Meet Our Therapists

Aileen Bunch received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Temple University. She has a long history with the Kardon Center program; providing individual music therapy sessions at the Germantown, Willow Grove, and Mary Louise Curtis branches. She also teaches piano privately.

Carla (Chana) Crawford holds a Bachelor of Music from The Boston Conservatory with an emphasis in voice, a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in opera performance, and she is currently completing her Master of Music Therapy degree from Temple University. Ms. Crawford has had clinical training at Shriners Hospital for Children, HMS School for Cerebral Palsy, Wissahickon Hospice and the Kirkbride Center, all located in the Philadelphia area. During her internship at the Kirkbride Center, Chana conducted both group and individual music therapy sessions with clients who have co-occurring disorders. Upon completion of her internship from the Kirkbride Center, Chana began working professionally at the Settlement Music School and is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the team. Chana is committed to providing each client with individual attention and looks forward to empowering her clients to achieve their goals!

Ed Contaldi is a Board Certified Music Therapist and certified Special Education Teacher. Ed’s approach to Music Therapy is informed by Stanley Greenspan’s DIR/Floortime philosophy and techniques, which places affective interaction at the center of Music Therapy. He is certified in the Affect-Based Language Curriculum (Greenspan/Lewis). Ed is trained to administer the Functional Emotional Assessment Scales (FEAS), an assessment created by Stanley Greenspan and others. He is also trained to administer the Individual Music-Centered Assessment Profile for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (IMCAP-ND), a criterion-referenced assessment of musical interaction, communication, cognition and perception, and responsiveness in musical play for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Ed provides individual music therapy online through the Kardon-Northeast Branch.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

I try to work developmentally with students, meeting them “where they’re at,” focusing on how to use music as a tool for relating and symbolic communication.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

It is amazing to see the ability that music has to support key human activities like interacting rhythmically and conveying affective interest to another.

Becky Dadi is a board certified music therapist with a music therapy degree from Berklee College of Music. Becky’s primary instrument is voice and also plays guitar and piano. Becky did her music therapy internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she further developed her clinical music therapy skills. At the completion of her internship, she went on to join the wonderful team of arts therapists and teachers at Settlement Music School. Becky has been a music therapist at Settlement Music School since September 2017. Her work encompasses providing music therapy for individual clients at the KNE branch, supporting the Kardon Chorale which consists of adults of varying disabilities and parents and providing therapeutic music groups at an off-site location in lower Bucks County.

Marissa DeVita is a board certified, registered art therapist for the Kardon Center for Arts Therapy. She has her master’s degree in counseling psychology with an art therapy specialization and is a licensed professional counselor. Over the past 15 years, she has served clients from young childhood to adulthood throughout the Philadelphia area in schools, outpatient facilities and community outreach sites. She implements a humanistic, strength’s based approach while working with groups or individuals. She has a special interest in leading large-scale projects such as murals but also enjoys working on the individual goals and needs of each of her clients!

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

My most recent experience has been with school-aged children who have physical disabilities and developmental neurodiversity’s (autism, AD/HD, sensory differences). Other areas of experience include Community-Based Art Therapy, Groupwork, 1:1 and Dyad sessions, Self-Esteem, Anger, Anxiety, Eating Disorders and Coping Skills.

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

I have truly enjoyed working for a company that uniquely embraces art, music and dance/movement therapies. Not only am I able to directly witness the healing power of the art process with my clients but I also am able to collaborate with and sometimes even co-treat with the other modalities! Creative arts therapy is so powerful for its ability to engage the mind, body and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal communication.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

The saying, “Love what you do and feel that it matters,” was always a driving force for me when choosing a career. I am truly honored to be able to use the art process to help others embrace the present moment, work through challenges and discover inner strengths!

What is a fun fact about you?

I have facilitated 7 large scale mixed media mural projects and 4 large scale community-based art therapy projects! One is a skyline of Philadelphia at the Widener Memorial School in North Philadelphia. I also love to dance!

Sydney Dombrowski earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology with a specialization in art therapy from Holy Family University. Central to her therapeutic philosophy is the belief in fostering healing through empowerment, curiosity, and self-exploration utilizing diverse art modalities. Employing an eclectic approach to art therapy, Sydney specializes in tailoring treatments to each individual client because every person is unique, and no one size of therapy fits all! Emphasizing trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based care, she is committed to helping you find the type of therapy that feels right to you.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

I have experience working with a wide range of diverse populations including autism, LGBTQIA+, eating disorders, bereavement, victims of crime, trauma, and various mental health disorders. Areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, grief and loss, coping skills, life transition, self-esteem, and emotion regulation.

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

Creative arts therapy has given my clients a special tool for communicating with both the world and themselves. I have had the pleasure of witnessing growth, realization, confidence, healing, acceptance, and hope through the creative work we have done together.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

I have always had a passion for creating my own personal artwork and advocating for the importance of mental health care. It brings me joy to accompany my clients on their healing journey. Those “a-ha!” moments that come out through the creative process are a testament to how beneficial this work can really be.

What is a fun fact about you?

Madison Frank, M.M.T., MT-BC (she/her) is a board certified music therapist who has worked at the Kardon Center for Arts Therapy since 2018 working at various branches and community partnerships. She received both her Bachelors in Music Therapy and Masters in Music Therapy from Temple University. At the moment she is receiving supervision for her Pennsylvania professional counselor license. Madison has experience supervising music therapy students. currently works clinically with neurodivergent children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings in Wilmington, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Madison is an adjunct professor at Immaculata University and has experience teaching master’s equivalency students in Didactic and Medical Practices in Music Therapy. She currently serves as co-chair of the Pennsylvania State Task Force for Music Therapy. Madison practices music therapy through an eclectic and integrative lens, responding to each individual client in a way that best fits their needs. Through building rapport, meeting clients where they are, and utilizing their strengths, she takes a person-centered approach to clinical work.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and have experience working with children and adults dealing with anxiety, behavioral concerns, OCD, and ADHD. I have experience working with clients on coping skills, anger, life transition, stress, and self-esteem.

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

I see the impact of music therapy with my clients first hand. I have had the privilege of seeing clients self-esteem and confidence soar, from being nervous and unsure about making music together to writing albums. Through having a therapeutic space and relationship to flourish and be oneself without judgment, clients are able to explore boundaries, learn new skills, work towards change and growth, and increase functional skills.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

The ability to utilize music therapeutically to have a positive effect and change people’s quality of life for a living brings me joy. The power of music is incredible and I am grateful to have the training and education to provide high quality music therapy services to so many people!

What is a fun fact about you?

I am an avid reader. If you see me in the hallways of Settlement Music School be sure to ask me what I am reading! (and tell me what you’re reading!)

Grace Harman is a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. She received her Master’s Degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago in 2019, and since then has utilized her training with a with a variety of populations including survivors of domestic violence, incarcerated adults, young adults on the autism spectrum and adults experiencing grief and trauma. She is passionate about the power of embodiment and movement to support all manner of healing and transformation, and she is thrilled to join the Creative Arts Team at Settlement.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

Grief, life transitions, trauma/PTSD, child-parent attachment.

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

Again and again, I see dance/movement therapy be the bridge between my clients inner worlds and outer expression. I love seeing the lightbulb that goes off when clients understand the connection between the way they move, the way they feel, and the way they experience relationships. I have personally witnessed clients learn to express their needs, alchemize their grief, leave harmful relationships and make choices that align with their authentic selves in ways they weren’t able to before.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

I grew up dancing and thought I had made dance therapy up when I thought about using movement to help people. I had an internship in college with the dance/movement therapist at the Renfrew Center and knew then that this is the work I was meant to do. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What is a fun fact about you?

Settlement was the first place I ever took dance classes.

Joining Kardon Center for Arts Therapy in 2023, Bailey Marcucci has over twelve years of experience providing client care in a multitude of settings. A board certified art therapist, a licensed professional counselor in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and a national certified counselor, her years of experience range from providing direct support to clinical/therapeutic services across the lifespan, at multiple developmental levels, and varying mental health diagnoses. She incorporates an expressive, intermodal approach to treatment- inviting clients to explore and grow their skills while holding space for the hard stuff. She brings a warm, bright, compassionate, and patient approach to her work in a non-judgmental, creative, safe space.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

Having experience working and interning in a multitude of settings, much of my experience has been working with individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism, and co occurring mental health diagnosis. Areas of speciality include anxiety management, self-esteem, family conflict, grief, emotion dysregulation, behavioral and mood disturbances, problematic sexual behavior, and navigating interpersonal relationship difficulties.

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

As an art therapist it has been a great pleasure of mine to work alongside my clients as they explore the unknown. Seeing a client overcome their hesitations and self-doubts as they explore new materials or approaches to art making that they were once unfamiliar with and watching them as they are able to learn about themselves and reflect on the process is very rewarding. Always staying curious is a big part of my work with clients.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

As someone who really struggled with finding my voice and authentically finding out who I was in my adolescence art was always my outlet. Learning about the field of art therapy as a teenager and knowing how much it had impacted me during that time and becoming the person I am today, I knew from a young age it was the career path that felt most natural. I still often reflect on my high school art teacher who told me about the field and am thankful to be a part of it today.

What is a fun fact about you?

When not with the Kardon Center I enjoy traveling, finding inspiration for my own art making in nature, and love spending time with my four legged companions- Wonton & Pierogi.

Kimberly Morrill joined Settlement Music School for the 2023-2024 school year. They earned their Master of Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Arts in Art (Museum Studies and Art History) from Radford University in Radford, Virginia. Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is defined as “the psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive and physical integration of the individual” (ADTA, 2020). Kimberly’s therapeutic approach utilizes person-centered treatment to facilitate clients building and strengthening their mind-body connection, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, effective and healthy communication and social skills, and creative expression.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

I work primarily with children, teens, and their caregivers with various diagnoses and neurodivergence, such as ADHD and autism. I also work with older adults with varied treatment needs and goals. I am an LGBTQIA+ therapist.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

I find joy in being able to move, dance, and play with my clients within the therapeutic space.

Kirstin Ortiz earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Temple University and is a Board-Certified Music Therapist. She is also a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner and holds a trauma-informed care certification from Drexel University. Her clinical experience includes supporting children and families at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and working with adults in rehabilitative and community mental health settings. She is working toward her Master of Clinical Social Work at University of Pennsylvania, furthering her counseling skills and knowledge of social welfare. Following graduation in 2026, she plans to pursue her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification. Kirstin practices from a social justice and collaborative person-centered approach, aiming to work with clients and their families to center their needs and preferences and remain mindful of how clients’ identities and experiences impact their well-being. Kirstin looks forward to continue supporting folks of all ages through music within the inviting and energetic environment of Settlement Music School.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

I have extensive experience supporting adults in a community mental health setting with diagnoses such as anxiety disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and intellectual disability. Additionally, I have supported children of all ages during physical rehabilitation, medical procedures and hospitalization, and with cognitive, social, and emotional needs stemming from ASD, ADHD, ADD, OCD, trauma, anxiety, and depression

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

It is always so powerful watching folks communicate thoughts, emotions, and ideas through music that they are unable to through words alone. Music also forges a pathway to connection between people, and finding new ways to connect with others can be really transformative.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

I feel both privileged and blessed that my work allows me to utilize music to connect with, support, and create a safe space for others and witness the positive impact that results.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love sweets, and one of my first jobs was teaching chocolate-making classes!

Alexis Ramagnano received her Music Therapy degree from Temple University. She has been working as a Board Certified Music Therapist for over 16 years. Throughout her career she has had the opportunity to work with various populations and age ranges. She has used her Music Therapy skills to support individuals living in an 18+ nursing facility for quadriplegics and paraplegics, in Memory Care and Home Hospice, and day care and school settings for neurotypical and neurodivergent youth. She is a firm believer in the power of music and its ability to provide support, change, growth, and connection. Alexis is proud to be a member of the creative arts therapy team at Settlement Music School.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

I have used my skills to assist individuals with Fine and Gross motor skills, Behavior management, Verbal skills, Memory care, Grief and Coping skills, and End of life transition for individuals and their families.

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

During my sessions I have seen children learn how to self regulate and become comfortable expressing themselves. I have seen individuals improve communication skills and fine and gross motor skills they had lost from a trauma or stroke. I have witnessed nonverbal individuals, living with advanced stages of dementia, suddenly start singing along to a familiar song. I’ve witnessed their families members become overjoyed to hear their loved one’s voice again. I have witnessed the pride a child feels when they share a song they wrote with their loved one.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

I am fortunate to be able to use my connection with music to support others. I love the challenge and journey each client brings and especially love when a connection is established. That is when the therapeutic process begins.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love performing with multiple bands around the area and occasionally get to perform at charitable events. I recently discovered a Full Band Karaoke style group and love the thrill of showing up and just trusting the process.

Kayla Sadowy has been a board certified music therapist since 2012 and earned her master’s degree in music therapy from Temple University. While most of her work experience has been in hospice care and bereavement, Kayla has also worked with adults affected by cancer, either as the person experiencing treatment or remission or the family and friends in one’s support system. Kayla’s experience further extends to adults with neurological conditions and their caregivers. In all of this work in chronic, long-term disease, Kayla is humbled by the ways people find and make meaning through music, so much of her approach can be existential yet humanistic in her commitment to accompany clients rather than direct them.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

I have the most experience with Grief/Loss, Hospice/Palliative Care, Cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, other chronic and long-term diseases, and caregivers. As a queer person, I am also experienced in working with the LGBTQIA+ community.

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

Creative arts therapies have given my clients a sense of dignity and self-determination through creating something they would not have otherwise created or experienced a familiar artifact (such as song) in new and life-giving ways.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

Few things bring me more joy than the pride someone can find in their own progress and growth, of recognizing how music supported them in their exploration.

What is a fun fact about you?

I have hiked every trail of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia!

Lori Tiberi joined Kardon’s Creative Arts Therapy team in 2021. Lori is a board certified art therapist and has over fifteen years’ experience working as an art therapist. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Moore College of Art and Design and her master’s degree for art therapy from Drexel University. Prior to joining Settlement, Lori has extensive experience working in the medical rehabilitation setting tailoring and adapting the course of therapy to meet the needs of every individual. Lori’s therapeutic approach is person centered and she is passionate about the transformative nature of the creative process in a therapeutic milieu.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

My specialties include anxiety, depression, self esteem issues, grief, trauma/PTSD and life transition.

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

Throughout my career I have seen my art therapy clients develop positive sense of self, increase coping skills, experience personal growth and utilize these life skills to decrease depression and/or anxiety.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

Art has played a major role in my life since I was a child. Before I discovered art therapy as a profession, I always knew I wanted to work with others through creative means. Art therapy is a wonderful profession that allows me to help people of all ages and backgrounds using the creative process in a therapeutic setting.

What is a fun fact about you?

I enjoy spending time creating my own artwork.

Caryn has been a music therapist at Settlement since 2014 having previously worked at Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy since 2002. She has also worked as an instrumental music teacher and freelance horn player. Caryn has a bachelor’s degree in music education and master’s degrees in both horn performance and creative arts therapy. She was previously certified as a neurologic music therapist and is currently an LPC. Caryn approaches each client as an individual, meeting their unique needs through music with an emphasis on building the therapeutic relationship to foster a safe space and comfortable treatment environment. She sees individual clients at the Kardon-Northeast branch and part of her weekly schedule is spent at the off-site partnership with Widener Memorial School. Caryn started the Kardon Rock Band in 2010 to better meet some social, emotional and musical goals of clients. The rock band continues today, meeting weekly and enjoys performing whenever they have the opportunity.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

During my 20 plus years as a music therapist I have been fortunate to work with clients ranging in age from 2 to over 100 across many different populations and settings. I would have to say the clients I have the most experience with include people with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, IDD, and ASD.

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

I love seeing how music can bring out the health in clients and am fortunate to often see clients at their best. One of the things in which I find the most joy is the impact of music on the brain, whether in helping clients to heal from brain injuries or just reaching people through music who otherwise have been considered unreachable.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

When I was young, I was always actively involved in and loved music but had often considered a career in the medical field. Becoming a music therapist has allowed me to pursue a healing profession while also enjoying seeing the benefits the power of music can have on people.

What is a fun fact about you?

I enjoy watching the TV show MasterChef from other countries including Canada and Australia. I have been to Canada many times and perhaps someday I may have the chance to travel to Australia as well.

Ellyn Winski is a current music therapist for the Kardon Center for Arts Therapy and has been board-certified for 2.5 years. Ellyn received her undergraduate degree in music therapy and psychology in 2020 and is currently working towards her masters degree in music therapy and mental health counseling. Ellyn has experience working with individuals across the lifespan, specifically children, adolescents/young adults, and older adults with a variety of physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. Ellyn works from a client-centered perspective, believing that all individuals come to music therapy with the inherent resources and strengths needed for growth. Each session is constructed to meet the individual where they are at and access their most authentic self.

What are the specialties/populations you have the most experience with?

I have worked consistently with older adults, specifically groups in retirement communities, individuals with dementia, and hospice care in individual, group, and family music therapy. I also have foundational experience with children and adolescents/young adults who are working on creative self expression, self esteem/self worth, self efficacy, and growth of musical skills (adaptive music lessons, songwriting, improvisation, music and movement).

What impact have you personally seen creative arts therapy have with your clients?

As a whole, I have witnessed music help clients discover what they are truly capable of. Whether it be engaging with new instruments/singing in self-fulfilling ways, writing music or spontaneously making music on the spot with confidence and joy, identifying meaningful music-based coping skills to integrate outside of the therapy space, or forming connections and practicing social skills through group music making – clients lead the way as they create growth for themselves.

What brings you joy in the work that you do and/or why did you decide to become a creative arts therapist?

Music therapy offers me space to walk alongside my clients as they access and grow towards their most authentic, whole self. Witnessing clients create brave spaces in music therapy to forge connections with themselves and others, gain confidence and efficacy, and express themselves through the arts brings me so much joy. I grew up using music as my own form of self care and creative expression and to witness/support others as they do the same makes music therapy feel less like a job and more like a vocation.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love and prioritize traveling/adventures as much as I can! I have enjoyed trips to Italy, Spain, and India and am looking forward to a journey to South Africa in July 2024.