone deserves to have. For my whole childhood, I was so scared to let people in, that I didn't realize the connection that I was lacking. 

Sharing my music helped me connect to others and the world in a way that I never thought possible. I developed a confidence that I had never felt before. I had finally found my voice! And the more I felt this way, the more I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life helping other people just like me to find their own voice.

At the age of 15, I learned what music therapy was. Immediately, I spent my entire high school career researching the field and talking to any music therapists that I could find. When it came time for college, my career path was never a question.

I attended Montclair State University and obtained a degree in Music Therapy. Throughout my education and internship, I had the pleasure of working with all different populations, including individuals with developmental disabilities; older adults in memory care, assisted nursing, and hospice; young children of all abilities; and individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. 

I hold a board certification in music therapy (MT-BC), as well as an additional certification in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). 

In 2023, I decided to build my own practice, to create spaces for genuine connection and belonging among individuals of all ages and abilities. Although it wasn't easy to take that leap, I thought back to all of the younger versions of myself. The toddler who felt overwhelmed and scared and turned to the piano for comfort. The teenager who kept her songs hidden in fear of being judged. I remembered that every prior leap of faith had led to positive transformation.

 

So I took the jump- for baby Amanda, for current Amanda, and most importantly, for everyone who has ever felt like they don't have a place to belong. I was determined to create that space.

And I still am!  Creating Over The Rainbow was the best decision I've ever made. I get to connect with individuals of all walks of life through music every day. It is the greatest honor of my life to support others musically and creatively. Music truly transcends all other forms of communication; and I feel so fortunate to witness miracles on a daily basis!

If you think that you or a loved one could benefit from music therapy- reach out! I offer a free discovery call to see if I'm a good fit for your needs, and what our work together can look like. Each program that I create is very specifically tailored to each person's individual goals and strengths. 

As Stevie Wonder once said, "Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand".

Music helped me find my voice. And I hope I can help you find yours.

​