Meet the Team
Benjamin Dows
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
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)
Dr. Gene Ann Behrens
Dr. 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)