Meet the Music Therapists

Melissa Gleason was hired onto SSAL’s team of Board Certified Music Therapists in June 2019. Melissa graduated with her Associates Degree in Vocal Performance from Grand Rapids Community College and received her Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy from Western Michigan University. Upon completing an internship at Marwood Nursing and Rehab in Port Huron, MI, Melissa took a part time professional position with Marwood, where she planned and facilitated daily music therapy sessions and acted as supervisor for an intern. She has experience working with a rehabilitation team, long-term care residents, and in the memory care unit, and has focused her career and continuing education in working with memory care and seniors. Melissa experienced first-hand the qualitative, evidence-based impact that Music Therapy has with an ever-growing geriatric population and is excited to share and build on what she has learned.

Melissa’s love for music permeates her life. She performs regularly with Opera Grand Rapids, is a section leader at Mayflower Congregational Church, and has performed in various bands throughout the Grand Rapids area.