An Interview with Amy Augenstein, Music Therapist
Healing Through Harmony
At Crossroads Safehouse, healing sometimes begins with a beat. Amy Augenstein, a board-certified music therapist and founder of her own therapeutic practice, brings more than two decades of experience and deep compassion to her work with children navigating the impact of domestic violence. Twice a week, Amy leads music therapy sessions that help young survivors process emotions, build resilience, and rediscover their sense of self, all through the transformative power of music.
With a strong foundation in Neurologic Music Therapy from Colorado State University, Amy blends clinical expertise with creative intuition. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based techniques designed to calm the nervous system and foster emotional regulation. “Music is part of our makeup, part of our bodies,” Amy explains. “We have so many rhythmic things happening with us.”
A Safe Space for Sound and Self-Discovery
Amy’s music therapy sessions incorporate instrument play, bilateral drawing, group singing, and humming, a soothing activity that naturally engages the vagus nerve, promoting calm. Children as young as toddlers up through teens are welcome, and every session is tailored to meet the developmental and emotional needs of those present.
A favorite moment? Moving from an upbeat, giggle-inducing “Apples & Bananas” to the soft melody of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” guiding children through emotional self-awareness with music as the bridge. “What does it feel like to calm myself down?” becomes a question they begin to answer for themselves.
The results speak for themselves. Amy has seen children begin to self-regulate, connect with others, and build the confidence that trauma often erodes. “This job feeds my soul so much,” she says, reflecting on the deep alignment between her personal mission and the broader goals of Crossroads: building community, fostering resilience, and empowering survivors.
A Passion Discovered and a Life Transformed
Amy’s journey into music therapy began with Colorado State University, one of the few schools at the time offering a comprehensive program in Neurologic Music Therapy. Through her education, Amy discovered the brain’s incredible responsiveness to music, from stroke patients who can sing but not speak, to individuals with impaired mobility who begin walking in rhythm when a steady beat is introduced. “There’s something deeply instinctive about how our bodies respond to music,” she says. “We can use that to heal, to connect, to grow.”
Supporting the Mission: How You Can Help
Looking to get involved in Amy’s work? There are two main ways to make an impact:
- Volunteer with Crossroads and assist during music therapy sessions.
- Donate instruments—hand drums, ukuleles, xylophones, and small keyboards are especially appreciated.
Amy’s dream is to send every child home with a musical instrument, a tangible and lasting tool for continued healing. “I would love for them to walk away from this experience with something special, something that reminds them of their strength and their ability to keep moving forward.”
Through Amy’s music therapy, children at Crossroads rediscover safety, joy, and resilience one song at a time. With every beat and melody, healing begins. And with your support, that healing continues to grow.