Channing Shippen, MA, MT-BC

An assistant professor and Coordinator of Clinical Placements in Music Therapy at Belmont University. Her work has spanned elder care, hospice, and adolescent mental health; she is currently developing music therapy programs for individuals experiencing homelessness and providing trauma-informed services.

Charlie Gross, MA, LMHC

Brooklyn-based psychotherapist, photographer and Co-Founder of Sounds of Saving, a music-centered mental health non-profit that focuses on mental health advocacy and actions in youth and young adult communities.

Elisa Peimer, LMSW

A psychotherapist living in New York City who works with musicians, artists, and other creatives and performers struggling to find satisfaction in their careers and personal lives, as well as executives and professionals who are navigating personal and workplace pressures.

Meredith Roman Pizzi, MPA, MT-BC

A nationally recognized leader in music therapy entrepreneurship and a passionate advocate for advancing the profession. She is the Founder and CEO of Roman Music Therapy Services, established in 2006, and Co-Founder and CEO of Raising Harmony.

Lisa K. Desai, PsyD

A licensed clinical psychologist and organizational consultant. Dr. Desai has 30 years of clinical and administrative experience working in college counseling, community mental health, hospitals, and private practice.

Mindy Peterson

A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), Mindy has been a music educator since 1991. Mindy hosts the Enhance Life with Music podcast, where she explores how music can make our lives better.

Olajide Williams, MD, MS

Vice Dean at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and a tenured Professor of Neurology (in Public Health). A health disparities researcher, implementation scientist, and community-based behavioral interventionalist, and the co-Founder and President of Hip Hop Public Health.

Ryan Zellner, PhD

A visionary nonprofit and educational leader with over 20 years of experience advancing music education worldwide. As CEO of the International Society for Music Education (ISME), he oversees strategic operations, global conferences, and innovative programs across 90+ countries.