Meet the Team

Benjamin is the founder of Breakthrough Music Therapy. He is a board-certified music therapist that specializes in childhood development. He has a bachelor’s degree in music performance and a master’s degree in music therapy. He has worked with a variety of populations, but currently the bulk of his work is with children and adolescents with developmental or behavioral health needs.

In music therapy practice, Benjamin endorses a holistic and person-centered approach in helping clients reach their goals. He is experienced with writing original compositions to use in therapy, and also records children’s music that has an emphasis on building strong developmental skills. Outside of music therapy, Benjamin enjoys hiking, being outdoors, and spending quality time with friends and family. (he/him/his)

Amy Christmas is a board-certified music therapist and a clinical coordinator for Breakthrough Music Therapy. She received a Master of Arts degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet Performance from Temple University. Amy has extensive experience providing therapy services at various levels of care in behavioral health and educational settings. She has a strengths-based, collaborative approach that supports individuals in growing and tapping into their potential through the creative process.

In addition to clinical work, Amy enjoys teaching traditional and adapted music lessons. She strives to inspire students and help them build confidence in their musical skills, in a fun, nurturing environment. She is also certified to teach an internationally recognized early childhood music program for young children and their caregivers. Amy is a freelance clarinetist and performs regularly in Lancaster and the surrounding areas. (she/her/hers)

Kate Foster earned her Bachelor’s of Music Therapy with a focus in Vocal Performance from Loyola University New Orleans. As a board-certified music therapist at Breakthrough Music Therapy, Kate utilizes an individualized approach in treatment of developmental, neurological, and behavioral disorders. Her passion is to help people find their voices, encouraging clients to self advocate. Kate and her husband, Zach, moved to Lancaster from Portland, OR with their cat Lucille. Kate enjoys singing in choir, going to shows, playing games with her family, and watching TV shows and movies. (she/her/hers)

Dr. Gene Ann Behrens, MT-BC, is a retired Professor Emeritus after 23 years of directing the music therapy program at Elizabethtown College. With her undergraduate and doctoral degrees in music therapy and master’s/Ed.S. degrees in related healthcare areas, she continues a 48-year career as a board-certified music therapist, consultant, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional who focuses on a neuro-informed perspective. Gene Ann contracts with and provides supervision and workshops for Breakthrough Music Therapy.

Gene Ann has given numerous presentations or workshops—with over 90 internationally in 24 countries, such as Japan, Turkey, India, Argentina, and South Korea—mostly focused on a neuro-informed approach to treatment, trauma, music, and related topics. She was especially honored to work as a music therapist or trauma specialist in Bethlehem, Occupied Palestinian Territory; Nairobi, Kenya; and Hargeisa, Somaliland. Gene Ann continues to write, consult, conduct workshops, and teach as an adjunct professor.

As an avid photographer, Gene Ann uses her camera to gain a unique
perspective of the world as she travels. She has had three exhibitions of her photography, Behind the Walls, Reflections and Memories—My Visual Memoirs, and Womynfolk. (she/her/hers)

Jacqui is a board-certified music therapist at Breakthrough Music Therapy. She graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy and a focus in voice. Jacqui has experience facilitating groups and individual music therapy sessions to all ages, ranging from age 2 to 103. However, Jacqui feels highly passionate about providing care to adolescents and young adults to help navigate complex emotions.

Within the session, Jacqui creates an environment that is encouraging, person-centered, individualized, and strength based. Jacqui loves to explore songwriting interventions as well as combining art with music when appropriate. In her free time, Jacqui enjoys crafting and playing with her cats/giant dog. (she/her/hers)