Get to know us.

We are a team of committed, collaborative and empathetic professionals who are eager to serve our community. Get to know our team and our values. If you are seeking a mental health partner, we’d be honored to be considered.

Our Mission

Harmony Creative Therapy uses holistic innovative, collaborative, and compassionate therapy services, using best practices to ensure consistent and positive results.

Our Strategy

Harmony Creative Therapy offers evidence-based interventions, with ongoing staff training and mentoring, employing creative thinking and problem solving, to ensure the most effective outcomes.

Our History

Harmony Creative Therapy, formerly known as Amy Thomas’ Music Therapy Services, has been in existence since 1993.   In the late 90’s the agency’s name changed to Upstate Music Therapy Center, and in 2025 the assumed name of Harmony Creative Therapy was established.  Since 1999 HCT has held clinic space in Penfield, NY.

The agency was initially developed for the sole purpose of providing services for children’s needs and was inspired with the knowledge that all children are special and have unique talents, whatever their disability.  Our agency has also been committed to providing support to the parents and families of these children using care-based interactions for creating therapeutic plans, sharing progress and consulting, as appropriate.  Those individuals who receive services range from infants to young adults up to the age of 21 years old.

In 2020, HCT began providing creative arts mental health therapy services, as well as enrichment music and art classes to individuals throughout the community.  As these services continued to expand, HCT rebranded, taking on the assumed name of “Harmony Creative Therapy,” to better encapsulate the larger repertoire of services being offered and the expanding client age and developmental groups receiving services.

While the agency has evolved, our therapists have continually provided excellent clinical services, causing the agency to grow over the years.  Harmony Creative Therapy has provided opportunities for therapists, who have received their training at accredited universities and passed the Board Certification, to join our progressive center.  These HCT therapists are dedicated to remain aware of and involved in research and continuing education opportunities both local and national.

Our Values

  • Treat all clients with respect, with full acceptance into the session or class, regardless of their race, religion, views or beliefs.

  • Demonstrate genuine compassion, kindness, and empathy to all in a supportive environment.

  • Employ innovative and creative approaches to meet the needs of all clients.

  • Work collaboratively with families, schools, community team members, & staff, exhibiting consideration and flexibility.

  • Seek and participate in educational growth opportunities for continued learning for staff, and regularly educate the community on the value of therapeutic services.

  • Strive for excellence by actively listening, offering personalized services, and setting a plan for success.

Meet the Team

  • Erin Triola, LCAT, MT-BC, CCTP

    Director

    Erin attended Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy and Music Education in 1999. In 2000, she secured her degree in music therapy after completing her internship at Berea Children’s Center in Berea, Ohio working with children in a partial-hospitalization setting.  Erin began her career as a music therapist working with adults diagnosed with severe and profound intellectual disabilities before coming to work at Upstate Music Therapy Center in 2001.  Over the past 20+ years, Erin has primarily serviced children with special needs in the special education setting.  In 2005, Erin obtained her license as a Creative Arts Therapist for New York State. She currently clinically supervises other Music Therapists and provides counseling services in the office as well as through telehealth.  Erin currently specializes in counseling children, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, behavior disorders, autism, ADHD, and PTSD. Erin has presented at several local conferences and workshops.

  • Amy Thomas, LCAT, MT-BC, C-DBT

    Executive Director

    Amy attended the University of Dayton, Dayton Ohio receiving a Bachelor of Music in 1984. She completed her clinical internship at Norristown State Hospital, Norristown Pennsylvania in 1985, securing her degree in Music Therapy. Amy’s clinical work over the last 35 years has included servicing clients in mental health, gerontology, behavioral care intervention and, over the last 25 years, specializing in treating children with special needs. In 2000 Amy pursued additional certification in counseling through Agape Counseling, completing both Level 1 and Level 2. Amy founded Upstate Music Therapy Center in 1998 with five music therapists. The agency has since grown, employing up to thirteen Board Certified Music Therapists each year. Amy’s vision along with the director’s was to rebrand the agency in 2025, changing the name to Harmony Creative Therapy, to best reflect the scope of services available. Amy has participated in clinical research with children under the age of three years old, diagnosed with autism. She served the role of Exhibit Coordinator multiple years for the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association. Amy has presented at numerous conferences, both regional and national, as well as local workshops. After pursuing an application for licensure in New York State, Amy obtained her license as a Creative Arts Therapist in 2005. Amy provided in office and telehealth counseling sessions for individuals of all ages 2019 through 2025. She is currently providing supervision for LCAT’s, Music Therapists and consultation services.

  • Rebecca Szalay, LCAT, MT-BC

    Education Coordinator, Supervisor, Music Therapist

    Rebecca attended Nazareth College of Rochester, receiving a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy in 1999.  She completed her internship at Just Kids on Long Island in June 2000, securing her degree in Music Therapy. Rebecca returned to the Rochester area to begin her work at Harmony Creative Therapy in September 2000 and shortly after received her board certification (MT-BC).  Over the past 20 years, Rebecca has primarily serviced children with special needs in the special education setting.  In 2005, Rebecca obtained her license as a Creative Arts Therapist for New York State.  Rebecca has presented at several local conferences and workshops.  She has been the Internship Director of a Nazareth College affiliated internship since 2014 and currently holds the titles of Supervisor and Education Coordinator at Harmony Creative Therapy.

  • Katie Pistilli, MT-BC

    Supervisor, Music Therapist

    Katie attended the College of Wooster in Wooster, OH, receiving a Bachelor of Music Education in Music Therapy in 2017. She completed her internship at Mary Cariola Children’s Center in Rochester, NY. Katie began working at Harmony Creative Therapy in September 2017 and shortly thereafter received her board certification (MT-BC). Katie primarily services students with complex needs in the special education setting as well as in the home. In 2020, Katie began work on Harmony Creative Therapy’s website and social media presence. In addition to her therapeutic work, in 2022 Katie began supporting other employees of the agency in their own practice as a supervisor. 

  • Jamie Swieringa, MT-BC

    Music Therapist

    Jamie received her Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from SUNY Buffalo in 2012 and her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy degree from SUNY Fredonia in 2016. She completed her internship at Mary Cariola Children’s Center in Rochester, NY and has been a member of the HCT team since 2016. 

  • Robin Neary, MT-BC

    Music Therapist

    Robin received her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy degree with a minor in Psychology from SUNY Fredonia in 2019. She completed her internship at  OLV Human Services Early Childhood Program in Buffalo, NY and has been a member of the HCT team since 2021.

  • Casey Kunzer, MT-BC

    Music Therapist

    Casey received her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy and Bachelor of Art in Psychology from SUNY Fredonia in 2021. She completed her internship at Victor Center School District in Victor, NY and has been a member of the HCT team since 2022.

  • Hannah Baker, MT-BC

    Music Therapist

    Hannah received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy degree from Nazareth College in 2020. She competed her internship with Harmony Creative Therapy and has been a member of the HCT team since 2022.

  • Lydia O’Sullivan, MT-BC

    Music Therapist

    Lydia received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy degree from Nazareth College in 2023. She completed her internship at Harmony Creative Therapy and has been a member of the HCT team since 2023.

  • Katja Beebe, MT-BC

    Music Therapist

    Katja received her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy from East Carolina University in North Carolina in 2022. She completed her internship at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, OH and has been a member of the HCT team since 2024.

  • Taylor Tydings, MT-BC

    Music Therapist

    Taylor recieved her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy with a Minor in Psychology from Nazareth College in 2024. She completed her internshp at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, NY and has been a member of the HCT team since 2024.