ABOUT US | Stepping Stones KC

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.

FAQ

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

BETHANY JAMES, MT-BC

Board-Certified Music Therapist

Bethany is a Board Certified Music Therapist originally from O’Fallon, Missouri, right outside St. Louis. She earned her bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from UMKC and completed an internship in St. Louis with children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities. Bethany has worked with kids at Camp Barnabas, as well as in churches, hospitals, and preschools. She loves working with kids of all ages and is excited to be back in Kansas City and joining the Stepping Stones KC team!

SPECIALTIES: Early Childhood, Guitar, and Piano

OTHER INTERESTS: Crocheting, painting, coffee, and watching sunsets

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

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