Our Team
Melissa Humphries, MT-BC, NMT
Founder/Neurologic Music Therapist
Specialties:
Support of total communication through sign language, AAC device, or verbally
Child Development
Autism and developmental disorders
Emotional Regulation
Academic goals
Supervision and mentorship
Melissa is a board-certified Music Therapist, and Founder/Clinical Director of Musical Bridges. She specializes in the treatment of individuals with autism and developmental disorders. She has been practicing since 2005 and holds a bachelor of Music Therapy degree from Tennessee Technological University. Melissa received additional training in Neurologic Music Therapy in 2022. Melissa has worked at numerous centers and schools that treat individuals with autism and related disabilities throughout Middle Tennessee.
Melissa has experience with a wide variety of clientele including autism, Cerebral Palsy, down syndrome, ADHD, learning differences, the elderly, physical rehabilitation, hearing impaired, visually impaired, and medical issues. She has a passion for the youngest learners as well as developing the child/parent and sibling bond.
Melissa has presented numerous workshops at the state level on topics including music therapy and autism and creative therapy processes. Melissa is involved in the state Music Therapy organization, previously serving as President and Treasurer. She serves on the Task Force to further advocacy. Melissa is a member of the American Music Therapy Association and the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
In her free time, she likes to travel with her husband and spend time outdoors.
Melissa currently resides in Brentwood, TN.
Lydia Lowery, MT-BC, NMT
Team Leader/Neurologic Music Therapist
Specialties:
Sensory regulation and coping skills
Autism and developmental disorders
Gestalt Language Processing
Expressive communication skills
Executive functioning skills
Leading social groups
Family and client resource creation
Lydia is a board-certified Music Therapist from Boaz, Alabama. She holds a bachelor of music in Music Therapy from Mississippi University for Women. Lydia received additional training in Neurologic Music Therapy in 2023. Lydia completed her internship at Easter Seals Midwest Autism services where she worked with a wide variety of clients varying in age, background, and abilities. She has experience with autism, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, and working in the school system.
Lydia brings a unique perspective to providing Music Therapy. She started her journey to becoming a Music Therapist after receiving Music Therapy in her teen years during treatment for cancer. Following remission, Lydia began her new path in the field of Music Therapy. Due to this introduction to the profession, Lydia is passionate about empowering clients through Music Therapy as her Music Therapist did for her. Lydia has worked for Musical Bridges since January 2023 as a staff therapist.
Outside of work, Lydia enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling to historic sites, and going to antique and thrift stores.
Lydia currently resides in Nashville, TN.
Tessa Burger, MT-BC
Staff Music Therapist
Tessa is a board-certified music therapist originally from Oregon, IL. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Music Therapy from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Tessa completed her internship with Higher Octave Healing in Tempe, Arizona, where she worked with clients in a variety of settings varying in age, background, and abilities. Her internship provided her diverse experiences, serving populations from early childhood development to children and adults with developmental disabilities, through Hospice and Palliative care. Tessa also completed Student Teaching in Iowa, working with kindergarten through 8th grade classrooms for general music and choir. She is a licensed educator in the state of Iowa and is looking to transfer her credentials to Tennessee.
With her diverse clinical experience, Tessa has provided services to individuals of all ages with autism, Down syndrome, developmental disabilities, visual impairments, Alzheimer's, dementia, behavioral disorders, and palliative care. Tessa is very passionate about the field and is looking forward to further training in Neurologic Music Therapy! She is very excited to be part of the team at Musical Bridges and looks forward to meeting and getting to know everyone!
In her spare time, Tessa can be found reading, baking, doing puzzles, or spending time with her family.
Tessa currently resides in Nashville, TN.
Meet the Board
Faith Zishiri- Secretary
Shawn Rachal- Treasurer
Wesley Williams- Vice President
Maggie Sandwith- Member
Raeya Chourasia- Junior Board
Melissa Humphries- President