Quad Cities Music Therapy is founded on the belief that everyone should have access to the benefits of quality music experiences. We are passionate about creating opportunities through music, and strive to foster an inclusive music environment in the Quad Cities.
Misty M. Dais, LPMT, MT-BC, NMT, is the owner and director of Quad Cities Music Therapy, and has been a Board Certified Music Therapist since 2002. A graduate of Western Illinois University, she began her music therapy career at Music Therapy Services of Waukesha County, LLC, in Wisconsin, where she treated children and adults with special needs, both in a private clinical setting and in multiple school districts.
After marrying an Air Force service member, Misty moved to Tacoma, WA, where she developed and implemented a music therapy program for United Cerebral Palsy of South Puget Sound. She was also selected to be co-chair of the government relations committee for the Music Therapy Association of Washington, and worked with a state representative to advocate for the profession.
Since moving to the Quad Cities and founding Quad Cities Music Therapy in 2018, she has focused her efforts on serving the community through customized music experiences designed to provide therapeutic benefit and meaning to participants. Misty currently leads music therapy and enrichment services throughout the Quad Cities in which participants are actively engaged through the creative use of instrument play, such as drumming, singing, and movement activities.
In addition to providing music therapy services throughout the Quad Cities, Misty has presented at a number of regional and national Music Therapy conferences on topics related to music therapy, as well as adaptive music lessons. She has also assisted in the completion of a research study on music therapy with doctoral candidates from Vanderbilt University. Most recently, Misty has completed the intensive training to become a Neurologic Music Therapist.
MUSIC THERAPISTS
Leia Hagerman, MT-BC, recently graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in Music Therapy and a minor in Social Welfare. Leia is thrilled to begin her career with QCMT and even more excited to do so in the town where she grew up.
Music has had a huge impact on Leia and her family, and she is eager to share its benefits with her community. Leia looks forward to advocating for music therapy and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.
INSTRUCTORS
Johnnie Cluney has been playing solo or in bands since the late 90’s behind a variety of instruments. Sometimes a singer/songwriter, sometimes a singing drummer, but always playing original music. “I love to improvise and see what happens.” Johnnie has toured nationally and has opened for major acts such as: The Black Keys, Rodriguez, Against me and more!
Besides writing and performing Johnnie is also an avid home recorder and producer. He has recorded and produced over 10 albums from different QC locations and home made studios. These days the touring has slowed down since Johnnie spends most of his time being a father and a husband.
Olivia Endres joins Quad Cities Music Therapy as a Voice and Piano Instructor. She hails from Traverse City, MI and moved to the Quad Cities a year ago. She holds Bachelors degrees in Voice Performance and Music Education from the University of Michigan. She has spent the last two years working as a K-8 music teacher and has enjoyed teaching private lessons over the last year.
Olivia is passionate about making musical experiences accessible to all and strives to help others discover the joy of music and music making that has been such a meaningful part of her own life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 5 month old son, spending time outside, and keeping her hands busy baking, knitting, or crocheting.
Andrew Endress attends Black Hawk College in Moline, IL where he is majoring in Music Education. He is currently studying both classical and jazz piano at Black Hawk, and plans to transfer to a 4-year school in the fall of 2025 with a focus on choral music/education.
In his free time, Andrew enjoys singing, socializing with friends and family, and playing pickleball.
Christian Gonzales is a dedicated pianist, accompanist, and educator with a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Western Illinois University. With a rich background in both solo and collaborative performances across the U.S. and the Philippines, he brings a warm, expressive style to his teaching.
Christian is passionate about nurturing young musicians and is excited to join the team at Quad Cities Music Therapy, where he will share his love for piano with children in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Christine Rogers joined QCMT in 2022 as a group program instructor, leading our early childhood music classes, as well as beginning group piano and ukulele classes. Christine also teaches K-5 General Music at Millikin Elementary in Geneseo, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and German Studies from Augustana College in 2020.
In addition to teaching, Christine plays in the Quad City Wind Ensemble, various musical pit orchestras, and serves on the staff for the Geneseo High School Marching Band. In her free time, she enjoys doing puzzles, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her two cats, Zach and Felix.
Noah McCracken recently graduated from St. Ambrose University with degrees in Music and Math, and where he received numerous music scholarships and won the student solo competition in 2023. Noah has always been heavily involved in music, and is excited to share his passion. He joins QCMT as a piano and low brass instructor.
With 16+ years in the fitness world, Nichol Roberts brings energy, heart, and a whole lot of experience to every workout.
She’s certified through the National Exercise Trainers Association, plus Rock Steady Boxing, Drums Alive, Zumba, and more.
Nichol’s all about meeting people where they are and making wellness work for you, because fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all!
SUPPORT STAFF
Born and raised in Illinois, Mandy Davila graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and Child Psychology from Northwestern State University, and a Masters in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University. In addition, Mandy has served in the U.S. military for twenty-four years.
Mandy enjoys and appreciates what music can do for a person, a family, and the community. We are excited to welcome Mandy to QCMT, where she will be taking on the role of Administrative Assistant.
Music has been the core of Heather Turner’s life for as long as she can remember. She has played both violin and piano for over 30years, sung in choirs throughout childhood and adulthood, holds two degrees in music and has taught in both formal education settings and private lessons for the last 20 years.
Heather currently holds concertmaster positions for the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra (15yrs) and the Clinton Symphony Orchestra. She is an adjunct string orchestra teacher for Pleasant Valley Schools and founded QC String Studio where she teaches Violin, Viola, and Cello lessons. She is excited to take on this new role as Event Coordinator for Quad Cities Music Therapy furthering her role in music education locally connecting more families and children to music.
Heather lives locally with her three children and enjoys DIY home projects and playing folk and Irish fiddle music
Elsa Dais has been playing music since she was born (literally). She is currently completing her senior year in high school, and plays in the wind ensemble with her alto saxophone that she has lovingly named Xavier, and in the jazz band on her bass guitar, Sergei the 2nd. In the coming years, Elsa will be pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Although Elsa’s stint as social media manager was short-lived, she shall forever have a spot on the “About Us” page, because she came up with our business name. Without Elsa, we would not be who we are today…literally.
Music Therapists at Quad Cities Music Therapy are credentialed through the Certification Board for Music Therapists and adhere to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics set forth by the American Music Therapy Association.