Lauren’s passion for music therapy began with a love for the creative and emotional power of music. In high school, her orchestra teacher offered an after-school music composition class where students learned music theory and the process of composing a piece from the first idea to the finished product. Lauren especially loved using music as a way to express her stories and emotions. Each spring, professional musicians would perform the students’ original compositions at a recital. Hearing her own ideas brought to life—and meeting audience members afterward and hearing how her music impacted them—was a transformative experience that deepened her belief in music’s ability to connect, communicate, and create meaningful experiences.

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Lauren joined the Alliance Music Therapy team in July 2026 as an independent contractor, helping expand our team’s reach and provide music therapy services to additional populations. She graduated from Illinois State University and completed her music therapy internship at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Lauren earned her Music Therapist–Board Certified (MT-BC) credential in May 2024 and is currently pursuing NICU Music Therapy certification. She brings experience working with pediatric and NICU populations and a strong interest in supporting clients and families through music.

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Lauren plays guitar and piano and grew up playing clarinet. During college, she discovered a love for classical singing and joined a choir for the first time. She particularly enjoys incorporating unique, accessible instruments into her sessions, including tone chimes and tongue drum, which are inviting and beginner-friendly for clients of all musical backgrounds.

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One fascinating thing about Lauren is that she has synesthesia—for her, listening to music is a colorful experience! She hears different musical keys as different colors, giving her a unique and highly personal way of experiencing music.

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Outside of music therapy, Lauren enjoys journaling, going on walks, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends and family. She brings curiosity, creativity, and a genuine appreciation for each person’s unique story to her work as a music therapist.