Allison Jarrell, LPMT, MT-BC And Founder Of Metro Music Makers
Allison received a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Florida State University, one of the top music therapy programs in the U.S., with honors (cum laude). She completed her internship at San Antonio State Hospital, the state mental health facility in San Antonio, TX. Allison has been board-certified since 1997 and has worked with individuals of all ages ranging from neonates to geriatrics. She has worked with a broad spectrum of populations including mental health, early intervention, special needs, autism spectrum, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s and abuse victims.
Kristen Van Dyke, LPMT, MT-BC
Kristen Van Dyke has a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Delaware, and a Master of Arts in Music Therapy from Immaculata University. She is a music therapist and vocal instructor who has taught private lessons as well as choirs. Before coming to Georgia and Metro Music Makers, Kristen worked as a music therapist in two children’s hospitals and a private practice specializing in children with learning disabilities in New Jersey. She is a member of the American Music Therapy Association and the Phi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.
Kristen teaches voice and piano and also works as a music therapist at Metro Music Makers. “I love having a piece of my heart in both the music education world and the music therapy world,” she says. “I know how influential music has been in my own life, and I love helping my students discover their own journey with music and the role that it can play in their own lives.”
Kristen is known for her corny jokes and funny voices, which she uses in her quest to make music accessible to everyone while keeping them laughing in the process. She is also a huge Harry Potter fan who loves musical theater.
Annie Summar, MT-BC
A piano student herself starting at the age of six, Annie is now a board-certified music therapist, as well as a piano, guitar and ukulele instructor. She is trained in classical music but also enjoys venturing out of classical.
Annie meets her students where they are and is able to adapt to various styles and needs. “I want to help my students develop a passion for music and find their voice just as I did,” she shares. She also implores her students to trust themselves and their musical abilities. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough,” she encourages them.
Annie has run 11 half marathons (soon to be 12!), and is taking on a full marathon next. She loves to read, explore the outdoors, and spend time with her family and friends. A lover of travel, she’s been to been to 27 states and seven countries. Her favorite music tends to be singer-songwriters and alternative rock, and she especially loves to listen to The Band CAMINO, LANY, Sleeping at Last, Ben Rector, and Judah & The Lion.
Sara Demlow, LPMT, MT-BC
Sara received her Bachelor of Music Therapy from Georgia College, where she graduated magna cum laude. She completed her music therapy internship at Therabeat, Inc. Sara has experience in a variety of clinical and educational settings. She is currently a provider at Jacob’s Ladder, implementing their Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care to students with varying disabilities, along with working as a music therapist at Metro Music Makers.
Sara’s background is in vocal performance, but she also has played the clarinet for over 10 years. In addition to working as a music therapist, Sara also teaches beginner piano, ukulele, guitar, and voice.
Before starting at Metro Music Makers and Jacob’s Ladder, Sara worked as a music therapist at the Ridgeview Institute in Smyrna, Georgia, working with patients ranging from 13 to 100 years old with varying mental health and psychiatric needs.
“I want to provide my students and music therapy clients a place where they feel safe to grow and work on their goals,” she shares. “We all flourish when we are seen and loved for who we are at our core.”
Some of Sara’s favorite styles of music are musical theatre and folk/indie. She loves to cook and bake, play video games, and cuddle with her kitty, Percy.
