Meet the New Music Therapy Interns at Dynamic Lynks!

We are thrilled to introduce you to our new interns, Nicole and Nova, to the Dynamic Lynks community as they complete their clinical internships with us for the 2026-2027 school year!

We asked Nicole and Nova some questions to help our community get to know them! Let's see what they had to say...

Nicole:

Q: Where are you going to college for your music therapy degree?

Illinois State University 

Q: What is your main instrument and what are your other favorite instruments to play? 

My primary instrument is the clarinet, but I love exploring all kinds of instruments! My favorite instrument to use in music therapy sessions is the guitar because it is versatile and can be used in so many different ways. I also enjoy playing piano, percussion, and finding creative ways to incorporate unique instruments into sessions, such as the clarinet.

Q: Where are you from? 

My hometown is Highland, IL.

Q: Why do you want to be a music therapist?

I want to be a music therapist because I love being able to use something I’m so passionate about to make a difference in someone else’s life. I love that music therapy allows me to be creative while building meaningful connections and meeting each person where they are.

Q: What skills are you looking forward to learning about and working on in Music Therapy sessions? 

I’m looking forward to developing my clinical decision-making skills and becoming more confident in choosing interventions that best fit each client and their goals. I’m also excited to expand my instrument skills and learn new ways to use different instruments creatively in sessions. I’m looking forward to trying new things, learning from the therapists around me, and growing as a clinician!

Q: What are your interests outside of music therapy? 

Outside of music therapy, I spend time with family and friends and find time to relax with a good book. One of my all-time favorites is East of Eden by John Steinbeck!

Q: What do you want the Dynamic Lynks family to know about you?

I’m so excited to be a music therapy intern and part of the Dynamic Lynks family! I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone, learning from the team, and growing both personally and professionally throughout my internship.

Nova:

Q: Where are you going to college for your music therapy degree?

Texas Woman’s University (Denton, Texas)

Q: What is your main instrument and what are your other favorite

instruments to play?

My main instrument is voice. I also enjoy playing the piano/keyboard and the synthesizer!

Q: Where are you from?

I was born in Minnesota (Minneapolis area), I grew up in Frisco, Texas, and went to school nearby in Denton, Texas. I also spent a few years in Austin, Texas, and consider it to be a second home!

Q: Why do you want to be a music therapist?

Music has always been very influential in my life, as it is my primary source of self-expression! When I first began university, I started as a music composition major. As I progressed in my degree, I realized that I wanted to work in a mental health field. Around that same time, I started learning more about music therapy. I remember watching videos of music therapists working with clients and was amazed at how supportive music was for them. Through my education, I have continuously become more and more passionate about music therapy as I have seen it assist clients in meeting their goals, connecting with a community, expressing themselves creatively, processing their emotions, and communicating with others, while providing an accommodating environment to do so.

Q: What skills are you looking forward to learning about and working

on in Music Therapy sessions?

I am looking forward to learning more about the community music therapy groups here at Dynamic Lynks! I am excited to practice and learn more about Dynamic Lynks’ holistic approach to music therapy. I am also excited to continue developing my improvisation skills.

Q: What are your interests outside of music therapy?

Outside of music therapy, I have many hobbies! I have recently been getting more into yoga, and I love it! I enjoy spending time outdoors and in nature, going to museums, doing art in my free time, going to the movies, and I have recently started taking up knitting! I also have a cat (Bug) who I love so much!

Q: What do you want the Dynamic Lynks family to know about you?

I am very passionate about increasing the accessibility of mental health resources for neurodivergent communities. I believe in celebrating and embracing our differences while also allowing the space to connect and relate with others. Community is so important to me! I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful team! Thank you for welcoming me into the family.

As you see Nicole and Nova around the center, in schools, or on our social media pages, take a moment to send them some love and encouragement on their final step of becoming music therapists!

We are thrilled to be educating and supporting the next generation of music therapists.

If you're interested in learning more about our National Roster Internship, check out dynamiclynks.com/internship

Applications open October 1st, 2026 for a September 2027 start date!