Meet The Team
Julie Cassity, MS, MT-BC
Music Therapist, Executive Director
Julie Cassity, MS, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist who has experience with a variety of populations including developmental disabilities and geriatrics. She also has experience in mental health and maintains licensure as a professional counselor. Julie opened The Center for Music Therapy and Wellness, located on the Drury University campus in 2002. This has grown into a significant practice, providing services to many individuals in the greater Springfield area as well as providing training opportunities for the music therapy majors at Drury University. She serves as instructor of music therapy at Drury, teaching Field Studies and overseeing student practicum experiences in music therapy settings. In 2013, Julie founded Music Therapy of the Ozarks, a non-profit with a mission of providing scholarships to individuals and programs in the community that could not afford music therapy and building community awareness of the benefits of music therapy.
Julie has co-authored the book, Multimodal Psychiatric Music Therapy as well as a published article in the Journal of Music Therapy. She has also presented at regional and national conferences.
Prior to her work in Springfield, Missouri, Julie worked in the areas of music therapy and mental health in the state of Oklahoma. She received a B.S. in music therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 1986, and a Master’s in Psychology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1991.
Music Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Morgan L. Robertson, MT-BC has been a contracted music therapist at The Center for Music Therapy and Wellness since 2011, providing over 25 music therapy sessions weekly. In 2000, she received a degree in Musical Theater from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. After several years of working as a singer/dancer, Morgan attended Drury University to obtain certification in music therapy. She completed an internship in the public school district in Lawrence, Kansas, and was awarded a Bachelor’s Equivalency in Music Therapy from Drury University as well as earning her credentials as an MT-BC in 2011. Morgan provides music therapy sessions for Art Inspired Academy, as well as many other individuals and groups, served both at the clinic and in the community. Some populations she serves, in addition to those with developmental disabilities, includes geriatric sessions at Assisted Living Facilities, and the youth of Greene County who are involved with the Juvenile Justice Department.
Deborah Hartwig
Clinical Manager
Deborah Hartwig has been of member of the Springfield community for over 25 years. She has a strong background in marketing, customer service, communication and community service. Working with a large International video/marketing production company, Deborah gained experience in broadcast production and promotions management. Deborah specializes in the development and implementation of organizational strategies, policies and practices. She has excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style. Her goal is to support and promote music therapy services provided by the Center for Music Therapy and Wellness.
Morgan Robertson, MT-BC
Proctor Lankford, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Proctor Lankford, MT-BC graduated with a degree in music therapy from the University of Kansas in 2021. She is originally from Seneca, Missouri, where her love for music began at a young age. Her clinical experiences include working with adults with disabilities, children with disabilities, typically developing children, and adults in an acute medical setting. Throughout her education and into her professional career, Proctor has maintained a passion in creating an inclusive and creative clinical environment for the clients she works with. In her free time, Proctor can be found painting, journaling, or enjoying a cup of tea with a good book.
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Taylor Corcoran, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Taylor J. Corcoran, MT-BC, a native of Springfield, Missouri, has been providing music therapy and music services to a variety of populations since 2016. Taylor grew up playing music with her family and church community, feeling called to use her passion for music to help others. She discovered the vast impact of music on the whole person as she completed her bachelor’s degree in music therapy and minor in psychology at Drury University. Taylor then completed an extensive six-month internship at AdventHealth Orlando Hospital in Florida and obtained her certification in music therapy. Taylor previously worked at the Center for Music Therapy and Wellness from 2016 to 2018, before moving with her husband to the Washington D.C. area. There, she worked at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, providing music therapy services on their inpatient behavioral health unit and as a worship director at their local church. After moving back to Springfield in 2022, she was honored to return to the Center for Music Therapy and Wellness where she now provides services to individuals and groups, serviced both at the clinic and in the community. Taylor is passionate about providing each client with individualized services, using current research to inform evidence-based practices, and utilizing continued education and mentorship to develop as a therapist. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her husband, trying out new recipes, and serving in the worship team at her church.
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Sarah Bartholomew, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Sarah Bartholomew, MT-BC completed her coursework at Drury University in Springfield, MO, majoring in music therapy with a minor in psychology, and completed her internship at Heart and Harmony Music Therapy in Fort Worth, TX. Born and raised in Alaska, she began playing violin at age 4. Eventually, she switched to viola and joined her school’s advanced orchestra as well as the Anchorage Youth Symphony. She also participated in many bluegrass camps along the way, eventually becoming a volunteer student teacher alongside the camp teachers. Her experience with both classical and bluegrass music has given her the opportunity to perform at a variety of venues, including fairs and festivals, RockyGrass Bluegrass Music Festival as a fiddle competition finalist, and Carnegie Hall with the Honors Youth Orchestra.
Throughout her college career and internship, Sarah has had a variety of clinical experiences, including working with children and teens with multiple disabilities, children living in a crisis care home, children with mental health needs, adults with intellectual and developmental delays, adults with a variety of comorbidities, and older adults with major neurocognitive disorders. She has also volunteered at a summer camp in her hometown for children with autism, working alongside an interdisciplinary team.
Outside of her work experience, Sarah actively seeks out opportunities for local performances and jam sessions. She enjoys creating art, putting together puzzles, and watching Netflix in her free time. She loves to travel when she can and has had the opportunity to travel internationally many times. Her favorite country she has been to is the Galapagos Islands, but outside of this, nothing can beat Walt Disney World.
Anissa Wiant, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Originally from Southeast Missouri, Anissa Wiant has been participating in music-centered activities since childhood. Through junior high and high school band and choir, she grew and fostered her love for music and the way it brings people together. Anissa received her Bachelors of Music Therapy from Drury University in 2019 and obtained her Board Certification in Music Therapy in 2020. Anissa completed her Music Therapy internship at Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center, focusing on mental health and wellness in adults with varying diagnoses. Anissa also has a wide variety of experience working with people of all ages, including early childhood to late adulthood, in both individual and group settings. She is passionate about providing Music Therapy to any and all populations possible, and advocating for those in need of treatment.