Staff

Meredith Hamons

Originally from Ohio, Meredith began studying piano at the age of five under the direction of her mother. Throughout her childhood, Meredith performed in many recitals, festivals, and guild events, as a soloist and also with her younger brother and duet partner. Meredith's study of classical piano continued throughout her teenage years under the tutelage of her older brother. In addition to pursuing classical excellence, Meredith also accompanied the Children's Ballet Theater, taught lessons, and accompanied liturgical and traditional church services, in addition to singing with the Choral Society's Touring Ensemble.

Though she loved the discipline and perfection that serious musical study required, Meredith was more intrigued and motivated by the power of music to move people and touch lives. Seeking a field that combined her love of people and her love of music, Meredith pursued a degree in music therapy at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Upon graduation, Meredith married her husband, Chris, and relocated to Austin, Texas. She joined the Center for Music Therapy, Inc. in early 2008. She is a board certified–music therapist.

In addition to music, Meredith enjoys swimming, traveling, spending time at the ocean in all of its moods, and maintaining close relationships with friends and family. When she's not making music with clients, Meredith and her husband enjoy entertaining guests at their home and spending time together.

Cailin McElrath

Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Cailin began studying piano at the age of 7 and picked up voice and guitar along the way. After participating in school, church, and community choral and musical theater productions, Cailin graduated from McCallum High School's Fine Arts Academy with a concentration in Vocal Performance.

Cailin pursued music business and vocal performance at Northeastern University and interned with Asleep at the Wheel's business manager in the summer of 2004. Wanting a more hands-on way than performance to connect to others through music, she transferred to Berklee College of Music in Boston to pursue a degree in music therapy.

After completing a music therapy internship at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, Cailin graduated from Berklee in 2008 and became a board certified-music therapist. Her experience and clinical focus combines an eclectic, client-centered approach with an emphasis on improvisation, contemporary music styles, early childhood development, and adolescent psychology.

In her spare time, she enjoys running, dancing, spending time with the people and animals in her life, and adding to her vintage clothing collection.

Michele Hamilton

Michele has been practicing as an occupational therapist since 2002 with experience in rehab, acute care, neonatal ICU, and outpatient therapy. She also has experience working in home health and early childhood intervention. She has a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin.

The goal of occupational therapy is to support individuals in performing purposeful and meaningful activities that are a part of everyday life. Michele believes that each client has unique needs as well as an innate wisdom that guides treatment. She empowers clients, families, and caregivers through the use of client-centered, holistic, and sensory based approaches.

Michele is thrilled to be a part of the Center for Music Therapy. It is a joy to be able to share and unite the principles of occupational therapy in an innovative and multidisciplinary team setting. By working together, therapists can bring the best of what each has to offer and ultimately provide the greatest possible service.

"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Ghandi

Cathy Befi

Cathy is currently finishing her music therapy degree at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. She has been in Austin for twelve years, and holds a BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. Cathy directs a church choir and sings in a vocal jazz ensemble. After three years as a computer programmer, she decided to make the career switch to Music Therapy, where she finds joy in helping people and sharing the healing power of music.

Hope Young

"I am a second generation clinician. My Mother taught at Kansas State School for the Deaf in the 60's and then moved to Michigan as head of special education services in the 70's. When I was very young my Mom would often take me too work with her. All the kids there had hearing losses so I played with them through sign and gestures. I became their friend and they were as normal, fun and great to be with as all my other friends. My Mom's career helped me learn from her generation that the limitations on folks are mainly a reflection of the limitations of our society/culture not truly the limitations of the individual. I saw first hand in the 1970's how people's life potential changed when they moved from state schools into public schools with Public Law 94-147, the education for all handicapped children's act. I was a child then. It was normal to play baseball with my Mom's friend who had no arms and used his feet to pitch to me. It was fun when he would catch and throw me out at first base. I didn't see a disability, I saw a person who was better than me at baseball, gently encouraging and teaching me to throw, bat and catch better."

"I am now an adult and therapist witness to countless stories of healing and recovery against overwhelming odds. After 20 years of clinical practice I'm still asking the question of myself and the people I work with, "what's possible?" I still don't think I know the full answer, but it's never the worst of our fears that answers this question. My clients have taught me to listen for the voice of hope for the answers. I've learned to focus my work in a way that supports the rising of the human heart and spirit to soar above all the challenges we humans face. As a clinician, I know my purpose is to simply help and be there with the best abilities I have to offer."

Hope began her career as a Music Therapist working full time at Monteville Hospital in Morgan Hill, CA working with adolescent and adults in a short term-acute psychiatric and sub-stance abuse treatment program. In 1990, Hope moved to Austin, Texas. To read more about Hope and the center's history, follow the Founder's and Our History links on our website.

Hope Young is the Founder and President of The Center for Music Therapy, Inc. in Austin, Texas. She graduated from The University of The Pacific's Conservatory of Music in May of 1989. She is a board certified–music therapist.