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, where she graduated summa cum laude. Rachel went on to earn her master’s degree in music therapy from Illinois State University, again receiving top honors. She began her career at the Hope Institute for Children & Families, where she designed and implemented its first-ever music therapy program. Rachel is the founder of Listen & Learn Music, an online resource for music therapists and educators, and author of the book Innovative Income for Music Therapists: Beyond Direct Service & Private Practice. Rachel is currently working towards a second master’s degree in marriage, couples, and family counseling at University of Illinois – Springfield.

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 completed her bachelor’s degree in music therapy at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, New York. Molly completed her internship in the Western Suffolk BOCES school district in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Molly’s primary instrument is the oboe, though she also plays the piano, guitar, saxophone, and ukulele. Molly is excited to join the Music Therapy Connections team and put down roots in the Midwest.

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). 

Matt Collins Matt Collins grew up in Rochester, Illinois and has been passionate about music since childhood. He holds a bachelors degree in Business Management from Western Illinois University where he minored in instrumental music, served as president of WIU’s student S.H.R.M. chapter, and was an active member of the honors management fraternity, Sigma Iota Epsilon. He is a former member of the Springfield Municipal Band, Lincoln Land Community College Jazz Band, Taylorville Municipal Jazz Band, and currently serves on vocals and guitar for his church’s worship team at West Side Christian Church in Springfield. Outside of his musical endeavors, Matt works in an educational role with SIU School of Medicine and lives in Chatham with his wife, Kristin, and their 3 kids; Lia, Elise, and Judah.

Laurie Lewis-Fritz is a voice, piano, and percussion instructor at MTC. She is also an Adjunct Instructor of Music at Lincoln Land Community College, where she teaches Music Appreciation and private voice and piano lessons, and an Adjunct Instructor of Voice at Blackburn College, where she teaches voice classes and voice lessons. Prior to this, she was the Lead Faculty for Vocal Performance at Lincoln College and the Director of Music at MacMurray College, where she implemented the Minor in Music. Ms. Lewis-Fritz has taught, performed, and music directed across the United States and internationally, and her vocal arrangements have been performed across the Midwest. Ms. Lewis-Fritz holds a Master of Music in Opera/Music Theater with an emphasis on music directing and conducting and a Bachelor of Arts in Music, both from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She is a proud member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

Robert Reynolds has been teaching and performing music in Central Illinois for the last 10 years. A graduate of Lincoln Christian University, Robert is most well-known for his work as the guitarist for area band Fun DMC as well as the music director at Central Baptist Church. In addition, Robert has kept a regular roster of guitar and bass students since 2008. Robert’s approach to teaching works within each student’s respective needs and goals and shapes curriculum based on the individual. When not on stage or in the studio Robert enjoys spending time with his wife, Laura and their two children, Audrey and Jack and their dog, Biscuit. Outside of music, Robert enjoys writing, running, CrossFit, 8-bit video games, and summer nights spent at the drive-in.

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!).

Emily Fleck grew up in Athens, Illinois. Emily comes from a musical family, and from a young age she learned to sing and play piano and saxophone. 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 experience, Emily participated in the college band, choir, and the elite a cappella group Blackburn Voices. She also took private piano and voice lessons. Emily is excited to join the Music Therapy Connections team, and has plans to further her education by earning a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies in the future.

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 principal flute in Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Flute Ensemble. She was also actively involved in leading organizations such as the UE Music Therapy Association and Student Christian Fellowship. Jessica completed her internship at Bridgeway Academy in Columbus, Ohio and is quite excited to continue her music therapy career at Music Therapy Connections. 

Ally Perko grew up in Springfield, Illinois where she participated in band, choir, and musical theater from a young age. Ally’s focus is vocal performance although she also plays saxophone, guitar, ukulele, and piano. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music arts from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois, and then a master’s and equivalency degree in music therapy from The University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. She graduated as a member of the honors society and was a member of women’s a cappella. Ally then completed her internship at Snohomish County Music Project in Everett, Washington and spent a year working as a music therapist with teens in a residential mental health facility in Denver, Colorado. Ally is happy to be living back in her hometown, where she is a member of the choir at the Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist congregation.