Board-Certified Music Therapist/Licensed
NICU-MT, NMT

Emily is the founder and director of Music Therapy in Motion, LLC (MTIM). She has been practicing for 15+ years. She started MTIM out of a desire to help individuals with disabilities, adults and children live their fullest lives while engaging in music. Emily has witnessed individuals speak for the first time, move their bodies after trauma, regain walking skills, and literally come to life through appropriate music therapy stimulation. Emily has been a part of the first days of life in the NICU and offered support at the last hours of life.

Emily has pioneered music therapy throughout rural North Dakota, and was one of the first graduating classes of the University of North Dakota’s Music Therapy program. She began her career out of her car, traveling over 900 miles a week spreading the works of MT to rural ND. She has provided music therapy in the schools, developmental day programs, hospitals, mental health and addiction centers, skilled nursing and memory care homes. She has developed many programs, created MT jobs for students, and been a strong advocate for the MT profession at the state, regional and national level.

Emily was influential in the ND state licensure for Music Therapists and testified as part of the task force, leading to licensure in 2012. Emily has been the government appointed MT on the board for the past 5 years and currently serves currently as the NDBIHC Chair. Emily has served on the American Music Therapy Association Government Relations committee, and traveled to Washington DC to advocate for the Profession in the Arts Day.

Emily loves helping individuals one beat at a time. She has served thousands of individuals throughout her career and is passionate about the power of music. She currently practices in Fargo-Moorhead and the surrounding communities. She currently uses music to engage elders and adults in reminiscence, enhance quality of life for those struggling with isolation, anxiety and depression, she helps individuals tap into unresolved trauma and process it through music making, song writing and creative art processes. She has just launched offering legacy projects, making heartbeat recordings for individuals with terminal illness, hospice, heart transplant patients or maternal patients.

Emily lives in Fargo with her husband, two children and dog. She can be found at the lake in the summer on the pontoon, watching sunsets and drinking coffee. In the winter she can be found spinning yarn, knitting or creating art with clay, fabric or various art mediums.