Music Therapy

Ana graduated with a Master degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University in 2009.  During her education, she completed more than 1200 hours of clinical training working with a range of populations, including geriatrics, children with special needs, adult mental health and neurologic rehabilitation.  In addition, she completed an internship with Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins where she fell in love with hospice work.  Following completion of her degree program, Ana began working as a life enrichment coordinator for a senior living community before obtaining her first job working as an early childhood music therapist at Foundation Music School in Fort Collins.  Ana also worked in adult hospice during this time and was fortunate to obtain her position working for The Butterfly Program in April of 2013 where she worked until the conclusion of the program in December of 2018.  Ana joined VitalCare in January of 2019 and is excited to continue her work providing music therapy for people of all ages.  She continues to be inspired by the strength and love she witnesses in the families she works with every day and feels blessed to be a part of their journey. In her free time, Ana enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, cooking, baking, reading, being in the mountains, playing music and gardening.

Femke graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychodynamic music therapy from the LUCA School of Arts in Leuven, Belgium in 2012. That same year her parents moved to beautiful Colorado and so Femke decided to tag along. She continued to pursue her love for music therapy and graduated with a second bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Colorado State University in 2019. During her time at CSU, Femke worked with a variety of populations including children and young adults with special needs, older adults with Parkinson’s, and adolescent mental health. She completed an internship with Pathways in Fort Collins where Femke discovered her love and passion for hospice. Femke has now started her career in music therapy at VitalCare. She is excited to work with different populations and ages and can’t wait to share her passion for music with everyone. In her free time, Femke loves to spend time with her boyfriend and two very cute cats, as well as reading, taking naps, hiking, and traveling.

Emmanuel graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Maryville University in Saint Louis Missouri. He completed his Music Therapy internship with SSM Hospice in Saint Louis as well, before moving to Colorado in 2019. Emmanuel has worked with kids in special education for over 5 years, as a Substitute Teacher and Teachers Aide, for Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled. Music Therapy offers a unique way to reach people, and he loves being able to use the combination of his skills, and music, to help clients achieve their goals. When he is not working, Emmanuel enjoys taking in all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer with his wife, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking.

Jordan Brudos-Nockels graduated from Colorado State University in 2018. She then moved to San Diego and completed her internship at Cortica, a center that provides care for children diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and other related differences, using a collaborative model of medical, behavior, and developmental therapy teams including: PTs, SLPs, and OTs. Her background consists of the work she did at Corsica as well as camps for children with a variety of diagnoses, ages, and abilities. Her approach to therapy is primarily humanistic and integrates family dynamics and client-centered care. She believes music is a powerful tool to support client goals within a strong, empathy-filled therapeutic relationship. In her free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts, playing soccer, hiking, skiing, and playing with her dog, Denali.

San Baek graduated from Colorado State University in 2019. He grew up in Virginia and specialized in Renaissance music with his bachelor’s degree from College of William and Mary playing the piano and organ in colonial Williamsburg. His journey has led him to move to Colorado in 2015 to pursue his master’s degree following his passion for music therapy and compassion for others. San started his career focusing on geriatric care and intergenerational programs through his position as Director of Resident Life at Shalom Park Nursing Home located in Aurora, and he is excited to expand his work with other populations through joining VitalCare team. San feels blessed to be connecting with many clients and their families bringing music therapy to their lives. San enjoys cooking and spending time at home with his two cats, and enjoying the Rockies on the weekends hiking the beautiful trails and swimming in the lakes.

Annie Schoephoerster graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy and completed her internship at Rehabilitative Rhythms in Denver. Her clinical background includes working with individuals in memory care, stroke and TBI rehabilitation, Parkinson's groups, schools, and outpatient clinics. For the past seven years, Annie has specialized in serving children with autism and other neurodevelopmental needs. In this role, she managed a multidisciplinary team of Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and Music Therapists, designing and delivering clinical training grounded in current research and best practices in autism care. Annie's therapeutic approach is rooted in building strong relationships and empowering her clients. She is passionate about helping each person become the best version of themselves by fostering sustainable habits that support self-expression, independence, and joy. Outside of her professional work, Annie enjoys staying active, discovering locally crafted coffee, and spending time with her church community.

Vallerie Hardy graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 2024. She completed her music therapy internship at Mainstay Music Therapy. Her background includes working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans, and indivudals with mental health challenges. Vallerie's approach to therapy is primarily DBT informed, humanistic, and neuro-affirming. Her passion for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and advocating for incusive and accesible services for all brought Vallerie to Music Therapy in Colorado from her home state of California. Vallerie Hopes to continue to connect with others and demonstrate the effectiveness of music therapy with a wide variety of client populations. She enjoys hiking, baking, and traveling to new places.