About Us
Our Mission
Many individuals face barriers that limit their quality of life—impacting emotional, physical, and social well-being.
At Anderson Music Therapy Service, we provide evidence-based music therapy to help clients overcome those barriers and function at their highest level, both at home and in the community.
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Click the badge above to learn more about the rigorous process of becoming a board certified music therapist.
Our Music Therapy Team
Cassie Smith, MT-BC
B.MUS / MT-BC
CEO
Board Certified Music Therapist
Virginia Licensed Music Therapist
Neurologic Music Therapist
Certified Early Intervention Professional
Cassie is a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) with over 11 years of experience, as well as a Virginia Licensed Music Therapist, Certified Early Intervention Professional, and Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT). She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Ohio University, where she studied voice and developed additional skills in guitar and piano.
Cassie completed her music therapy internship at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. She later pursued advanced training through the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy, earning her certification in Neurologic Music Therapy.
Catherine Backus, MT-BC
B.MUS / MT-BC
Board Certified Music Therapist
Virginia Licensed Music Therapist
Neurologic Music Therapist
Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Specialist
Catherine Backus is a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) with over 10 years of experience, a Virginia Licensed Music Therapist, Certified Hospice Music Therapist, and Certified Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT). She is also an award-winning songwriter with a deep passion for using music to support individuals through life’s most challenging seasons.
Catherine earned her degree from the University of Georgia and completed her music therapy internship with Four Seasons Hospice in Flat Rock, North Carolina. She later pursued advanced training through the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy, earning her certification in Neurologic Music Therapy. She also holds a Certificate in Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapy (HPMT), strengthening her ability to provide specialized, compassionate care for individuals and families.
Kyler Jackson, MT-BC
B. MUS / Psychology Minor
Board Certified Music Therapist
Virginia Licensed Music Therapist
Neurologic Music Therapy-Trained
Kyler is a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) with advanced training in Neurologic Music Therapy through the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Radford University, with a minor in Psychology.
Kyler completed her clinical internship at Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina, where she provided music therapy services across a wide range of settings, including behavioral health, medical units, and the NICU. She has extensive experience in school-based music therapy.
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Sandy Wright, MT-BC
B. MUS / Theater Minor
Board Certified Music Therapist
Virginia Licensed Music Therapist
Sandy is a Licensed and Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and graduate of Radford University, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy with a minor in Theatre. She completed her music therapy internship at Expressive Therapies LLC, a private practice in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Sandy has experience working with individuals ages 3 to 30 across a variety of clinical settings. Her background includes supporting clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical rehabilitation needs, and mental health–related wellness goals.
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Megan Oglesby, MT-BC,
B.MUS / Psychology Minor / MT-BC
Board Certified Music Therapist
Virginia Licensed Music Therapist
Megan is a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and Virginia Licensed Music Therapist. She earned her degree in Music Therapy from Illinois State University, along with a minor in Psychology.
Megan moved from Chicago, Illinois to Roanoke, Virginia in 2022 to complete her music therapy internship at the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Since then, she has gained experience supporting individuals with a wide range of needs, including brain injuries, intellectual and developmental disabilities, anxiety, depression, PTSD, hospice and end-of-life care, long-term care needs, and mental health concerns. She has also worked with students in school settings with a variety of diagnoses.
Madeline Guerra
Practice Coordinator
Madeline serves as the Practice Coordinator at Anderson Music Therapy Services. A native of Virginia Beach, she holds an Associates degree in Criminal Justice. With over 15 years of experience in client services and healthcare coordination, she is dedicated to creating a seamless and welcoming experience for every client. She is passionate about helping clients feel supported from their very first interaction and plays an integral role in maintaining the efficient, compassionate care that defines Anderson Music Therapy Services. With a personal background in music, including playing the clarinet, flute, and piano, Madeline brings an added appreciation for the impact of music in the therapeutic setting.
Founder Emeritus
A Note from our founder:
When I moved to Roanoke in 2011 I quickly noticed the challenge families had in getting services for their children. I created Anderson Music Therapy to fill that need and be a resource in helping families find the support they need within this community.
Serving people with diverse needs, birth through older adult, is our passion. And for us, part of serving those individuals is also supporting their families. We exist to be a community and support system for families in SW Virginia.
Seeing our empowered and hopeful families continues to fuel our passion!
Noel Anderson
Founder Emeritus
Noel Anderson, MMT, MT-BC
B.MUS / B.A. / MMT / MT-BC
Founder Emeritus
Board Certified Music Therapist
Virginia Licensed Music Therapist
Neurologic Music Therapy Trained
Trauma Certified Professional
Certified Teacher of Music
Noel Anderson, MMT, MT-BC, founded Anderson Music Therapy Services in 2011 and served as its leader for nearly two decades. During her time with the practice, she helped build and grow Anderson Music Therapy Services into a resource for individuals and families throughout the region. As Founder Emeritus, Noel is recognized for her vision, dedication, and lasting contributions to the organization and the field of music therapy.
Noel is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and is licensed to practice music therapy in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She has also completed advanced training as a Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT) and Certified Trauma Professional.
Our Guiding Principles
Dependable
We are honest and transparent. Our clients can trust we will be there for them.
Genuine
We authentically care for our clients and meet them where they are without judgment.
Creative
We are driven to find resourceful interventions and adaptive solutions to give our clients choices in the way they grow.
Connected
We seek ways to engage and support our community through creative arts therapies.
