Meet Our Team
Haley Welsh, MT-BC
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Executive Director, Owner
Music Therapist
Calli Puko, MT-BC
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Music Therapist
Scheduling Coordinator
Allyssa Heitzenrater, MT-BC
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Music Therapist
Internship Director
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.
Calli Puko is a board certified music therapist who received her Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology from the State University of New York in Fredonia, and completed her internship at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland. She has been a member of the Playnotes team since the beginning in March 2021, working with childcare centers, children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and adolescents in behavioral health. Calli has helped Playnotes grow and expand across Pennsylvania by developing and implementing numerous programs, and collaborating with directors and other on site professionals. Her favorite parts of her work with Playnotes are the amazing opportunities she’s been given, like introducing music into childrens’ lives for the first time and giving a TedX talk on music therapy. Calli respects and praises her clients for their unique ideas and abilities, and values them no matter their situation or diagnosis. Through her music therapy practice, she provides a safe space for clients to express their individuality and make their voices heard. When she’s not working or making music, you can find Calli crocheting and playing with her cats.
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!
Ryssa Ezykowsky, MT-BC
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Music Therapist
Ryssa Ezykowsky is a Board-Certified Music Therapist who graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy. She has been with the Playnotes team since June 2022, starting as an intern. Ryssa's previous work experience in a childcare center inspired her to use music to foster personal growth within the learning centers that partner with Playnotes. Through Playnotes, Ryssa is part of the Habilitation Services Team at The Verland Foundation, where she uses Music Therapy to enhance the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. Ryssa also brings music therapy to nursing homes, where she loves to see the residents light up as they participate. She strives to create an inclusive environment within music that focuses on clients' strengths and abilities in all settings. Ryssa believes that music can bring out the best in people, which can then generalize into their everyday lives. When she's not working hard and making music, Ryssa enjoys listening to classic rock and folk music, doing puzzles, and crafting.
Emily Conroy, MT-BC
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Music Therapist
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!
Kristen Knight
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Music Leader
Kristen is a music facilitator at Playnotes who earned their degree from West Virginia University and completed their internship with Playnotes. They have experience working in schools and daycares as well as in pediatric and community settings. Kristen utilizes a person centered approach and understands the impact that music can have on an individual's wellbeing. They strive to emphasize inclusivity and accessibility within musical spaces and beyond. Outside of work, Kristen enjoys hiking, spending time with their friends, and making art.
Emma Jakiela
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Music Leader
Art Facilitator
Brooks Werries
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Music Leader
Emma Jakiela is a Music and Art Facilitator who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy and Music with a concentration in organ from Seton Hill University. She completed her fieldwork through Playnotes at the Verland Foundation, making meaningful connections through the art making process. Emma is passionate about making art accessible for everyone, and values the impact that the process of creating art can have on people. Her work within adolescent behavioral health facilities reflects this passion as she continues to share art experiences with the clients, providing a safe space for self expression, creativity, and exploration. Emma is currently working on her Masters in Art Therapy with a Specialization in Counseling to achieve her goal of becoming a board certified Art Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor. In her free time, Emma enjoys rock climbing, baking, creating art, and hanging out with her dog, cats, and chickens.
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.