Nellie Doty has served the children of Texas for over 30 years. She has worked in music education, special education and music therapy. She retired from the Houston Public Schools, where she was the first full-time music therapist.

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.

Mrs. Doty is a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Her husband, John is retired from the State of Texas. During his career the family lived in several cities. Nellie has worked in psychiatric hospitals, private, public, and state schools. She still continues to be active with her private practice, consultations, and through conference sessions.

Serving is important to Mrs. Doty as evidenced by her involvement 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.

Nellie’s life is happiest when involved in music and when teaching children to enjoy and appreciate the many facets of this art form. Music Therapy Solutions is delighted to name Mrs. Doty, MT- BC as Executive Advisor. We appreciate Nellie’s experience and commitment to music therapy’s unique capacity to address a variety of challenges in peoples lives.

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.

Dawn Ratzlaff is thrilled to be part of the Music Therapy Solutions team. Dawn graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a Bachelor’s of Music Education in 2006. Following graduation, Dawn spent five years teaching middle school choir in the public-school system. After the birth of her first child, Dawn resigned from her school position and spent the next three years teaching piano lessons to individuals of all ages and abilities through her home piano studio. 

Through personal experience, Dawn was introduced to the amazing world of music therapy and knew immediately it was her calling. She returned to school in 2017, this time via the Music Therapy Equivalency Distance (MTED) program at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Dawn has completed practicum work in hospice care, acute mental health, pediatric medical and with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the future, Dawn hopes to work with individuals with speech and communication disorders, utilizing her knowledge and understanding of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, and American Sign Language (ASL).

In her “spare” time, Dawn enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, doing volunteer work, learning to play new instruments, cooking & baking, painting, and drinking (lots of!) coffee. 

Carey Dyer is excited to be a part of the Music Therapy Solutions team as an intern. 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. 

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.

Maria Beltran, MT-BC is so excited to be a part of the Music Therapy Solutions team. Maria received her B.S. with a focus in Music Therapy at Texas Woman’s University in August of 2021. While at TWU, she successfully completed practicum placements at the Denton State Supported Living Center, Richardson ISD, a shelter for survivors of relationship violence, and an assisted living community.

After completing her internship at Richardson ISD, María joined a nonprofit called Kidlinks as a Therapeutic Music Entertainer. She fulfills her love for working with children by providing live music to them at various specialty care centers and introducing them to the Kidlinks resources.

Ms. Beltran received her Music Therapy Board Certification in November of 2021. As a valued team member of Music Therapy Solutions, Maria is continuing to develop her skills and expand her experience in working with adults with IDD, where she supports individuals by engaging them socially and by supporting their musicality and their movement/coordination to music. Maria’s warm and generous approach allows residents in memory care and assisted living communities to share their experiences, engage in instrument play, and dance!

In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to podcasts, and exploring various musical genres.

Tania van Bree and 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 aa 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.

Nellie Doty has served the children of Texas for over 30 years. She has worked in music education, special education and music therapy. She retired from the Houston Public Schools, where she was the first full-time music therapist.

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.

Mrs. Doty is a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Her husband, John is retired from the State of Texas. During his career the family lived in several cities. Nellie has worked in psychiatric hospitals, private, public, and state schools. She still continues to be active with her private practice, consultations, and through conference sessions.

Serving is important to Mrs. Doty as evidenced by her involvement 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.

Nellie’s life is happiest when involved in music and when teaching children to enjoy and appreciate the many facets of this art form. Music Therapy Solutions is delighted to name Mrs. Doty, MT- BC as Executive Advisor. We appreciate Nellie’s experience and commitment to music therapy’s unique capacity to address a variety of challenges in peoples lives.

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.

Dawn Ratzlaff is thrilled to be part of the Music Therapy Solutions team. Dawn graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a Bachelor’s of Music Education in 2006. Following graduation, Dawn spent five years teaching middle school choir in the public-school system. After the birth of her first child, Dawn resigned from her school position and spent the next three years teaching piano lessons to individuals of all ages and abilities through her home piano studio. 

Through personal experience, Dawn was introduced to the amazing world of music therapy and knew immediately it was her calling. She returned to school in 2017, this time via the Music Therapy Equivalency Distance (MTED) program at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Dawn has completed practicum work in hospice care, acute mental health, pediatric medical and with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the future, Dawn hopes to work with individuals with speech and communication disorders, utilizing her knowledge and understanding of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, and American Sign Language (ASL).

In her “spare” time, Dawn enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, doing volunteer work, learning to play new instruments, cooking & baking, painting, and drinking (lots of!) coffee. 

Carey Dyer is excited to be a part of the Music Therapy Solutions team as an intern. 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. 

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.

Maria Beltran, MT-BC is so excited to be a part of the Music Therapy Solutions team. Maria received her B.S. with a focus in Music Therapy at Texas Woman’s University in August of 2021. While at TWU, she successfully completed practicum placements at the Denton State Supported Living Center, Richardson ISD, a shelter for survivors of relationship violence, and an assisted living community.

After completing her internship at Richardson ISD, María joined a nonprofit called Kidlinks as a Therapeutic Music Entertainer. She fulfills her love for working with children by providing live music to them at various specialty care centers and introducing them to the Kidlinks resources.

Ms. Beltran received her Music Therapy Board Certification in November of 2021. As a valued team member of Music Therapy Solutions, Maria is continuing to develop her skills and expand her experience in working with adults with IDD, where she supports individuals by engaging them socially and by supporting their musicality and their movement/coordination to music. Maria’s warm and generous approach allows residents in memory care and assisted living communities to share their experiences, engage in instrument play, and dance!

In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to podcasts, and exploring various musical genres.

Tania van Bree and 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 Board-Certified Music Therapist with 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.