Meet The Team
Amy Foley, MMT, LPMT, MT-BC
Founder, Co-Owner, Director of Business Operations
Virtual music therapy and therapeutic music lessons across the United States, along with clinical supervision, professional development, consultations, and presentations.
“Bringing in Amy has been transformative for every student there. Amy’s unique skillset and expertise engaging students with disabilities makes all the difference.”
I’ve been a Board Certified Music Therapist since 2011 and founded Heartstring Melodies in 2014 to bring personalized music therapy services to individuals, families, and communities throughout Northwest Ohio.
Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I love being able to combine creativity, connection, and advocacy into work that helps people feel supported, encouraged, and genuinely seen.
Alongside my work with Heartstring Melodies, I also serve as the Director of Music Therapy at the University of Indianapolis, where I teach and mentor future music therapists while continuing to advocate for the growth and recognition of music therapy as a profession.
No matter who I’m working with, my goal is always to create collaborative, meaningful experiences that honor each person’s unique strengths, goals, and way of engaging with the world.
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A session with me is adaptable to you, your child, or your group's needs in that moment.
I support people through creative music making, including songwriting, singing, instruments, and improv.
Some sessions are more active and playful. Others are calm, familiar, and grounding. It depends on your goals and what fits the moment!
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I started Heartstring Melodies in 2014
I play flute, guitar, piano, steel drum, and sing
I teach and mentor other music therapists
I married my high school sweetheart and have two kids
I enjoy sensory fidgets, drumming, and being outside in nature
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Professional Leadership
Director of Music Therapy at the University of Indianapolis
University educator and clinical supervisor for future music therapists
AMTA Assembly Delegate representing the Great Lakes Region
Mentor and supervisor for music therapy students and professionals
Qualifications
Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
Licensed Professional Music Therapist in Ohio (LPMT)
Bachelor of Music Therapy, Eastern Michigan University
Master of Music Therapy, Georgia College & State University
Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education
Advanced training in Sprouting Melodies® Early Childhood Music Therapy
Currently Pursuing:
Doctorate of Health Science
Certification in Trauma-Informed Music Therapy
See how we can be creative to reach your goals.
Lorna Spar, LPMT, MT-BC
Co-Owner, Director of Clinical Services
In-person music therapy and therapeutic music lessons in Findlay, and across Northwest Ohio, plus virtual services across the United States. Clinical supervision, consultations, professional development, and presentations available.
“Growing up with a sibling with intellectual and developmental
disabilities showed me how important early and diversified support really is, and how engagement in music making can impact confidence, joy, and self expression.”
Music has always been a big part of my life, growing up in a musical family. At the same time, growing up with my sibling, I saw how much the right kind of support matters, and how music reaches the whole individual where they are.
I found music therapy when I was trying to choose between special education and music education and realized it was exactly what I was looking for.
Now I support individuals across the lifespan in achieving various goals through music therapy, whether they are emotional, cognitive, sensory, motor, or communication related.
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A session with me feels comfortable, supportive, and is fully tailored around your preferred communication style and needs that day.
We might be singing, drumming, moving around, playing, creating, or trying something new to find what works best for you.
You don’t have to get it right, sit still, or explain everything. We figure it out as we go.
Some moments are playful and a little chaotic. Some are quiet and steady. Either way, we’re finding what actually helps you connect and express, and feel good.
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I love the color blue, especially anything that reminds me of water.
I coach high school and summer swim teams.
I’ve been playing Pokémon since Pokémon Sapphire and also love cozy games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley.
I love baking, especially family recipes.
I’ve been taking dance classes for fun for a few years.
I enjoy being outside whenever I can.
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Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
Licensed Professional Music Therapist in Ohio (LPMT)
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Cleveland State University
Experience working with neurodivergent individuals and different communication styles, including AAC
Experience working with children & teens
If you’re curious what this could look like for you…
Jaclyn Hotaling-O’Neill, MMT, LPMT, MT-BC
Marketing Manager
In-person music therapy and therapeutic music lessons in Toledo, Findlay, and across Northwest Ohio, plus virtual services across the United States. Clinical supervision, consultations, professional development, and presentations available.
“The joy she brings into the room is immediate and contagious. Students who often struggle to engage are smiling, participating, and fully immersed in the experience. Every session is thoughtfully designed, meeting students exactly where they are while gently stretching them toward growth — socially, emotionally, communicatively, and academically.”
Just as my own relationship with music offers me, I welcome participants to enter into a creative and musical space just as they are, without having to prepare or mask any parts of themselves.
I work primarily with kids and adolescents, supportingtheir creativity, self-esteem, self-expression, communication, meaningful social relationships, and more.
As a therapeutic resource, music can be an outlet, a sounding board, and a way to express and understand ourselves.
In our sessions, we'll work, create, and collaborate so that our time together is meaningful for your goals, interests, and strengths.
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A session with me feels real, relaxed, and a little bit like exhaling.
Want to sit on the floor? Go for it. Need a snack or a break? We can do that. Your needs are centred and prioritized so that you feel supported during your session.
In any given session, we may experiment playing new and familiar instruments, playing songs by your favorite artists, talking about your wins of the week, laughing at corny jokes (my favorite!), or writing a song to process a challenge you're facing. All of it is welcome. There are no wrong notes in music therapy, and there are no wrong ways to engage in your sessions.
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I adore my three cats and everything about them. They are like my children.
I run on coffee and music. It's like a 80/20 split somedays.
Parks and Rec is my favorite comfort show—its theme song played as my spouse and I cut the cake at our wedding!
I am in the process of turning my home office into an indoor oasis of plants.
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Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
Licensed Professional Music Therapist in Ohio (LPMT)
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, Seton Hill University
Master of Music Therapy (Counseling Concentration), Slippery Rock University
Find a space where you can truly be yourself.
Haley Smith, LPMT, MT-BC
In-person music therapy and therapeutic music lessons in Toledo, Findlay, and across Northwest Ohio, plus virtual services across the United States. Presentations also available.
“Families frequently share that the sessions offer peace, spark meaningful memories, and create a calming, supportive atmosphere during very difficult times. Their music therapy is truly a gift to our patients, families, and team.”
I got into this work because I wanted to help people feel more confident, capable, and supported in real life, whether that’s navigating a disability, behavioral health, or end of life care.
I’ve seen how easy it is to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next.
Music gives us a way to actually move through that, to connect, try new things, and build momentum instead of staying stuck.
And that shift, when someone starts to engage, gain confidence, and realize they can do more than they thought, is what keeps me doing this work.
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A session with me feels active, encouraging, and built around real human connection.
We use music and creativity to help you express what’s going on, communicate in ways that feel natural, and start moving forward.
I’ll meet you where you are, help you build confidence, and keep things going. We’ve got this.
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I love discovering a new hidden gem coffee shop.
I speak Spanish and have traveled to Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Guatemala.
I double majored in Music Education and Music Therapy.
I have a large extended family that I am very close with.
I am currently pursuing an MM in Vocal Pedagogy at BGSU.
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Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)
Licensed Professional Music Therapist in Ohio (LPMT)
Double major in Music Education and Music Therapy
Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and Music Education, Belmont University
Let’s do this!
Olivia Maveal, MTA, MT-BC, NMT
Administrative support, consultations, and client care coordination for individuals, families, and community partners.
“We are deeply grateful for the profound impact Heartstrings Melodies has on the overall well‑being of those we serve. Their music therapy is truly a gift to our patients, families, and team.”
In my work, I’ve supported children, adults, and older adults, including those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as individuals with communication or developmental differences.
I’ve seen how music can create a way to stay connected, even when words or memory feel harder to access.
This work matters to me because even small moments, a response, a smile, a shared rhythm, can mean something real to the individual and their loved ones.
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I'm scared of peanuts, because I'm allergic!
I love spending time in nature.
I believe that sushi is superior to ALL foods.
Singing is my favourite thing to do.
Obsessed with "The Office" and I watch it every day!
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Board certified and accredited music therapist
Bachelor of Music Therapy (Psychology Minor), Wilfrid Laurier University
Specialized training in Neurologic Music Therapy
If you’re looking for a calm, supportive place to start…