The Board of Directors provides overall governance for the Association, making final management decisions, setting long-range goals and objectives, and overseeing the budget and responsible stewardship of Association funds. The Board consists of eleven voting members both elected and appointed: President, President Elect, Immediate Past President, Vice President, Vice President Elect, two DEIAJ Representatives, and four Representatives elected by and from the Assembly of Delegates. The Secretary, Treasurer, Council Coordinators, Regional President Representative, Historian, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be ex officio members without the right to vote.
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors —made up of the President, President Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary/Treasurer, Speaker of the Assembly, and the CEO (ex officio)—is charged with addressing time-sensitive business in the name of the Board and reporting such transactions back to the Board of Directors.
The Executive Committee members for the 2026-27 term are:
- Leslie Orozco Henry, President
- Angie Snell, Immediate Past President
- Brian Jantz, President Elect
- BriAnne Weaver, Speaker of the Assembly
- Secretary, TBD
- Megan McCausland, Treasurer
- Peter Bendoris, CEO (currently Interim COO) ex officio
Remaining Board in alphabetical order by last name:
- Nicole Bowen, President Elect
- Becky Engen, Council Coordinator on Education and Clinical Training
- Leigh Ann Foor, Alternate GLR
- Krista Cole-Furstenberg, Assistant Speaker, GLR
- Nicole Hahna, Fellow of the Association for Music & Imagery, Assembly Delegate, MAR
- Dr. Marta Hernández-Candelas, PhD, MT-BC, Vice President Elect
- Mia Iliopoulos Krings, MM, LPMT, MT-BC, Council Coordinator on Professional Services
- Della Molloy-Daugherty, Ph.D., MT-BC, Council Coordinator on Association Services
- Laurie Peebles, PhD, LPMT, MT-BC, Alternate SER
- Corinne Pickett, MA, SCMT, MT-BC, Alternate WRAMTA
- Steven Franco-Santiago MA, MT-BC, Assembly Delegate-SER
- Lauren Stoner, MA, MT-BC, Alternate MAR
Meet the 2026-2027 AMTA Board of Directors
Leslie Orozco Henry, MM, MT-BC (she/her) - President
Leslie is employed with Alverno College as the Program Director and Associate Professor of Music Therapy. She has worked in various settings, including behavioral health inpatient hospitals, hospice, multigenerational daycare, a community music school, and physical rehabilitation/skilled nursing settings. Many of these positions utilized non-profit models where Leslie has written grants, sought contracts, and managed and created budgets. In addition, she has also served as her local Marching Band, and Music Parents' Booster clubs President for several years. At Alverno, she teaches a grant writing course for music therapists in their graduate program. Leslie has served in state, regional, and national roles all her student and professional life. Her goal is to help AMTA shift the budget formula to one that is equitable, transparent, accessible, and sustainable.
Angela M. Snell, MSEd, MT-BC (she/her) – Past President
Angie is a school music therapist and educational consultant from Monroe, Michigan. She specializes in music therapy services in least restrictive environments, assessment, and special education law. She is an experienced change agent with graduate degrees in Educational Leadership and Special Education Administration. She has served in local, state, regional, and national leadership roles inside and outside of our field. In addition to AMTA President, she serves on the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapists Associations (NCCATA), Michigan Music Therapy Task Force, Michigan Music Education Association’s Inclusive Instruction Committee, and she is the Professional Development Coordinator for Roman Music Therapy Services.
Brian Jantz, M.A., MT-BC, LPMT, President Elect
\Brian is an Associate Professor in Berklee College of Music’s Music Therapy Department and an experienced clinician, educator, and researcher with over 26 years in the field. A member of Berklee’s first graduating class of music therapists in 1998, he began teaching at the college in 2009 and earned his M.A. and full-time faculty status in 2017.
His extensive clinical background includes pediatric medical and adult psychiatric/rehabilitation settings. For over twenty years, Jantz held a clinical and supervisory role at Boston Children’s Hospital, providing patient care, supporting interns and practicum students, conducting research, and contributing to program development.
An active contributor to the field, Jantz has presented nationally and internationally at conferences such as the International Association for Music and Medicine (IAMM), Expressive Therapies Summit, World Music Conference (UK), Creative Care Summit (CAN), and SIGMA/ANPD Global Nursing Webinar. He has also contributed to Berklee’s global initiatives, teaching a master class on music and well-being in Abu Dhabi and presenting at the 2024 Music Summit. Jantz recently co-authored a chapter on music therapy in The Encyclopedia of Mental Health Trainings, Certifications, & Credentials, and is currently completing a chapter for an upcoming Oxford University Press book on clinical improvisation.
Jantz’s leadership within the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) reflects his deep commitment to the future of the profession. He has served as Assembly Speaker, President of the New England Region, and currently represents the region on the Association Internship Approval Committee (AIAC). Through his teaching, clinical work, and service, Jantz continues to advocate for innovation, equity, community care, and transformative collaboration in music therapy practice, education, and organizational leadership.
BriAnne Weaver, MM, MT-BC (she/her) Speaker of the Assembly
BriAnne is a music therapist at Cadenza Center for Psychotherapy and the Arts in Hollywood, FL. She has a wealth of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, with multiple and varying diagnoses and diverse levels of ability, across the entire lifespan. BriAnne previously directed a National Roster Music Therapy Internship for over a decade, and is currently serving as a co-chair of AMTA’s Workforce Development and Retention Committee. She holds a Master’s Degree in Music, with an emphasis in Music Therapy, from the University of Miami, and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology from the College of William and Mary.
Secretary - TBD
Megan McCausland, MPA, MT-BC (she, her) -Treasurer
Megan has been a board certified music therapist since 2013 and resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Megan received her BM from the University of Dayton in 2012 and her Master's of Public Administration with a concentration in non-profit management from Ohio University in 2021. Megan currently works for the Cleveland Clinic as the Therapeutic Programming Supervisor for creative arts and recreational therapists in the Center for Behavioral Health as well as continued clinical work as a music therapist and intern supervisor within this role. Megan has worked in school settings, community based music therapy, behavioral health and served on the Ohio Music Therapy Task Force. Megan is passionate about program development, music therapy in mental health, innovation, and supporting the future2. Jeffrey Angell, MT-BC, LCAT (he, him, his) – Secretary of music therapy.
P
eter Bendoris, CEO (currently Interim COO) ex officio
Peter Bendoris, our Interim Chief Operating Officer, also serves as a Regional Managing Director for Newpoint Advisors Corporation, a nationwide financial advisory and turnaround firm. Peter works with lower middle market businesses, their business owners, C-level executives, investors, and other stakeholders. Peter has been with Newpoint Advisors for 6 years.
Prior to Newpoint, Peter spent over 27 years in commercial banking and economic development in various roles for 6 different banks and the Vermont Economic Development Authority. He has advised and financed businesses from startups into the middle market over the entirety of his career.
Peter attended Babson College and Northeastern University.
REMAINING BOARD in Alphabetical order (by last name)
Nicole Bowen, MMT, LPMT, MT-BC, President Elect
Nicole Bowen has been a practicing Music Therapist for over 20 years. She has worked in a variety of populations over the years with a special emphasis in both mental health and special education. Nicole currently serves as the music therapist for St. Coletta’s of Greater Washington. She received her undergraduate degree in Music Therapy at Florida State University and her graduate degree from Loyola University New Orleans. Nicole currently resides in the Washington D.C. Metro area with her husband and two children. She is passionate about bringing humanistic music therapy to everyone.
Becky Engen, PhD, MT-BC, Council Coordinator on Education and Clinical Training
Becky Engen's experience as a clinician, internship director, educator, author, and consultant span nearly 40 years. She has extensive service to the profession as a state President, Regional Committee Chairs, and nationally on committees for both CBMT and AMTA, including SAAB, Continuing Education, Advocacy, APAC, and the Assembly. Her passion for education and professional advocacy, paired with her experience and desire to move the profession forward are a strong match for her role as Council Coordinator for Education and Clinical Training.
Leigh Ann Foor, [credentials] Alternate GLR
Krista Cole-Furstenberg, MS, MT-BC, Assistant Speaker, GLR
Krista is a lecturer of music therapy and clinical coordinator at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Her academic priorities have focused around learning more about informal supports for students and universal design for learning. She has research published in Music Therapy Perspectives on multi-sensory music therapy with autistic children. Outside of academia, she is a pediatric music therapist and enjoys providing private music lessons in her community. Krista’s passion for disability rights and desire to make the profession a more accessible one along with her strong belief in community care has motivated her to serve at the state, regional, and national level over the years. Currently, she also serves as the Great Lakes Region (GLR) representative for the AMTA Workforce Development and Retention (WDR) Committee, is part of the Faculty Steering Committee, and serves on multiple GLR Strategic Planning Committees. Krista is looking forward to bringing her knowledge and experience as a clinician, researcher, and educator to the Board of Directors and advocating for her music therapy community.
Nicole Hahna, PhD, MT-BC, Fellow of the Association for Music & Imagery, Assembly Delegate, MAR
Nicole Hahna, PhD, MT-BC, is a Fellow of the Association of Music & Imagery and Associate Professor at Slippery Rock University, where she serves as the Coordinator of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program at SRU.
Dr. Marta Hernández-Candelas, PhD, MT-BC, Vice President Elect
Marta is a music therapist, educator, and arts leader with over twenty years of experience in music therapy, music education, and community-based wellness initiatives. She is an Associate Professor at the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, where she contributes to higher education programs and initiatives related to music therapy degree pathways.
Dr. Hernández-Candelas brings strong experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, grant development, and program evaluation. Her work focuses on access, equity, and culturally responsive practice, serving children, families, older adults, veterans, and underserved communities through music therapy and educational programs inspired in the Suzuki philosophy.
She is committed to ethical leadership, collaboration, and advocacy, and values accountability, excellence, and integrity in board service. Her professional values align closely with the mission of the American Music Therapy Association, and she is dedicated to supporting music therapists, strengthening the profession, and advancing the role of music therapy in health, education, and community wellbeing.
Mia Iliopoulos Krings, MM, LPMT, MT-BC, Council Coordinator on Professional Services
Mia Iliopoulos Krings, MM, LPMT, MT-BC is the Clinical Supervisor with Greater Chicago Music Therapy, Inc. which serves adults with dementia, neurodiversity and disabilities, various neurological disorders, and end of life care. There, she facilitates individual and group sessions, supervises team music therapists, interns, and practicum students, helps with new program development, and often presents about music therapy in the community. Mia's clinical work focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Parkinson's disease, in addition to end of life care and other neurologic, vocal, and respiratory functionality. Additionally, Mia serves as Past President of the Illinois Association for Music Therapy and works closely with the government relations team for licensure and reimbursement efforts in the state. Mia also serves as a GLR Representative on the Assembly of Delegates, previously Speaker of the Assembly, and has volunteered on regional conference planning committees. She is a frequent presenter at conferences and surrounding Midwest universities on topics including person-centered care, leadership, dementia care, harmonica protocols, various neurological disorders and rehabilitation, hospice music therapy, and becoming a new professional. In March 2023, Mia was awarded the inaugural Nancy Swanson Service Award from the Illinois Association for Music Therapy for her dedicated service to the profession.
Della Molloy-Daugherty, Ph.D., MT-BC, Council Coordinator on Association Services
Della Molloy-Daugherty is currently Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Music Therapy at Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX. She completed her bachelors and masters degrees at the University of Kansas, and her PhD at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Della has 30 years' clinical experience in adult neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics, and working with children with blindness/visual impairment. Throughout her career, Della has served on various national and regional committees (Midwestern and Southwestern regions), as well as the AMTA Assembly of Delegates and the Texas State Task Force for State Recognition of Music Therapy. Her most recent service was on AMTA's Competency Review Task Force.
Laurie Peebles, PhD, LPMT, MT-BC, Alternate SER
Laurie Peebles is currently the Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Graduate Coordinator at Georgia College & State University. She received a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy and a Master’s of Music in Music Education at Converse University and a Doctor of Philosophy in music education with an emphasis in music therapy at the University of Miami. Her clinical experiences include working with exceptional individuals, patients in varied medical settings, and supervising collegiate music therapy students. In 2019, Laurie was the recipient of the AMTA Music Therapy Perspectives Graduate Research Award for her research study “Trends in Music Therapy Preprofessional Supervision: A Systematic Review”. Her research on music therapy reimbursement practices in the United States has been published in Music Therapy Perspectives. Her additional research interests include personality and supervision, and veteran identity. She has been serving as Continuing Education Chair of the SER-AMTA since 2020. In addition, she has served as an AMTA Assembly Delegate representative for the SER and 3rd alternate speaker for the 2024-2025 term and is looking forward to continuing to serve for the 2026-2027 term as 1st alternate speaker of the assembly.
Corinne Pickett, MA, SCMT, MT-BC, Alternate WRAMTA
Corinne Pickett is a temporary instructor of music therapy at Utah State University. She owned and operated a private practice in Eastern Idaho for 7 years before joining the faculty at USU. She is currently serving as the WRAMTA President-Elect, UAMT Continuing Education Chair, and is excited about serving as an assembly member alternate on the AMTA Board of Directors. Corinne is passionate about advocating for the field of music therapy and continuing the mission of AMTA.
Steven Franco-Santiago MA, MT-BC, Assembly Delegate-SER
Steven Franco-Santiago has over 9 years of experience as a music therapist specializing in mental health. Franco earned his master’s degree in music therapy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and his bachelor’s in music performance from the Conservatory of Music in Puerto Rico. Currently, he works at the Veterans Hospital in San Juan PR, as the first music therapist at this institution. In this setting, he works with multiple populations providing individual and group music therapy sessions. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at the conservatory of music of Puerto Rico teaching the course “Philosophy and Principles of Music Therapy Study”. Previously, Franco worked as a music therapist at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero CA, a maximum security forensic psychiatric facility. He has had the opportunity to present at regional, national, and international conferences.
Lauren Stoner, MA, MT-BC, Alternate MAR
Lauren Stoner, MA, MT-BC. Serves as an alternate to the AMTA Board of Directors. She is also currently serving as the Secretary of the MAR-AMTA. She works at an acute mental health hospital and partial hospitalization program in Pennsylvania.