MELISSA SOMMERS, MM, MT-BC
CEO/Owner
Board-Certified Music Therapist #08171
Neurologic Music Therapist
Melissa Sommers became a board-certified music therapist in 2006. She received her bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and her master's degree in Music, with a focus in Neurologic Music Therapy, from Colorado State University in 2013. Shortly thereafter, she started Harmonic Changes (Previously known as Meli Music).
Melissa's introduction into the world of music therapy happened at a very young age. Her youngest sister was born with a brain tumor. Over the few years they had together, Melissa and her sister formed a very unique and strong relationship, through music. On the toughest of tough days, Melissa quickly discovered the only way her sister would calm down was through playing piano for her. Melissa realized she needed to start with her sister's preferred music, and wait for her to rock to the beat. Once she was regulated and in a calmer state, then Melissa could branch into practicing her piano. After the passing of her sister, Melissa has been passionate about using music to support others using the unique power and connection of music.
QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced Trainings, Certifications and Memberships
NEUROLOGIC MUSIC THERAPY
February 2021
PRENATAL MUSIC THERAPY
December 2020
BIRTH MUSIC CONSULTATION
October 2020
POSTPARTUM MUSIC THERAPY
August 2020
BONNY METHOD GUIDED IMAGERY (INTERMEDIATE)
June 2018
CREATIVE ARTS BIRTHING CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR WORKSHOP
January 2018
ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION FOR MUSIC THERAPISTS
2018 - Present
GREAT LAKES REGION AMERICAN MUSIC THERAPY ASSOCIATION MEMBER
2018 - Present
MUSIC THERAPY ASSISTED CHILDBIRTH
September 2017
DIR® INTERMEDIATE PRACTITIONER
September 2014
NEUROLOGIC MUSIC THERAPY
February 2012
ICDL REGIONAL INSTITUTE DIR® LEVEL B
March 2011
WESTERN REGION AMERICAN MUSIC THERAPY ASSOCIATION MEMBER
2008 - Present
MUSIC THERAPIST-BOARD CERTIFIED
December 2006
AMERICAN MUSIC THERAPY ASSOCIATION MEMBER
2006 - Present