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 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. When her family was stationed overseas, Misty navigated the challenges of nurturing and educating her family while living in a foreign country, and continued to meet educational requirements to maintain her board certification.
Since moving to the Quad Cities, she has focused her efforts on serving children and adults with special needs through customized music experiences, and constantly strives to provide expanded offerings to better serve the community.
MUSIC THERAPISTS
Leia Hagerman 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.
MUSIC INSTRUCTORS
Johnnie 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.
Siobhán Dunn is a graduate of Luther College, where she studied percussion, piano, and composition. She is a member of the Luther College Jazz Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble.
Siobhán has a few years experience as a accompanist and church pianist. She has also been a dance instructor and art teacher. Siobhán is passionate about all forms of art, how they connect, and how they connect people.
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.
Andre Garcia is a classical guitarist with over a decade of experience. He trained under Randy Pobanz and Dana Starkell in classical technique and studied music theory with Jacob Bancks. Andre also graduated from the Master’s Program at Galloup Guitars School of Guitar Building and Repair.
Andre teaches the guitar, ukulele, bass guitar, and mandolin, and enjoys many different genres of music including rock and bluegrass. He loves teaching all ages and experience levels, and watching his students grow as individuals and musicians.
Antonio Gassman is from Rock Falls, IL and is a Piano Performance Major at Augustana College.
Antonio enjoys playing and sharing music with others, as well as composing his own piano music. He particularly enjoys the music of Chopin and Beethoven, and hopes to someday perform at Carnegie Hall.
He is passionate about spreading the joy that music has brought to his life, and is excited to join QCMT as a piano instructor.
Christine Rogers joined QCMT 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.
Miranda Mason is pursuing her Masters degree at the University of Iowa, studying Special Education with a focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Vocational and Life Skills.
Miranda has also studied music education at the collegiate level and has rock star vocal talent! Miranda is looking forward to helping students learn new skills, gain confidence, and develop their musical talents.
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.
Elsa Dais has been playing music since she was born (literally). She is currently a junior in high school, and plays in the wind ensemble with her alto saxophone that she has lovingly named Xavier, and in the jazz band with Xavier and her bass guitar, Sergei the 2nd.
No stranger to QCMT, Elsa has assisted in hosting our yearly Costume Recitals since the very first one in 2019.
Elsa has given herself the title of ‘Social Media Manager’ because, as she states, “clearly you need some help.”
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.