NeuroMotif aims to provide quality music services to diverse clients and families in Brooklyn, NY. We serve all ages, abilities, and neurotypes, and we are passionate about cultivating and modeling a neurodiversity-affirming culture.
Brooke Slemmer, MM, MT-BC
Co-Founder, Clinical Supervisor
Education
Berklee College of Music, BM in Music Therapy, 2010
Colorado State University, MM in Music Therapy, 2016
Certifications
Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) since 2011
Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT) since 2012
About Me
I have been teaching music and providing music therapy since 2011. I am passionate about learning and educating about the human brain, as well as how it can change and adapt using creativity as the catalyst.
As an autistic adult, I find it natural and gratifying to connect with and provide mentorship for other neurodivergent individuals. Having lived through the trial and error of navigating an unpredictable (and often unaccommodating) world, I am devoted to helping people who experience the world like I do to feel heard and seen.
I incorporate neuroscience into my practice, as well as my research, to make sure everything I provide is functional, effective, and based in science. I am passionate about interdisciplinary research and practice, and have spent my career collaborating with occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, neuropsychologists, and other specialists to provide the best possible care for my clients.
As head of our vocal department, I emphasize safe technique and vocal health, but tailor style and practice to each student’s interests. I began studying voice at the age of 10. I am classically trained in vocal music, but I have studied and taught several additional genres, like jazz, pop, and musical theater. I often incorporate songwriting and self-accompaniment techniques for students interested in expanding their creative expression.
Sophie Kohn, MT-BC
Co-Founder, Operations Manger
Education
Tulane University, BFA in Piano Performance, 2015
Berklee College of Music, Equivalency in Music Therapy, 2016
Certifications
Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) since 2017
About Me
I have been a board-certified music therapist since 2017 and have worked in school settings as well as private clinical settings. I’ve been teaching piano lessons for over 9 years; my music therapy training has informed my teaching and vice versa.
I’m passionate about creating a success-oriented therapeutic environment where my clients feel seen and have fun while working towards their clinical goals. I meet my therapy clients and piano students with flexibility and always aim to customize my approach to their unique needs and goals.
My primary background is in the classical tradition, but I have played and taught a variety of genres over the years. As head of the piano department, it is important to me that my students have fun throughout their lessons, which means providing repertoire they are excited about and exploring improvisation or songwriting if they are interested.
I am so excited to be offering services to my community in Brooklyn, and hope to increase access to quality music therapy and lessons in the area.
Ofri Tanchelson, MA, MT-BC, LCAT
Music Therapist
Education
The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, BA in Sociology and Anthropology, 2006
The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, B.Mus in classical Voice Performance, 2006
Bar-Ilan University, MA in Music Therapy, 2013
Certifications
Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) since 2021
About Me
I am passionate about creating a supportive therapeutic environment in which my clients can have an opportunity to discover themselves and grow through music and creativity.
I began my relationship with music as I sang in a children’s choir when I was 8 years old. Music was one of my first and favorite ways to express myself and connect to others.
I have worked in various settings as a music therapist since 2013, including Mental Health Centers and special education settings. In 2018, I moved to New York and studied at NYU Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center, where I gained additional experience working with adults and children with multiple disabilities. In addition, I have been teaching voice lessons and piano to children and adolescents, and I recently started a community choir focused on singing in Hebrew.
Charlie Rickle, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Education
Rowan University, BM in Music Therapy, Minor in Psychology, 2022
Certifications
Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) since 2022
Certification in Rhythm, Breath, Lullaby (RBL) since 2022
About Me
I enjoy working with diverse populations to encourage self-expression, self-discovery, and identity. As someone who identifies heavily with the LGBTQ+ community, celebration and pride of expression are always welcomed in my work.
I am an avid member of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, enjoy furthering my learning through my current graduate studies at Colorado State University, and through a gender affirming voicework training. Ultimately, I aim to support exploration and expression of identity, especially through music and creativity.
I always bring a smile and positivity into sessions, try my very best to create a fun and sometimes silly environment, but also ensure to meet the clients where they are at. Sometimes this even means improvising and finding new ways to engage with clients that speak to them in that specific moment in time. I am continually learning and teaching to embrace the importance of music in addressing needs and goals.
Meet the Founders
Sophie and Brooke founded NeuroMotif in 2021. As music teachers and therapists devoted to an individualized and client-centered approach, they are committed to providing services with the whole child in mind – their strengths, challenges, and unique potential. They are proud Brooklyn residents, and find meaningful fulfillment in serving their fellow Brooklyn families!
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