Hello, my name is Erin Lancraft, MT-BC. I am the owner and managing director of Expressive Journeys, LLC. Having the opportunity to work as a Board Certified Music Therapist throughout my professional life has taught me a great deal about people and what helps them to be successful. Music is an amazing modality that can be used to work on fostering growth in individuals' needs on many levels. I work from a client centered and holistic approach to Music Therapy services.
My education includes a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Radford University. After graduation, I completed a nine month internship under the supervision of Beth McLaughlin, MSE, LCAT, MT-BC and Mark Ahola, MM, LCAT, MT-BC at the Wildwood School in Schenectady NY. During this experience, I implemented Music Therapy sessions with school age students who have Autism Spectrum Disorders and various developmental disabilities. It is important to me to continue to stay educated and learn about new and exciting ways to help clients through the fundamentals of music.
Throughout the years following my internship, I have had the opportunity to develop my private practice, Expressive Journeys LLC. During this time I have gained skills and knowledge working as a private contractor with school districts in the area as well as other Special Education Programs over the past 10 years. I have had a productive working relationship with therapists and teachers that have implemented sessions or academics with my students and adults. This rapport has enabled me to work across many school districts and facilities and has shaped me into a more compassionate and creative therapist for my clients. Working in classrooms with preschoolers, adolescents, and young adults has also given me the ability to tailor and adapt lesson plans and music experiences to best fit individuals’ needs.
In my free time I enjoy staying active by cycling and swimming. I also enjoy cooking new recipes and creating jewelry.
Hello, my name is Hailey Lepski! I am originally from Baltimore, MD. My principal instrument is clarinet. I am passionate about learning any and every instrument I can. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. I completed my internship at The Maryland School for the Blind in Baltimore, MD, providing educational enrichment services for students with visual impairments and complex disabilities. My clinical experiences have led me to develop a multi-sensory, culturally-informed, and client-centered approach to Music Therapy. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and caring for my many house plants.
Hi, my name is Sam Lawrence, MT-BC and I have been working for Expressive Journeys, LLC as a board certified Music Therapist since 2018. I am originally from Ballston Lake, NY. I received my Bachelor's degree from SUNY New Paltz in Contemporary Music Studies and continued my studies at New Paltz where I am finishing my Master's degree in Music Therapy. I completed my internship at Hudson Valley Hospice. My clinical experiences have led me to a person-centered and holistic view of Music Therapy. I work with both children and adults striving towards a wide range of musical and non-musical goals. In my spare time I enjoy singing and making music with friends.
Hi! My name is Elizabeth "Liz" Deemer and I have been a Music Therapist at Expressive Journeys since September of 2020. I obtained my Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Marywood University in Scranton, PA. I completed my internship at Monroe One BOCES in Fairport, NY. I also completed my Master of Music in Music Therapy at SUNY Fredonia. I believe that music is a powerful tool for change and growth. I strive to gear my sessions so that every person can be successful and reach their potential in the music space. In my free time, I enjoy cross-stitching, listening to and making music, and going to see concerts and musicals.
Hi! My name is Sophia Bisceglia, MT-BC. I have an Associate's degree from Schenectady County Community College in saxophone performance, and l completed my Bachelor's degree from SUNY Fredonia in Music Therapy with a minor in psychology. I finished my internship with Expressive Journeys LLC, and l received my certification January 2022. The internship gave me the opportunity to work with a large variety of clients from young children to older adults, and provided me with the confidence to create fun, educational sessions to benefit all. My clinical experiences have led me to develop a holistic, client-centered approach to Music Therapy. I personally believe that Music Therapy is an excellent way for individuals to comfortably learn, create, feel, and express themselves in ways that they may not get to experience in other aspects of their daily lives. In my free time l enjoy playing ultimate frisbee, hanging out with friends, caring for my animals, and making music.
Hi! My name is Meghan. I am a current Music Therapy intern at Expressive Journeys! I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy from SUNY Fredonia in May 2022. I am thrilled to be learning more about the field and having opportunities to lead sessions, work with a plethora of individuals, and build connections that will benefit my future career! In my free time I enjoy playing Yahtzee with my family, going to the gym, and making music.
Hi! My name is Cassandra Ricci, MT-BC and I am excited to join the team at Expressive Journeys, LLC. I have a Bachelor's degree in music therapy from Nazareth College where I studied as a vocal major. I completed a nine-month internship at Kardon Institute of Creative Arts Therapy in Philadelphia, PA. My internship provided me the opportunity to work in school settings, a rehabilitation center, nursing homes, and have a caseload of private clients. I have 13 years of preschool experience from Clover Patch working with students who have autism spectrum disorders and students that have been diagnosed with multiple disabilities. I love creating individualized plans to help students learn and grow through music. Witnessing students discover their voice is my favorite thing about being a music therapist. In my free time, I enjoy spending time going on adventures with my husband, trips with my friends, singing in choirs, dancing and being a certified Zumba Instructor.
Hi! My name is Rachel McQueen. I have been practicing for 15 years as a Music Therapist. I have my Bachelors ('06) and Masters ('08) in Music Therapy from SUNY New Paltz and maintain credentials as Music Therapist-Board Certified with additional training and certification specializing in Hospice and Palliative Music Therapy, including child bereavement counseling. I was in the Mid-Hudson Region for 3 years and have been in the Capital Region for 12 years. I work primarily in the educational setting, with extensive experience in working with neurodivergent students and students with multiple disabilities ranging from early childhood through young adult. I live in northern Washington County with my husband and our 2 boys. We love to take rides through the Adirondacks, swim, watch and play hockey.
Hi! My name is Elizabeth Linton, but most people call me Liz. I am a current Music Therapy Intern at Expressive Journeys. I will be graduating with a degree in Music Therapy as well as a Saxophone Performance degree with a Chamber Music Performance minor from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. My main instrument is saxophone, but I do play a handful of other instruments such as guitar, piano, flute, and several percussion instruments. In my free time, I work as a freelance photographer for two newspapers back home in Pittsburgh and run my own photography business. I also enjoy hiking, thrifting, spending time with my loved ones, and of course making music!
I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to grow in the field of Music Therapy and have the chance to network, build connections with clients and their families, and make some wonderful music!
My name is Edie Banker, and I earned a Masters degree in Educational Psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology from the State University of New York at Albany in 1988. I worked as a School Psychologist for 32 years before retiring in 2020. While working for the public school system in Albany, I received a Certification as a Reiki Master and a Mindfulness Meditation teacher. I implemented a Mindfulness program which was utilized school-wide. I also trained students to lead mindfulness practices within the school.
I have experience working with children of all ages and abilities and am committed to teaching Mindfulness using a variety of methods and modalities to meet each child's individual needs. I will be providing mindfulness classes for children and adults as well as Reiki services at the Expressive Journeys Creative Arts clinic. In my free time I enjoy, reading, practicing Yoga, cooking, spending time in nature and visiting with my family.
Hi, my name is Sari Medick, Admin for Expressive Journeys LLC. I am a Special Needs mom to two amazing young men. I have over 20 years of experience in Children's Educational Programming and Entertainment here in the Capital Region. Music holds a very special place in my life and my heart, and I and am thrilled to be a part of the amazing team here at Expressive Journeys LLC.