Summer Music Groups
JUNE - AUGUST 2020
Summer Music Groups
JUNE - AUGUST 2020
Learning Through Music
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
MALLORY WILSON, MT-BC
Board-Certified Music Therapist
Mallory is a Board Certified Music Therapist originally from southeast Missouri, but she has called Kansas City home for the last 8 years. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from UMKC, Mallory completed an internship with the Olathe School District where she worked with students with special needs, age 3 to 21 years old in group and individual settings. Her research interests include Neurologic Music Therapy, motor/speech delays with music prompts, and how Music Therapy can foster childhood resilience. Mallory is thrilled to be joining the SSKC team and to work with students and families to achieve all they can through music!
SPECIALTIES: Adolescents, Young Adults
OTHER INTERESTS: Gardening, Reading, Games
AUSTIN THORN, MT-BC
Board-Certified Music Therapist
Austin Thorn is a board-certified music therapist, originally from St. Louis. Austin moved to Kansas City to pursue a degree in music therapy from UMKC, where he graduated in 2020. Austin has taught music at the Berkley Center for Children and Families, completed a music therapy internship at Children’s Mercy, and taught guitar, piano, bass, and ukulele lessons at Guitar Center. Austin has also received his NICU-MT certification, demonstrating his ability to use music with infants and little ones with a history of prematurity and medical fragility. His goal is to increase accessibility to music therapy for the Kansas City community.
SPECIALTIES: Pediatrics, Guitar, Bass, and Heartbeat Recordings
OTHER INTERESTS: Performing, Recording, Cooking, Movies, Being Outdoors
SAMIE WILLIS, MT-BC
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
Email today for more information at SteppingStonesKC@gmail.com!