Our Team
Christy Merrell, MT-BC (she/her)
Owner, Lead Music Therapist
Christy Merrell is a board certified music therapist earning her music therapy degree at Maryville University. She is a compassionate music therapist with nearly 20 years of experience in hospitals and healthcare settings, specializing in crisis intervention and brain injury care. She builds strong rapport with clients, assessing their strengths and needs to create personalized treatment plans. Using music to help clients create, sing, move, and listen, Christy helps them strengthen abilities that transfer to other areas of life. Beyond physical recovery, she has helped many clients find new ways to communicate when verbal expression is challenging.
Christy spent 15 years at St. Louis Children's Hospital as the first music therapist, bringing music therapy to children experiencing medical and emotional trauma at the request of doctors and surgical teams. She tirelessly advocated for music therapy in the heart and lung transplant, intensive care, and neurorehabilitation units, providing interventions to support children during procedures and aid in their recovery. In 2020, Christy founded Christy Merrell Music Therapy (CMMT) to expand access to music therapy for underserved children. She has successfully brought music therapy to migrant youth and those in the juvenile justice and welfare systems. Christy has presented regionally and nationally, advocating for the inclusion of music and expressive therapies in youth care.
Advocating and Advancing Music Therapy for Children
Senior Music Therapist
Amanda grew up in a music-oriented family, learning various instruments and participating in numerous music groups. Initially pursuing a degree in music education, she discovered her true passion was helping others find meaning in their lives and earned a degree in music therapy at Illinois State University. Amanda is dedicated to providing quality services to individuals with neurological, physical, mental, emotional, and intellectual challenges, promoting healing and enhancing quality of life. She recently completed her Master’s degree in Music Therapy at Maryville University and works with CMMT, providing sessions for youth who have experienced medical or emotional trauma.
Amanda Wick, MMT, MT-BC (she/her)
Music Therapist
Dustin is a board-certified music therapist with a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy and an Associate of Arts in Music. He completed his clinical internship at St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, leading individual and group sessions. Currently pursuing his Master’s in Music Therapy at Maryville University, Dustin is skilled in piano, guitar, percussion, and voice. He specializes in personalized, evidence-based interventions for clients of all abilities. Based in Jefferson County, he serves clients there and in St. Louis City and County. Dustin works with CMMT, providing group sessions for youth referred by the St. Louis City Family Courts.
Dustin Politte-Bender, MT-BC (he/him)
Music Therapy Staff
Music Therapist Assistant
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree in music therapy at Maryville University where he combined his prior experience in sound recording, mixing and reproduction technology with a passion to serve young children and youth. With a strong foundation in guitar, piano, and djembe, he uses his diverse music skills to create engaging and therapeutic experiences for young clients. Chris completed his music therapy internship with the St Louis Special School District implementing individual and group music therapy sessions. He works with CMMT providing group sessions for youth referred by the St Louis City Family Courts.
Chris Greenlee (he/him)
Music Therapist
Breann received her B.S. in Music Therapy from Maryville University and a B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University at Bloomington. She completed her clinical internship at the Saint Louis Forensic Treatment Center, where she led music therapy sessions and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams. Experienced with diverse populations including those with intellectual disabilities and mood disorders, Breann excels in integrating therapeutic practices with community engagement through her leadership in Community Music Therapy initiatives. Breann works with CMMT to provide group and individual sessions for children and women who have experienced trauma through domestic violence.
Breann Bartholemew, MT-BC (she/her)
Managing Director
As Managing Director of CMMT, Holly oversees financial, administrative and personnel functions. She partners with Christy to provide leadership and management of the organization’s growth and sustainability.
Holly brings a lifetime of experiences in organizational management, small and family business development, and facilitating and centering community and youth leadership. Throughout all her work she remains passionate and committed to advancing civil rights and taking action for social justice.
Holly Ingraham, MPPA (she/her)
Administrative Staff
Administrative and Creative Specialist
As part time Administrative and Creative Specialist, Josh provides bookkeeping, information technology, graphic design and administrative support. He also maintains the CMMT website and lends a hand where needed. Josh is a farmer at Rustic Roots Sanctuary, a Tattoo Artist – @Joshhtattoos – and brings his interests and passion for art, activism, and entrepreneurship!
