Our Team
Christy Merrell, MT-BC (she/her)
Owner & Clinical Director, Sr. Music Therapist
Christy is a board certified music therapist and owner of CMMT. She earned her music therapy degree from Maryville University and brings 20+ years of experience in hospital and healthcare settings, where she specialized in crisis intervention. As Clinical Director, she supervises staff, leads clinical operations, and partners with CMMT’s collaborating agencies to expand expressive therapy services and community programming. Christy also provides a limited number of music therapy sessions while continuing to strengthen organizational partnerships and advocates to improve access to expressive therapies for youth and families.
Advocating and Advancing Music Therapy for Children
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.
Art and Music Therapy Staff
Amanda Wick, MMT, MT-BC (she/her)
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 is a board certified music therapist in Missouri and Illinois.
Breann Bartholomew, MT-BC (she/her)
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 worked collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams. Breann is pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is in training to facilitate sessions using The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. Breann works with CMMT to provide group and individual sessions for children and women who have experienced trauma through domestic violence.
Silvino Don, MT-BC (he/him)
Music Therapist
Silvino earned his bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Sam Houston State University. He completed his clinical internship at Texas Children’s Hospital as the hospital’s first bilingual music therapy intern. Silvino has experience working with school-aged children, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, adults in behavioral health, and older adults in memory care. He currently works with CMMT to provide music therapy sessions to migrant youth, as well as individuals with childhood-onset heart conditions and their caregivers. In fall 2026, he will begin graduate studies in social work.
Chris Greenlee
(he/him)
Music Therapist
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 and individual sessions for youth referred by the St Louis City Family Courts.
Joy Holt, LPC, ATR (she/her)
Art Therapist
Joy is a licensed counselor, art therapist, educator, and artist. She supports individuals, groups, and families using trauma-sensitive and Theraplay®-informed approaches. Joy holds a Master of Arts in Art Therapy Counseling from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute. She believes creativity is an innate source of resilience and healing, and that art offers a gentle pathway to self-expression and connection. Joy works with CMMT to provide group and individual art therapy for children and adults.
Sylvia Phillips, MT-BC (she/her)
Music Therapist
Sylvia is a board-certified music therapist who earned her degree in Music Therapy from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. She completed her clinical internship with Christy Merrell Music Therapy, gaining experience in both individual and group settings. With over 10 years of experience teaching violin and piano and a background as a foster parent, Sylvia is passionate about supporting children. She provides music therapy for children with Down Syndrome and those who have experienced trauma, using music to foster healing, growth, and connection.
Sylvia Adzoh
(she/her)
Music Therapy Intern
Sylvia is in the process of earning her bachelor’s degree in music therapy at Maryville University and is completing her music therapy internship with Christy Merrell Music Therapy (CMMT). She has over five years of experience as a music teacher and has completed clinical practicums in speech therapy, neurorehabilitation, and hospice care. Sylvia brings a calm, trauma-informed approach to her work and is passionate about using music and movement, clinical songwriting, improvisation, and the iso principle to support emotional regulation and create emotionally safe therapeutic spaces.
Administrative Staff
Holly Ingraham, MPPA (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.
Josh Hagene (he/him)
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!