Meet the Therapists
A warm, creative team of music therapists helping children, families, schools, and communities grow through music.
At Sound Starts, our team brings together clinical training, creativity, compassion, and a deep belief in each child’s potential. We use music intentionally to support communication, connection, learning, confidence, and meaningful growth.
A Team Built Around Support
Every Sound Starts therapist brings their own personality, musicianship, and clinical strengths — but we share the same commitment to thoughtful, child-centered care.
Board-Certified Music Therapists
Our services are provided by trained music therapists who use music intentionally to support individualized goals.
Creative, Goal-Based Support
We design songs, strategies, visuals, and musical experiences around each client’s strengths, needs, and interests.
Clear Family Communication
Families can expect ongoing communication, session updates, and support as their child grows through services.
Meet Our Leadership
Mary Altom, MBA, MT-BC
CEO, Music Therapist
Sound Starts Music was established by Mary Altom, a board certified music therapist, in 2011 to provide music therapy and adapted music lessons for children with special needs. Giving students opportunities to learn through music is Mary’s passion, and she is a firm believer that music can help every individual reach their fullest potential.
Mary earned her certification as a Neurologic Music Therapist (NMT) through intense training at Colorado State University. Mary completed her music therapy internship with MusicWorx of California under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Reuer and graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in Music – Music Therapy in 2007.
Mary is an active member of the American Music Therapy Association and the Southwestern Region American Music Therapy Association. She enjoys attending national and regional conferences each year and has presented at regional conference. Mary is married to Ben and they have three children – Jaxon (14), Lily (10), and Owen (5). She enjoys reading and pinterest crafting in her spare time.
Samantha Lowry, MT-BC
Chief Operating Officer, Music Therapist
Samantha Lowry is a graduate from West Texas A & M University with her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy. As Center Clinical Director, she oversees all things related to our center-based services in Frisco and Grapevine! Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide variety of clientele and discovered that serving school-aged children is her preferred and strongest area of practice. Samantha completed her internship spring of 2015 at Hurst-Euless-Bedford I.S.D. near Fort Worth. Her experience at Hurst-Euless-Bedford I.S.D reinforced her calling to work with the school-aged population. She enjoys using familiar songs and writing new materials to target specific goals as well as engaging her clients in improvisational music making. Her love of music and desire to help others is what brought her to Sound Starts Music! Samantha loves sharing her passion for music with the families at Sound Starts Music!
Daniel Sirney, MMT, MT-BC
Community & Marketing Director, Music Therapist
Daniel Sirney graduated with a Master’s of Music Therapy from TWU in December 2022 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Music from Texas A&M University – Commerce. He also completed his internship at Expressive Therapies LLC in Appleton, Wisconsin. This internship experience included work with a wide variety of clientele, from children and adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities, to older clients who have anxiety and depression. In addition to his internship experience, Daniel worked with children with developmental disabilities, individuals in hospice care, and individuals with complications from strokes.
His primary instrument is trombone, but he frequently plays piano, guitar, and other instruments. As a former teacher, Daniel has a passion for helping others learn and grow. He has always had a passion for music and service which helped lead him toward the field of music therapy. Daniel currently lives at home with his family and two cats, Aria and Theodore. In addition to music, he enjoys running, exercising, and playing video games.
Josué Moreno, MT-BC
School Director, Music Therapist
Josué Moreno is a board-certified music therapist with degrees in both Psychology and Music Therapy from Texas State University and Sam Houston State University. Raised in a musical household, he began playing piano and guitar at a young age, later expanding his skills to include clarinet and other instruments. Today, he continues to play guitar and write and record original songs. In recent years, Josué has also been active in music and youth ministries—experiences that deepened his commitment to using music as a tool for connection, healing, and support. He’s excited to continue this next chapter as a music therapist with Sound Starts.
Andra Duncan, MT-BC
Education Director, Music Therapist
Meet Our Music Therapists
Charlotte Clark, MT-BC
Frisco Clinical Coordinator, Music Therapist
Charlotte Clark is a graduate from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy and has been Board Certified since 2016. Charlotte has experience working with different age groups and diagnoses. She has grown up and resides in Denton, TX where her love of music was created and nourished. She is a firm believer that music is a universal language and anyone can be a musician. Charlotte is also involved in her church choir and in the Denton Bell Band. When she is not working, Charlotte enjoys reading books, manga and online webcomics, as well as pottery, archery, and attempting to sew.
Gabriel Navarro, MT-BC
Grapevine Clinical Coordinator, Music Therapist
Gabriel Navarro completed their undergrad coursework for Music Therapy at Texas Woman’s University. In their studies they worked with children in special education, adults with developmental disabilities, and older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Gabriel is passionate about allowing clients to be their authentic selves and help them grow using music therapy. In their free time, Gabriel enjoys playing video games, solving puzzles, and attending concerts. They also enjoy spending time with their partner and six pets.
Kaitlyn Rodgers
Music Therapist
Kaitlyn Rodgers joined the team in October of 2023. She finished her internship in August of 2023 at the Amarillo VA and graduated from Sam Houston State University. Kaitlyn has experience working with preschoolers, veterans, adolescents and young adults in mental health facilities, and adults with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. Kaitlyn discovered her passion for music therapy when she was a teenager when she discovered that she wanted to keep music in her life while also helping others. Kaitlyn has a strong aspiration to help others and she is an adamant believer that music can bring anybody together to achieve endless possibilities. Kaitlyn’s main instrument is the violin, but she enjoys playing a variety of instruments. When Kaitlyn is not working, she enjoys reading books, listening to podcasts, working out, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Angel Rivera, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Angel Rivera is a first generation graduate from Texas Woman’s University. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Music Therapy in 2023. Angel completed his internship at Hays CISD at Kyle, TX in 2024, gaining experience working with children, teens, and young adults with varying developmental delays and diagnosis. Angel’s first interactions with music therapy, and its ability to engage people of many ages and backgrounds, was as a paraprofessional at The Rosedale School In Austin. Prompting him to learn about music therapy and start his journey in 2019.
During his free time Angel enjoys playing video games, particularly Final Fantasy 14, reading webcomics and manga (too many to name), and enjoying his time with Froggy, Legal name Froger, his cat.
Denise De Leon
Music Therapist
Denise De Leon completed her Bachelor’s in Music Therapy at Sam Houston State University. In her studies, she has worked with children, older adults with intellectual disabilities, adolescents with autism, and children with autism. Denise loves music therapy because it combines her passion for music with her dedication to providing quality care to autistic individuals. Her primary instrument is clarinet, but she also has a fondness for the guitar and ukulele. In her free time, Denise enjoys hanging out with family and friends, listening to new music, and trying new recipes. Denise is excited to become a part of the Sound Starts team!
Tyler Smith, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Tyler Smith is a 2018 graduate of Sam Houston State University majoring in Music Therapy. Tyler is a percussionist and was a drummer for the SHSU jazz lab band. Plano, Texas is his home, so he is excited serve in this community. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Madison and their children, watching movies, playing ping-pong, and watching the sunset.
Sabrina Frost, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Hello! My name is Sabrina Frost, and I’m a board-certified music therapist here in the North Texas area. I am dedicated to fostering autonomy and self-expression through a humanistic approach to music therapy, creating an environment where clients and families feel seen and heard. In my free time, I enjoy reading, riding/volunteering with horses, and spending time with my family!
Meara Curran, MT-BC
Music Therapist
Meara Curran graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy and went on to complete her internship at Roman Music Therapy Services. After passing the board exam in October 2025, she moved from Massachusetts to Texas to continue her work as a board-certified music therapist. Meara remains dedicated to her serving her clients, creating deep musical connections to promote growth and positivity. Outside of work, you can find her playing games with friends or hanging out with her cat!
Meet Our Music Therapy Interns
Lakayla Swann
Music Therapy Intern
Since age eight, Lakayla has had a passion for singing, which led her to focus on voice and participate in multiple choirs. Her final undergraduate choral performance took place at the 2024 Virginia Music Educators Association Conference, coinciding with her birthday, making it a particularly meaningful experience. She discovered music therapy during her sophomore year of high school and has been committed to the field ever since. Her devotion to music therapy is driven by her desire to create space for others to express themselves.
Originally from Virginia, Lakayla is excited to explore Texas and all it has to offer. In her spare time, she enjoys karaoke with friends, playing Dance Central on Xbox, and trying new TikTok recipes.
Alyssa Teniente
Music Therapy Intern
Alyssa Teniente completed her coursework at the University of The Incarnate Word for a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. During her time as a student, her coursework included practicums where she worked with infants, children, adolescents, and adults in the San Antonio area. Although voice was her primary instrument of study, Alyssa is also proficient in piano and has played guitar for over 10 years. She was born and raised in McAllen, Texas and continued her studies in San Antonio. Now, she’s excited to start a new chapter in Frisco and explore the DFW area. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys painting, trying new cafes, and going on walks with her dog.
What Our Team Brings to Every Session
Every session is shaped by thoughtful planning, creativity, clinical skill, and a deep commitment to helping each client feel supported and successful.
Specially Designed Songs & Strategies
Our team creates and adapts music experiences to support each client’s individual goals, strengths, and needs.
Client-Centered Services
We take time to get to know each child and family so services feel supportive, meaningful, and personal.
Evidenced-Based Practice
Our music therapists use clinical training, current best practices, and thoughtful planning to guide services.
Clear Communication
Families can expect consistent communication, updates, and collaboration throughout the therapy process.
Ready to Meet Sound Starts?
We’d love to help you find the right therapist, service, and starting place for your child or organization.
Whether you’re exploring music therapy, adapted lessons, groups, or school services, our team is here to answer your questions and help you take the next step with confidence.