Music Therapy Solutions is grateful for Nellie Doty’s mentorship. With 30+ years’ experience and commitment to music therapy’s unique capacity to address a variety of challenges in people’s lives, Nellie’s insight is invaluable.

A native of Beaumont, TX, Mrs. Doty is a graduate of Monsignor Kelly High School. She attended Lamar University and then transferred to Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX to receive her B.S. in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology. She continued to further her education by attending several universities earning additional certifications.

Nellie worked as the first full-time music therapist in Houston Public Schools. In addition to music education and special education, Nellie worked in psychiatric hospitals, state schools, had a thriving private practice and provided consulting services as well as she has presented at conferences.

Nellie served with the following professional and community organizations: Certification Board for Music Therapists, American Music Therapy Association (Delegate and Committee Chairperson), Southwestern Music Therapy Association (Past President and Board of Directors), Texas Music Education Association, Texas Black Music Educators, Manna House – The Third Ward Food Pantry (Board Member), and the Alzheimer’s Association.

In her free time, Nellie enjoys spending time with family and catching up with friends.

Brandy Jenkins, MA, MT-BC joined Music Therapy Solutions in the Fall of 2016, serving adults with IDD, well older adults, and those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Brandy has experience in working with children with varying needs, both in and out of the school setting. She also has training in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques and has completed training for Level II of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM).

Brandy graduated from West Texas A&M University (BM – Music Business) in 2008. In 2010, she decided to pursue her degree in Music Therapy through the Masters Equivalency program at Texas Woman’s University. Brandy graduated with her Masters in Music Therapy in 2016 and has been board certified since 2013, through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

Though able to employ a variety of techniques, Brandy believes in a humanistic foundation through which individuals are supported as a whole and not simply as a diagnosis. As one of the initial members of Music Therapy Solutions, Brandy’s innovative approach supports our practice’s measured, yet vital growth.

Carey Dyer, MT-BC, is excited to be a part of the Music Therapy Solutions team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Union University and a Master of Arts in Communication from Southwestern Seminary. After 12 years as a professional entertainer in various live music theaters, Carey began exploring the amazing field of music therapy through the MTED (Music Therapy Equivalency Distance) program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana.

During his journey towards a music therapy board certification, Carey completed practicum work at an Alzheimer’s Center, a children’s hospital, and a chemotherapy infusion unit. 

Since completing his MT certification in 2022, Carey has been privileged to work with senior adults in memory care, young adults with intellectual disabilities, and persons who have experienced a stroke or other TBI.

When Carey is not practicing music therapy or leading music at his church, he enjoys spending time with his loving wife and their two sons. Carey and Dena recently published a book together — Love at First Fight (Barbour Books), a light-hearted devotional book for couples. When he finds a few extra moments, you might catch Carey watching old Andy Griffith Show reruns and drinking Mountain Dew.

Brian Radcliffe is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), freelance musician, music educator, and producer residing in Dallas. A native of Houston, Brian spent his formative years listening to his mother play piano, singing with his grandmother, studying drum set and piano, and performing in various church, school, and rock bands as a drummer.

Wanting to pursue a career in music, Brian moved to Denton in 2010 where he completed a B.A. in Music (Drum Set/Percussion) at the University of North Texas. During his time in school, he taught lessons on drum set, piano, guitar, and bass, directed student bands of all skill levels, performed professionally with dozens of bands all over DFW, toured nationally and internationally with his original bands, and recorded on numerous albums. He continues his writing, recording, performing and producing work to this day.

Feeling a deep need to do more with his music, Brian decided to stay in Denton and pursue a degree in Music Therapy at Texas Woman’s University. He worked with a plethora of populations in his practicum spanning children with special needs in school districts, juveniles in detention, adults with severe developmental disabilities, and seniors with Alzheimer’s/dementia. In 2019, he moved to the Rio Grande Valley where he completed his internship at RGV Music Therapy and worked with at-risk teens, young adults with special needs, veterans in assisted living, hospice, and more.

Brian graduated from TWU with a B.S. in Music Therapy in early 2020 and obtained his MT-BC in March of 2020. He then moved back to Dallas and has since been working with kids and teens in mental health via Telehealth. Brian joined Music Therapy Solutions in May of 2022. As a valued member of our team, Mr. Radcliffe provides meaningful music therapy interventions with rhythm, song and instrumentation to adults with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. His thoughtful and informed approach serves our clients well.

In his spare time, Brian can be found attending concerts, playing golf, skating, painting, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and doing crossword puzzles with his grandmother.

Lorena is excited to be a part of the Music Therapy Solutions team. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Waco, Texas, during her pre-teen years – a transition that deeply shaped her resilience, adaptability, and empathy. Navigating a new culture and language during those years allowed her to
connect meaningfully with individuals and families experiencing major life changes. As a bilingual music therapist fluent in English and Spanish, Lorena is passionate about providing culturally responsive care and creating inclusive spaces where clients feel heard and valued.

Music and the arts have always been central to Lorena’s life. She began studying violin and ballet at age four and later explored theatre, nurturing her creativity and love for self-expression. Lorena earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Texas Woman’s University and completed her clinical internship working with children and adults across the lifespan with diverse developmental, cognitive, physical, and communication needs.

Lorena’s experience includes stroke centers, schools from early childhood through high school, adults with IDD, and pediatric facilities such as Children’s Health in Dallas. She believes music is a powerful tool for connection, healing, and growth.

Outside of work, Lorena enjoy being outdoors, cooking, traveling, and watching TV shows.

Tania van Bree was born and raised in Austin, TX and now lives in Buda. She earned a Bachelors of Music Performance from DePaul University and a Masters of Arts, Entertainment, Media Management from Columbia College of Chicago. She is also a certified Music Together® teacher and center director with 11 years of experience in early childhood music. Working towards finishing her degree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Tania is currently a Board-Certified Music Therapist at Music Therapy Solutions.

Her previous practica experiences include working in trauma-informed music therapy for young people at the Phoenix Center, working with early childhood classes at the Rise School of Austin, and with older adults and memory care groups through Music Therapy Solutions. She is excited to continue providing a humanistic and empathy-driven music therapy approach to clients as she expands her experience with Music Therapy Solutions in the Austin area.

As a special needs mom, she was inspired to become a music therapist because of the experiences she gained integrating her musical talents into play, communication, and engagement with her daughter and non-speaking son. When she is not making music with her family, she is advocating for rights of autistic individuals, leading her Girl Scout troop, or hiking and kayaking around central Texas.

Elizabeth received her MA in Music Therapy from SRH Heidelberg in 2022. She previously worked as a Music Teacher and Choir Director in public schools in and around the DFW metroplex after receiving her BA in Music from Dallas Baptist University in 2014.

Elizabeth has received clinical training in a variety of settings and brings a unique perspective to here clinical practice. Working with NICU nurses, family members, and adolescents on the spectrum in Ghana shaped her view of advocacy and cultural relevance. Her view of holistic, client-centered care was shaped by her practicum work in a Colorado nursing home. She completed her internship in Burleson, TX working with individuals of all ages and varying physical and cognitive skills. This has widened her view of the possibilities in Music Therapy. She has thoroughly enjoyed each of her experiences and particularly favors the NICU and Geriatric populations.

In her free time she enjoys outdoor music and cultural experiences, picnics, sitting in the sun, meeting in coffee shops, learning new things, walking in nature, and singing in most moments. In the future Elizabeth hopes to further expand her expertise by incorporating Music Therapy into postpartum care. She’s grateful to be a part of the Music Therapy Solutions team and looks forward to wholeheartedly serving her clients with her skillset.

Tahtiana Santiago is a board-certified music therapist and neurologic music  therapy professional with a passion for using music to empower healing and connection. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Sam Houston State University and completed her six-month clinical internship at TIRR Memorial Hermann in the Houston Medical Center, where she worked with individuals recovering from neurological injuries and conditions.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Tahtiana moved to Houston, Texas in 2017. In addition to her formal training, Tahtiana has spent years engaging with children and the special needs community through volunteer work and her background as a performer and manager for a princess entertainment company in The Woodlands. These experiences have deepened her empathy, creativity, and commitment to accessible care for all.

She has worked with a wide range of clients, providing in-home music therapy and telehealth services. Her clinical experience includes supporting children and adults with neurologic, developmental, and physical needs such as traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, and disorders of consciousness.

Tahtiana brings warmth, cultural sensitivity, and a deep belief in the transformative power of music to every session. As a new team member of Music Therapy Solutions she is passionate about helping clients express themselves, reach therapeutic goals, and experience joy through music.

After completing her internship with Music Therapy Solutions, Vangie Gardner joined the team of talented music therapists in 2026. Vangie earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Birmingham-Southern College and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. Her journey also includes an all-level music education certification from the University of Texas and over 20 years of teaching elementary music to grades K-5. She is certified in Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály methodologies. Vangie’s interest in music therapy was sparked during her teaching tenure, particularly during the challenges of COVID, prompting her to embark on her music therapy journey with the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Music Therapy Equivalency Distance Program (MTED) in Indiana.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Vangie is a multifaceted individual with a love for personal music projects. She is a member of the women-led band Miss Guilty, based in Austin, which recently celebrated the release of its second album in June 2025. In her leisure time, Vangie enjoys knitting and watching movies with her husband, Dave. They often visit their son, a senior studying art and technology at the University of Oregon.

Music Therapy Solutions is grateful for Nellie Doty’s mentorship. With 30+ years’ experience and commitment to music therapy’s unique capacity to address a variety of challenges in people’s lives, Nellie’s insight is invaluable.

A native of Beaumont, TX, Mrs. Doty is a graduate of Monsignor Kelly High School. She attended Lamar University and then transferred to Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX to receive her B.S. in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology. She continued to further her education by attending several universities earning additional certifications.

Nellie worked as the first full-time music therapist in Houston Public Schools. In addition to music education and special education, Nellie worked in psychiatric hospitals, state schools, had a thriving private practice and provided consulting services as well as she has presented at conferences.

Nellie served with the following professional and community organizations: Certification Board for Music Therapists, American Music Therapy Association (Delegate and Committee Chairperson), Southwestern Music Therapy Association (Past President and Board of Directors), Texas Music Education Association, Texas Black Music Educators, Manna House – The Third Ward Food Pantry (Board Member), and the Alzheimer’s Association.

In her free time, Nellie enjoys spending time with family and catching up with friends.

Brandy Jenkins, MA, MT-BC joined Music Therapy Solutions in the Fall of 2016, serving adults with IDD, well older adults, and those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Brandy has experience in working with children with varying needs, both in and out of the school setting. She also has training in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques and has completed training for Level II of the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM).

Brandy graduated from West Texas A&M University (BM – Music Business) in 2008. In 2010, she decided to pursue her degree in Music Therapy through the Masters Equivalency program at Texas Woman’s University. Brandy graduated with her Masters in Music Therapy in 2016 and has been board certified since 2013, through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).

Though able to employ a variety of techniques, Brandy believes in a humanistic foundation through which individuals are supported as a whole and not simply as a diagnosis. As one of the initial members of Music Therapy Solutions, Brandy’s innovative approach supports our practice’s measured, yet vital growth.

Carey Dyer, MT-BC, is excited to be a part of the Music Therapy Solutions team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Union University and a Master of Arts in Communication from Southwestern Seminary. After 12 years as a professional entertainer in various live music theaters, Carey began exploring the amazing field of music therapy through the MTED (Music Therapy Equivalency Distance) program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana.

During his journey towards a music therapy board certification, Carey completed practicum work at an Alzheimer’s Center, a children’s hospital, and a chemotherapy infusion unit. 

Since completing his MT certification in 2022, Carey has been privileged to work with senior adults in memory care, young adults with intellectual disabilities, and persons who have experienced a stroke or other TBI.

When Carey is not practicing music therapy or leading music at his church, he enjoys spending time with his loving wife and their two sons. Carey and Dena recently published a book together — Love at First Fight (Barbour Books), a light-hearted devotional book for couples. When he finds a few extra moments, you might catch Carey watching old Andy Griffith Show reruns and drinking Mountain Dew.

Brian Radcliffe is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), freelance musician, music educator, and producer residing in Dallas. A native of Houston, Brian spent his formative years listening to his mother play piano, singing with his grandmother, studying drum set and piano, and performing in various church, school, and rock bands as a drummer.

Wanting to pursue a career in music, Brian moved to Denton in 2010 where he completed a B.A. in Music (Drum Set/Percussion) at the University of North Texas. During his time in school, he taught lessons on drum set, piano, guitar, and bass, directed student bands of all skill levels, performed professionally with dozens of bands all over DFW, toured nationally and internationally with his original bands, and recorded on numerous albums. He continues his writing, recording, performing and producing work to this day.

Feeling a deep need to do more with his music, Brian decided to stay in Denton and pursue a degree in Music Therapy at Texas Woman’s University. He worked with a plethora of populations in his practicum spanning children with special needs in school districts, juveniles in detention, adults with severe developmental disabilities, and seniors with Alzheimer’s/dementia. In 2019, he moved to the Rio Grande Valley where he completed his internship at RGV Music Therapy and worked with at-risk teens, young adults with special needs, veterans in assisted living, hospice, and more.

Brian graduated from TWU with a B.S. in Music Therapy in early 2020 and obtained his MT-BC in March of 2020. He then moved back to Dallas and has since been working with kids and teens in mental health via Telehealth. Brian joined Music Therapy Solutions in May of 2022. As a valued member of our team, Mr. Radcliffe provides meaningful music therapy interventions with rhythm, song and instrumentation to adults with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. His thoughtful and informed approach serves our clients well.

In his spare time, Brian can be found attending concerts, playing golf, skating, painting, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, and doing crossword puzzles with his grandmother.

Lorena is excited to be a part of the Music Therapy Solutions team. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Waco, Texas, during her pre-teen years – a transition that deeply shaped her resilience, adaptability, and empathy. Navigating a new culture and language during those years allowed her to
connect meaningfully with individuals and families experiencing major life changes. As a bilingual music therapist fluent in English and Spanish, Lorena is passionate about providing culturally responsive care and creating inclusive spaces where clients feel heard and valued.

Music and the arts have always been central to Lorena’s life. She began studying violin and ballet at age four and later explored theatre, nurturing her creativity and love for self-expression. Lorena earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Texas Woman’s University and completed her clinical internship working with children and adults across the lifespan with diverse developmental, cognitive, physical, and communication needs.

Lorena’s experience includes stroke centers, schools from early childhood through high school, adults with IDD, and pediatric facilities such as Children’s Health in Dallas. She believes music is a powerful tool for connection, healing, and growth.

Outside of work, Lorena enjoy being outdoors, cooking, traveling, and watching TV shows.

Tania van Bree was born and raised in Austin, TX and now lives in Buda. She earned a Bachelors of Music Performance from DePaul University and a Masters of Arts, Entertainment, Media Management from Columbia College of Chicago. She is also a certified Music Together® teacher and center director with 11 years of experience in early childhood music. Working towards finishing her degree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods college, Tania is currently a Board-Certified Music Therapist at Music Therapy Solutions.

Her previous practica experiences include working in trauma-informed music therapy for young people at the Phoenix Center, working with early childhood classes at the Rise School of Austin, and with older adults and memory care groups through Music Therapy Solutions. She is excited to continue providing a humanistic and empathy-driven music therapy approach to clients as she expands her experience with Music Therapy Solutions in the Austin area.

As a special needs mom, she was inspired to become a music therapist because of the experiences she gained integrating her musical talents into play, communication, and engagement with her daughter and non-speaking son. When she is not making music with her family, she is advocating for rights of autistic individuals, leading her Girl Scout troop, or hiking and kayaking around central Texas.

Elizabeth received her MA in Music Therapy from SRH Heidelberg in 2022. She previously worked as a Music Teacher and Choir Director in public schools in and around the DFW metroplex after receiving her BA in Music from Dallas Baptist University in 2014.

Elizabeth has received clinical training in a variety of settings and brings a unique perspective to here clinical practice. Working with NICU nurses, family members, and adolescents on the spectrum in Ghana shaped her view of advocacy and cultural relevance. Her view of holistic, client-centered care was shaped by her practicum work in a Colorado nursing home. She completed her internship in Burleson, TX working with individuals of all ages and varying physical and cognitive skills. This has widened her view of the possibilities in Music Therapy. She has thoroughly enjoyed each of her experiences and particularly favors the NICU and Geriatric populations.

In her free time she enjoys outdoor music and cultural experiences, picnics, sitting in the sun, meeting in coffee shops, learning new things, walking in nature, and singing in most moments. In the future Elizabeth hopes to further expand her expertise by incorporating Music Therapy into postpartum care. She’s grateful to be a part of the Music Therapy Solutions team and looks forward to wholeheartedly serving her clients with her skillset.

Tahtiana Santiago is a board-certified music therapist and neurologic music therapy professional with a passion for using music to empower healing and connection. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Sam Houston State University and completed her six-month clinical internship at TIRR Memorial Hermann in the Houston Medical Center, where she worked with individuals recovering from neurological injuries and conditions.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Tahtiana moved to Houston, Texas in 2017. In addition to her formal training, Tahtiana has spent years engaging with children and the special needs community through volunteer work and her background as a performer and manager for a princess entertainment company in The Woodlands. These experiences have deepened her empathy, creativity, and commitment to accessible care for all.

She has worked with a wide range of clients, providing in-home music therapy and telehealth services. Her clinical experience includes supporting children and adults with neurologic, developmental, and physical needs such as traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, and disorders of consciousness.

Tahtiana brings warmth, cultural sensitivity, and a deep belief in the transformative power of music to every session. As a new team member of Music Therapy Solutions she is passionate about helping clients express themselves, reach therapeutic goals, and experience joy through music.

After completing her internship with Music Therapy Solutions, Vangie Gardner joined the team of talented music therapists in 2026. Vangie earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Birmingham-Southern College and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. Her journey also includes an
all-level music education certification from the University of Texas and over 20 years of teaching elementary music to grades K-5. She is certified in Orff-Schulwerk and Kodály methodologies. Vangie’s interest in music therapy was sparked during her teaching tenure, particularly during the challenges of COVID, prompting her to embark on her music therapy journey with the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Music Therapy Equivalency Distance Program (MTED) in Indiana.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Vangie is a multifaceted individual with a love for personal music projects. She is a member of the women-led band Miss Guilty, based in Austin, which recently celebrated the release of its second album in June 2025. In her leisure time, Vangie enjoys knitting and watching movies with her husband, Dave. They often visit their son, a senior studying art and technology at the University of Oregon.