Meet Our Team
Haley Welsh, MT-BC
she/her
Executive Director, Owner
Music Therapist
Allyssa Heitzenrater, MT-BC
she/her
Music Therapist
Internship Director
Emily Conroy, MT-BC
she/her
Music Therapist
Haley is the proud founder and owner of Playnotes, dedicating her career to the transformative potential of Music Therapy. As a Music Therapist, Haley specializes in using Music Therapy to uplift individuals of all abilities, including those with intellectual disabilities and in behavioral health settings. Her humanistic approach ensures that each therapeutic intervention is tailored to the unique strengths and needs of the individuals she serves. Collaborating with multiple clinical organizations, Haley has extended her expertise to diverse settings, fulfilling her deep passion for making a meaningful difference through music therapy . Inspired by the joy and curiosity of her three young children, Haley embarked on the creation of Playnotes’ children's music program. Alongside her talented team, she brings individualized and tailored music sessions to numerous learning centers throughout the Pittsburgh area. This program is a testament to Haley's commitment to nurturing the next generation through music, fostering cognitive, emotional, and social development in young minds. When Haley is not working, she enjoys being outside, hanging out with her family, and camping.
Allyssa Heitzenrater is the Internship Director and a Music Therapist at Playnotes. Since receiving her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology from Duquesne University, Allyssa has been dedicated to using a person-centered approach to help people increase their quality of life, practice coping skills, and achieve their social/emotional goals. Allyssa is passionate about sharing joyful music experiences with people, especially young children. Their curiosity and creativity continues to inspire her every day! As the Internship Director at Playnotes, Allyssa loves helping future Music Therapists learn and hone their skills, so that they can enter the wonderful world of Music Therapy with confidence. When Allyssais not working you’ll find her caring for her large collection of plants, playing outside, and making as much art and music as possible!
Emily Conroy is a Board Certified Music Therapist who will receive her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy from Seton Hill University. Starting as an intern, she has been a part of the Playnotes team since September 2023 and is thrilled to be a part of an amazing group of people. Working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, childcare centers, and adolescents in behavioral health, and older adults. She strongly believes that music can be a safe place for individuals to express themselves. Working with these populations has done nothing but inspire Emily. Focusing on a person centered approach, she caters each experience to the individual to help improve their specific goals. Aside from working, Emily enjoys spending quality time with her cats, playing video games and crafting!
Brooks Werries
he/him
Music Leader
Lilla McNerney
she/her
Music Leader
Scheduling Coordinator
Coming Soon!
Brooks Werries is a Music Leader who received his Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy from Seton Hill University and completed his internship at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland. His past clinical experiences include working in hospitals, nursing homes, and childcare centers. He believes in utilizing a person-centered approach within each music session. Brooks believes that music has the power to move us in ways that words cannot. Music can be a person’s tool to let their true self shine. Music can help people connect with themselves and connect with others in ways they have never connected before. When he is not working or playing the guitar, Brooks likes to draw, gig, teach guitar lessons, and spend time with family and friends.
Lilla is dedicated to using music as a tool to promote connection and growth, supporting individuals of all ages with a focus in hospice care!