NeuroMotif was founded by music therapists Sophie Kohn and Brooke Slemmer in 2021. It is a Brooklyn-based practice made up of a team of music teachers and therapists devoted to a client-centered approach to making progress and fostering growth.
NeuroMotif is committed to providing quality music services with the whole person in mind – their strengths, challenges, and unique potential. They serve all ages, abilities, and neurotypes, and are passionate about cultivating and modeling a neurodiversity-affirming culture in their community.
Our Team
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.
Charlie Rickle, MM, MT-BC
Music Therapist, Teacher
Education
Rowan University, BM in Music Therapy, Minor in Psychology, 2022
Colorado State University, MM in Music Therapy, 2024
Certifications
Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) since 2022
Certification in Rhythm, Breath, Lullaby (RBL) since 2022
Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT) since 2023
About Me
As an autistic music therapist, I enjoy working with diverse populations to encourage self-expression, self-discovery, and identity. I often draw upon my own reflections through my own neurodiverse-informed experiences. As someone who identifies heavily with the LGBTQ+ community, celebration and pride of expression are always welcomed in my work.
Outside of work, I am an avid member of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, and enjoy furthering my learning through my current graduate studies at Colorado State University. 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 often silly environment, but also ensure to meet the clients where they are. 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.
Taylor Andrews, MT-BC
Music Therapist, Teacher
Education
Texas Women’s University, BS in Music Therapy, Summa Cum Laude, 2020
Certifications
Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) since 2020
Sound Birthing Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth Specialist since 2020
About Me
I am a board-certified music therapist, musician, and advocate for accessibility and inclusion in and out of my sessions. I care deeply about fostering positive relationships with my clients and their families in order to create a healthy space for learning, growth, and fun! I have worked with people of all ages with a wide variety of abilities (in both lessons and clinical sessions) and enjoy creating meaningful music experiences that are tailored to each client’s wants and needs.
In addition to working with neurodivergent children and adults, I have worked closely with adolescents with mental health disorders, older adults with dementia, and people with trauma and substance abuse disorders. I am also a certified Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth Specialist where I am able to support mothers and their babies throughout pre- and post-natal stages of pregnancy. Personally, I have been a part of music ensembles since the age of 3 and still love making music with others on a regular basis. While I am a classically trained vocalist, I have spent much of my life loving, and performing in, musical theatre productions as well.
In sessions, my primary goals are connection and empowerment. I strongly believe that everyone should have access to music and their true selves- whatever that may look like. I am excited to be able to share music with my clients in a way that can be unique and comfortable for them, while simultaneously encouraging them to explore their potential.
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