Our Story
Our roots start in Birmingham local hospitals where our founder, Hannah Oakes, began her career.
After receiving music therapy as a part of their hospital treatment, patients continuously asked how they could access music therapy once they left—whether it be for stroke recovery, managing Parkinson’s symptoms, or improving pulmonary health. Hannah realized there was a need, and she was the one being called to fill it.
Since our founding, we have emerged as one of Alabama’s leading providers of Neurologic Music Therapy®. Our work is strengthened by neuroscience. Our team is skilled across the lifespan, with innovative care providers who strive to help people live meaningful lives.
Rooted Music Therapy provides in-home services and partners with clinics & hospitals to establish music therapy within their programs.
Hannah Oakes, MT-BC, NMT™
Founder & Owner
Hannah is a Birmingham, AL native and obtained her Bachelor’s in music therapy at The University of Alabama. She completed her internship at UAB Hospital where she later worked. At UAB, Hannah worked in the NICU, palliative care, inpatient psych, inpatient rehabilitation, and acute care. Hannah developed a deep love for neurologic rehabilitation after obtaining her Neurologic Music Therapy® license in 2019. She went on to work at Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital where she specialized in stroke, pulmonary, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injury treatment. Hannah currently serves on the board of the Parkinson’s Foundation - Gulf Coast Chapter. Hannah is the owner & founder of Rooted Music Therapy and works with clients in the Birmingham area.
Abby Whitlock, MT-BC, NMT™
Operations Manager
Abby is a Madison, AL native and obtained her Bachelors in Music from Samford University. Shen then pursued a Music Therapy Equivalency degree from Florida State University with the additional designation of NICU-MT (National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy). Abby completed her internship at Apalachee Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Her primary clinical work has been in adult healthcare, with experience in delirium prevention, palliative care, hematology/oncology, high-risk obstetrics, neonatal intensive care, and acute inpatient psych populations. Abby cares deeply about helping her clients reach their goals and find success in an encouraging environment. Abby provides Neurologic Music Therapy® to our clients in the Huntsville, AL area.
Lydia Lowery, MT-BC, NMT™
North Alabama Therapist
Lydia, originally from Boaz, Alabama, earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Mississippi University for Women and completed her internship at Easter Seals Midwest Autism Services. Affiliated with the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy® since 2023, she brings prior private practice experience from Nashville, with clinical focus on autism and developmental disabilities, early childhood development, school-based services, and neurological conditions — including specialized training in Gestalt Language Processing and sensory regulation.
Her passion for music therapy stems from her own experience receiving it as a teenager during cancer treatment. Lydia serves clients throughout Huntsville, Marshall County, Etowah County, and surrounding North Alabama communities.
Callie Collins, MT-BC,
Birmingham Therapist
Callie Collins is a Birmingham, AL native and obtained her Bachelor’s in Music Therapy from The University of Alabama in 2014. She completed her internship at United Ability in Birmingham before serving as a music therapist for the Mobile County Public School System from 2015–2026. During her time in the school system, Callie worked with children and young adults with a wide range of developmental disorders, brain injuries, visual and hearing impairments, and behavioral disorders. She is passionate about helping individuals reach their fullest potential through meaningful, evidence-based music experiences that support communication, learning, movement, and overall quality of life.