top of page

ABOUT STEPPING STONES

Stepping Stones KC offers Music Therapy and Child Enrichment services, provided by Board-Certified Music Therapists.

 

We offer Music Therapy, Music Enrichment Groups, Preschool Music Groups, Developmental Enrichment, Birthday Parties, Parent Consults, and more. Our programs are developed to meet the individual and unique needs of your family and child! 

Our Board-Certified Music Therapists assess, plan, and implement HIGH-QUALITY, evidence-based services aimed at addressing the functional goals of your child. We are able to collaborate and co-facilitate sessions with SLP, OT, PT, BCBA's, and more to help your child receive the most effective and consistent care. We are passionate about helping children find the confidence and independence to reach their fullest potential, while having fun!

 

Stepping Stones serves children in the Greater Kansas City area, offering services in Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Mission, Leawood, Shawnee, Prairie Village, Kansas City (KS & MO), Lee's Summit, and more. Email today to check the availability of services in your area! Services are offered in homes, schools, daycares, and more.

Read more about our MISSION, PHILOSOPHY, and TEAM below.

 

PHILOSOPHY

QUALITY

To provide outstanding high-quality services, support, and communication, unique to each family’s needs! Our services reflect current research and best-practices!
 

ENVIRONMENT

To create an environment that is welcoming, encouraging, patient, well-informed, and sincere! We want families to be comfortable sharing their experiences with us and to know we will always be warm and inclusive!

CHILD CENTERED

To assess need across many domains and foster development throughout the 'whole child'. We aim to be thorough in our assessment of needs across many areas in hopes of helping children to grow and find their independence! We are people who are genuinely working with the best interest of your child and family in mind! 

EDUCATION

To maintain innovative, evidence-based practice through collaboration and continuing education. Our Therapists are passionate about learning and work hard to stay up-to-date with certifications and educational experiences!

INCLUSION

To promote community integration, support, and advocacy. We will be inclusive of all families and promote inclusion of ALL families and children in our community! We will provide opportunities to support children's needs in the community!

COMMUNITY

To pursue opportunities to help as many children and families as possible! We believe it is important that every child have a village nurturing them with warmth and encouraging a love of learning and growth. A family to support them in times of need and celebrate them in times of accomplishment! We aim to grow our roots in the community, and help create community for families in need!

MISSION

To engage children in individualized and evidence-based music experiences that facilitate independence, brain development, and safe, healthy relationships. Stepping Stones KC promotes parent education and advocacy about the benefits of music as early enrichment. As professionals, our team will advocate for appropriate Music Therapy state/federal licensure and competitive, appropriate compensation. We are dedicated to providing an experience that is welcoming, educated, and family-centered.

ABOUT OUR TEAM

KRISTI HANSON, MT-BC

Owner & Board-Certified Music Therapist

Kristi Hanson is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and the creator of Stepping Stones KC. Kristi grew up in Olathe, Kansas and graduated from The University of Kansas with a degree in Music Therapy. While at KU, she worked as a preschool teacher, and developed a passion for child development, leaving school with a minor in Psychology and Certifications in Research and Service Learning. Kristi completed an internship at a private practice in Sacramento, CA where she provided music therapy services to a wide variety of children. She also led a wide variety of music therapy & music enrichment groups with children of all ages. Kristi has worked with children in home, classroom, and community settings and has over 10 years of experience working with children of all ages and with a wide variety of needs! Kristi created Stepping Stones KC in 2015 because she is passionate about helping children reach their goals and supporting families, without boundaries!

SPECIALTIES: Early Intervention (Birth-Age 3), ASD, Attachment & Behavior Challenges

OTHER INTERESTS: Movies, Reading, Nature, Planning, Games, Kickball

SWphoto.jpeg

SAMIE WILLIS

Board-Certified Music Therapist

Samantha is a Music Therapist originally from Pewaukee, Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Wartburg College.  Samantha completed an internship with a private practice in Sacramento, CA. During her internship she worked with a variety of clientele ranging from children with varying diagnosis to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Outside of music therapy she has worked with children in classrooms, community, and at summer camps. Samantha is excited to be joining the team and continue her passion for teaching through music and working with children!

SPECIALTIES: Young Children, Adolescents

 

OTHER INTERESTS: Being Outdoors, Musical Theatre, Baking, Crafting, Movies

image0.jpeg

JORDAN MILLS

Board-Certified Music Therapist

Jordan is a Board Certified Music Therapist born and raised in Olathe, KS. She attended Johnson County Community College and received her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts in 2013. Jordan continued her education at the University of Kansas where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy in 2018. She completed her internship through the Shawnee Mission School district where she worked kids and young adults ages 4 to 21 with a wide range of varying diagnosis. Jordan has spent the last 4 years providing in home Music Therapy to children with Autism in KCMO. In December of 2022 Jordan started working as an Early Education Music Teacher in Lawrence, KS. Jordan believes that anyone of all abilities can make beautiful music. She is excited to be a part of the Stepping Stones team and to share her passion of music!

SPECIALTIES: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Early Education, Teens/Young Adults

 

OTHER INTERESTS: Houseplants, Puzzles, Coffee, Fur Babies, Being a Mom

Stepping-Stones-KC-Sage-and-Frank-LOGO-PRIMARY-01.png

KATHRYN OLIVER

Board-Certified Music Therapist

Kat is a Music Therapist originally from Lamar, Missouri. She attended the University of Kansas and graduated with a B.A. in psychology and a Master's in Music Therapy. Kat completed her internship in the Lawrence Public Schools. She has over a decade of experience working with children with a a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as adults with multiple forms of dementia.

SPECIALTIES: School-Age Children, ASD, Dementia

OTHER INTERESTS: Reading, Euro-Style Board Games, Loom Knitting, Landscape Photography

Email today for more information at SteppingStonesKC@gmail.com!

bottom of page