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.

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.

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!

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!)

M’Kenna Gallagher, MT-BC, NMT, CDP received her bachelor’s in music therapy from Temple University and has been a practicing music therapist since September 2021. M’Kenna has experience working with children and adults with ASD and IDD, adults with TBI’s and memory care as well as individuals in behavioral and mental health settings and hospice care. Lately, M’Kenna has been pursuing a dual master’s degree in music therapy and counseling and clinical mental health counseling at Immaculata University. M’Kenna also serves as the Graduate Assistant, where she has gained valuable experience in clinical supervision and education. She is looking forward to working toward her LPC after graduation. Ultimately, M’Kenna is passionate about the fostering impactful music experiences with her clients. She enjoys how music can create connection, evoke emotion, and support growth in countless ways. In her work, she strives to create a brave space where clients can explore and thrive through music.

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

Right now, I have the most experience with the mental health and ASD population. However, I love getting to work with and learn about how music can serve several populations.

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

One of the most impactful experiences I’ve witnessed is seeing clients use music to strengthen their independence and build their self-worth.

What is a fun fact about you?

I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas! I love to talk about Buc-ee’s and pickles. It’s not very often nowadays, but sometimes my accent does come through. Don’t worry, though, I am an Eagles fan all the way!

Julie Gilligan, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist who brings a reflexive and compassionate approach to her work at Settlement Music School’s Wynnefield Branch. With a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Immaculata University, and experience in medical, psychiatric, and educational settings, Julie specializes in developing individualized and group music therapy sessions that support emotional expression, cognitive development, communication needs, and social skills. She completed her clinical internship at Cooper University Hospital, working in diverse units including but not limited to the NICU, pediatric behavioral health, and adult oncology. Julie also integrates behavioral strategies from her work with children on the autism spectrum in school-based settings. Her practice is rooted in evidence-based methods and guided by a humanistic and trauma-informed perspective. Julie is committed to providing inclusive, developmentally appropriate care that adapts to each client’s unique needs and strengths.

Faith Higgins brings a creative, trauma-informed approach to emotional well-being, supporting clients of all ages in exploring their experiences through visual art, movement, and mindfulness practices. Whether working with children, teens, or adults, their goal is to foster a space where self-expression feels safe, healing, and empowering.
Faith’s practice draws on both clinical training and lived experience, with a special focus on anxiety, identity development, and LGBTQ+ affirming care. Faith believes in the power of the creative process to help individuals gain insight, build resilience, and reconnect with their inner strengths.

What is a fun fact about you?

Outside of the therapy room, you’ll likely find me treasure-hunting in thrift stores, curled up with my two feline sidekicks Cricket and Jerry, or lost in the slow, meditative process of oil painting portraits.

Sarah Long grew up in Red Bank, NJ and has been in Philadelphia for 5 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Cairn University in Music Composition with a focus in guitar and voice. Her senior project became her first released album. She continues to write, record and perform for herself and a local band in the city. She also receives commissions for local churches and ensembles. Sarah began private teaching 3 years ago either from her own home or a student’s home. She furthered her education and received a master’s from Temple University in Music Therapy. Sarah currently works part-time as a music therapist in a pre-school with neurodivergent and neuromuscular children.

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.

Abby is a music therapist with experience in medical, behavioral health, and educational settings. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Florida State University. Abby has clinical experience working with children, teens, and adults across schools and hospital programs. Her clinical approach is compassionate and person-centered, emphasizing meaningful expression and developmentally appropriate care. She values using music to support regulation, connection, and growth for individuals of all ages!

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

I have the most experience working with individuals facing anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and behavioral challenges. I have supported clients from early childhood through older adulthood in medical, behavioral health, and educational settings. Through music, I help them build coping skills, emotional regulation, and confidence.

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

I have seen creative arts therapy help clients express emotions they couldn’t put into words and build confidence! Music often becomes a safe space for processing feelings, exploring identity, and creating positive change. It is incredibly powerful to witness someone use music to express themselves!

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

I love watching clients express themselves and use music in ways that feel meaningful to them. Being able to support someone’s growth through creativity brings me so much joy. I became a creative arts therapist because I believe music can meet people exactly where they are and help them heal in ways words alone cannot!

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I am a certified scuba diver and love exploring the ocean any chance I get!

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.

Rayna Richardson is a Registered Dance/ Movement Therapist and Licensed Associate Professional Counselor. She received her Master of Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling in 2025 from Drexel University. In 2023, she graduated summa cum laude from Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Dance Arts. Rayna utilizes movement as a therapeutic practice through person-centered and strength-based approaches to foster joy and healthy well-being among adolescents. She is also a trained ballet and modern dancer, having previously trained at renowned schools such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Complexions Contemporary Ballet Academy. Currently, Rayna trains and studies at Philadanco and is a beginner Ballet instructor for young girls of color across Philadelphia. Rayna also serves as a volunteer and Vice President for the CGM Cemetery Preservation Foundation in the United States and Panama

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!

Ashley Stewart is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor and has been board-certified music therapist for 3 years. She has her master’s degree in mental health counseling and bachelors in music therapy. Ashley has experience working with children and adolescents impacted by substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, she has worked with adults and older adults providing music therapy to improve quality of life, relaxation, and recreation. She believes relationships matter and empowers clients through building upon their strengths and increasing their capacity to cope for a positive, balanced autonomous life in a collaborative manner!

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

I have experience working with children and adolescents from pre-school age to high schoolers with a mental health focus as well as supporting postpartum mothers, clients with speech-related disorders! Furthermore, I have experience working with individuals with autism, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities across the lifespan. My work has centered on navigating coping skills, trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, gender, LGBTQIA+, and racism-related stress issues.

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

I witnessed clients open up and learn more about themselves- from exploring new talents to being vulnerable to discuss unprocessed grief. Music brings about crying, laughing, and emotions in between that facilitate healing, safety, and connection in clients’ inner world that I am privileged to have been apart of.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love books and welcome any recommendations!

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.

Lorena Zachariades, M.A., MT-BC, graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a minor in Psychology. Lorena went on to complete the Music Therapy Equivalency Distance program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and graduated in December of 2022. Lorena attained her board certification in March 2023. Lorena then graduated from Saint Mary-of-the- Woods College in December of 2025 with a Masters of Arts Degree in Music Therapy. Lorena has also completed Level 1 training in Guided Imagery and Music (GIM). Lorena was formerly a music teacher, holding a teaching certification in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and taught orchestra and general music in New Jersey at various grade levels. As a music therapist, Lorena believes in the power music holds in supporting individuals and meeting them where they are.