Our music therapists, from left to right: Jessica Smith, Rachel Rambach, Molly, Robitaille, Katey Kratz, Cicely McCain, Emma Harmon

Rachel Rambach grew up in Springfield, Illinois, where she participated in and studied all types of music from an early age. She completed her bachelor’s degree in voice performance at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and earned her first master’s degree in music therapy from Illinois State University. Her second master’s degree is in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield. Rachel began her career at the Hope Institute for Children & Families, where she designed and implemented its first-ever music therapy program. Rachel founded Listen & Learn Music, an online resource for music therapists and educators, and authored the book Innovative Income for Music Therapists: Beyond Direct Service & Private Practice. Rachel is a licensed professional counselor working with individuals (ages 7+), couples & families at her private practice, Counseling Connections.

Katey Kratz grew up in Channahon, Illinois. At a young age, Katey became actively engaged in music making of all kinds, taking guitar and voice lessons, performing and competing, and devoting herself to learning piano. She completed her bachelor’s degree in music therapy at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL where she graduated summa cum laude as college scholar and honors college scholar. Katey completed her internship at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL and is currently providing music therapy services through Music Therapy Connections and through St. John’s Children’s Hospital. She is a member of the Illinois Association for Music Therapy.

Emma Harmon grew up in Elgin, IL. She completed her bachelor’s degree in music therapy at Western Illinois University, and was awarded the distinctions of summa cum laude and School of Music Department Scholar. Emma’s primary instrument is voice, having experience in classical ensembles, vocal jazz, church music, and musical theatre. She also enjoys playing piano, guitar, and ukulele. Emma completed her music therapy internship here at Music Therapy Connections in 2019 and is thankful to be able to continue serving the Springfield area.

Molly Robitaille comes to Music Therapy Connections from Winsted, Connecticut. An avid musician and lover of the arts growing up, Molly participated in community theatre as well as choirs from a young age and performed with her high school’s symphonic band, jazz band, marching band, theatre department, and choir. Molly completed her bachelor’s degree in music therapy at Molloy University in Rockville Centre, New York in May of 2019 and immediately afterwards joined the MTC team and began her career as a music therapist. Molly is thrilled to continue to support Springfield and the surrounding communities and is passionate about connecting with others through music.

Cicely McCain is from Petersburg, Illinois. She attended Western Illinois University, majoring in Music Therapy with a minor in psychology, and received the distinction of Magna Cum Laude (as college scholar and honors college scholar). Cicely’s primary instruments are voice and trumpet, but she also plays piano, guitar, and ukulele. While in school, she participated in a number of ensembles including Marching Band, Concert Band, and University Singers. Currently, Cicely serves as the pianist and back-up guitarist for the worship team at Radiant Church in Springfield. She also has a pet gecko named Alexios (aka Lil A). 

Jessica Smith grew up in Springfield, Illinois where she became involved with music, dance, and theater from an early age. She completed her bachelor’s degree in music therapy, with a minor in psychology, at the University of Evansville, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. During her time at UE, she was involved in Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, and the UE Music Therapy Association. Jessica completed her internship at Bridgeway Academy in Columbus, Ohio and became a Board-Certified Music Therapist shortly after. She is thrilled to be back in her hometown and is actively involved in multiple music and theater organizations.

Emily Fleck  is from Athens and Greenview, Illinois. Emily comes from a musical family and was heavily involved in musical activities growing up, including contests, honor band and choir, and ILMEA district festivals. She participated in her school band and choir, took piano and saxophone lessons, and even learned a small amount of guitar and snare drum. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Music from Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, where she received the distinction of Summa Cum Laude and graduated Valedictorian of her class. Throughout her undergraduate career, Emily participated in the College band, choir, and a more elite a cappella group called Blackburn Voices. She also studied applied piano and voice. Her primary instruments are piano, voice, and saxophone. Additionally, Emily is pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies online and is projected to graduate on April 26th, 2025.

Matt Mifflin was born and raised in Springfield and has been a lifelong student of music. He began playing piano at the age of 3 and guitar at the age of 12. Matt spent 7 years in the Chicagoland area teaching students of all ages and abilities while performing in a variety of venues. His approach as an instructor is to tailor each lesson according to the individual’s age, ability and interest. Matt enjoys playing and learning to play any instrument he can get his hands on. Teaching music is his passion, and he’s excited to share it with students at Music Therapy Connections.

Sherri Mitchell received her B.A. in Theatre, summa cum laude, from the University of Illinois at Springfield in May 2019. While at UIS, Sherri studied voice with Dr. Lara Semetko-Brooks and Dr. Yichen Li and was a winner of the solo competition for 2017-18 and 2018-19. She also received a B.A. in Communications from Sangamon State University in 1982. In the years between degrees, Sherri performed as an actress and soprano in professional and community venues and maintained music studios for instruction in voice and piano. She continues to be active as an actress/singer in the Springfield area. One of her specific passions is developing one-woman shows for Chautauquas. In addition, Sherri is church pianist for The United Church of Christ Congregational in Jacksonville and plays cello in the UIS Orchestra. Sherri is the grateful mother of four wonderful children (and several fur babies, too!).

Donna Bull grew up all over the United States, but eventually graduated high school in Carol Stream, Illinois. She earned a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from Millikin University, graduating magna cum laude. Throughout high school and college, she participated in band, choir, musical theater, and jazz band, in addition to receiving vocal and instrumental lessons. For the past five years, Donna taught general music, band, and choir in public schools, working with students of all ages and skill levels. She has three years of experience giving private lessons outside of the classroom. Donna is currently the baritone section leader for the Sound Celebration Chorus through Sweet Adelines International and is a founding member of a trombone quartet.

Eliot Conner grew up in Columbus, Indiana. He is currently pursuing a BM in Piano Performance from Millikin University. He has been playing piano in recitals and competitions since he was five years old. He has also played in ensembles like his high school marching band and is currently in a chamber group at Millikin. He has loved music his whole life and is excited to be able to share it with others.

Skylar Collins began playing guitar at 12 years old, sparking a lifelong passion for music. She pursued her love of music by studying music therapy at Western Illinois University, where she continued to develop her skills and deepen her connection to the field. Skylar’s primary instrument is guitar, and she also enjoys playing piano, ukulele, electric guitar, and singing. She has experience across a variety of musical styles and settings and is excited to share her passion for music through her work.

Raymond Bassi has been pursuing music from a young age, studying traditional piano and guitar as a child. After high school, Raymond attended Texas State University North, where he studied piano performance, composition and arranging for big band, working with Dan Hearle and Bill Evans. Additionally, Raymond worked at Walt Disney Studios as a pianist and commercial writer in Dallas, Texas. Raymond then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying jazz performance and commercial arranging. Raymond has experience working in numerous studios writing, arranging and performance all manner of music and has also performed in live shows and with bands all over the country. Teaching has also been a large part of Raymond’s musical journey and he has taught in grade schools and in private institutions and mentored hundreds of students in all styles of music as well as music theory. Studying all aspects of music has been the greatest challenge and teaching music has been the greatest gift.