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 in Birmingham, and she was the one being called to fill it.
Rooted Music Therapy exists to expand Neurologic Music Therapy® services throughout Alabama, founding a company that provides in-home services and partners with clinics to establish music therapy within their programs.
Our Team
Hannah Oakes, MT-BC, NMT™
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™
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.
Lizzie Digiovanni Ratté, MT-BC, NMT™
Lizzie, originally from Atlanta, GA, obtained her Bachelor’s of Music Therapy from The University of Georgia. She completed her internship at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Lizzie’s clinical work has focused extensively in human & brain development, inpatient & outpatient rehabilitation, pulmonary disorders, neurologic impairments, and pediatric cancer & blood disorders. She has worked for nationally recognized healthcare institutions, including Encompass Health and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She has been affiliated with the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy® since 2021. Lizzie is passionate about transfer of skills and success into community settings while celebrating progress along the way. Lizzie provides services to our clients in the Huntsville, AL area.
Weldon Langham, MT-BC, NMT™
Weldon is a Wetumpka, AL native and obtained her Bachelor's in Music Therapy from the University of Alabama. She completed her internship at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, CO. Her primary clinical work has been in adult healthcare, with experience in various ICUs, palliative and hospice care, inpatient psych, and long-term care. She continued her education studying at the Academy of Neurology Music Therapy® and obtained her Neurologic Music Therapy® license in December of 2024. Weldon is passionate about music therapy and is excited to be working with clients all over the Birmingham area.
Erin Hatcher, MT-BC
Erin is a Huntsville, AL native and obtained her Bachelor's in Music Therapy from the University of Alabama. She completed her internship at Music Therapy Milestones in Birmingham, AL, and subsequently obtained her NICU-MT (National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy) certification. Her primary clinical work has been in early childhood development, autism spectrum disorder, and pediatric behavioral health. She also has experience serving adults with traumatic brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, and memory disorders. Erin is thrilled to be providing music therapy services to clients around Huntsville, AL.