224 Westinghouse Boulevard, suite 608
Charlotte, NC 28273
-Halifax Square Business Complex-
Gabby Jones, MT-BC, Neurologic Music Therapist graduated from Queens University of Charlotte and completed an internship at Piedmont Music Therapy in 2021.
She loves working with individuals of all abilities and is passionate about encouraging and promoting self-care and mental well being within the community she serves. Gabby is excited to continue to share meaningful musical experiences with the members of the PMT community!
Melissa Reinhardt, MSEd, MT-BC, Neurologic Music Therapist completed an undergraduate music therapy degree from Ohio University and music therapy internship at the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center in Fort Wayne, IN working with adults with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, she earned a Master’s degree in Special Education at the University of Saint Francis in 2002.
Past employment is Adjunct Professor at Queens University of Charlotte in the music therapy department.
Throughout her professional career, Melissa has dedicated her service to the music therapy profession through serving as President of Indiana Music Therapists, Secretary of Indiana Music Therapists and Secretary of the Southeastern Region of the American Music Therapy Association. Melissa is First Aid and CPR Certified by American Red Cross for children and adults.
Additional Title: Internship Director
Molli Smith, MT-BC graduated from Queens University of Charlotte and completed her internship at Piedmont Music Therapy in 2023. She enjoys working with individuals of all abilities and is passionate about connecting with others and helping them reach their goals. Molli is grateful to be joining the PMT team and looks forward to making more meaningful connections with the clients and students of PMT.
Miriam Tart, MMT, MT-BC completed her undergraduate degree in Music Performance at Corban University then received an equivalency/Master of Music Therapy Degree at Appalachian State University.
Internship training occured at Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital. She views the opportunity to work with her clients as a gift and finds joy in being with clients as they move towards their goals. Her clinical experience includes working with children with communication and developmental delays, older adults in a rehabilitative center, adults in acute psychiatric care, and at-risk youth in the community. Miriam is First Aid and CPR Certified by American Red Cross for children and adults.
Internship training occured at Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital. She views the opportunity to work with her clients as a gift and finds joy in being with clients as they move towards their goals. Her clinical experience includes working with children with communication and developmental delays, older adults in a rehabilitative center, adults in acute psychiatric care, and at-risk youth in the community. Miriam is First Aid and CPR Certified by American Red Cross for children and adults.
Gretchen Chardos Benner, MSW, MT-BC
Executive Director
Alumna: Duquesne University & University of Pittsburgh
She has worked as adjunct faculty at Queens University of Charlotte as a Music Therapy Practicum Supervisor and Adjunct Field Instructor for the Department of Social Work at Winthrop University. Gretchen is honored to serve the Carolinas with her talented team of music therapists and support access to creative and expressive arts. She is First Aid and CPR Certified by American Red Cross for children and adults.
Executive Director
Alumna: Duquesne University & University of Pittsburgh
She has worked as adjunct faculty at Queens University of Charlotte as a Music Therapy Practicum Supervisor and Adjunct Field Instructor for the Department of Social Work at Winthrop University. Gretchen is honored to serve the Carolinas with her talented team of music therapists and support access to creative and expressive arts. She is First Aid and CPR Certified by American Red Cross for children and adults.
Nick Paredes graduated from Appalachian State University, and is very excited to be interning at Piedmont Music Therapy. His principal instrument is voice, and enjoys playing the piano and guitar in his spare time. Nick is excited to start working with people of all identities, and enjoys using song-sharing as a way to learn more about people.
Piedmont Music Therapy is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
MEDIA/Press
"Cultivating Fun and Life Skills through Culture Blocks Songs With Friends" QC Life - WBTV News, January 2023
"Healing Through Music Therapy" CharlotteNOW TV, January 2023
"Charlotte Music Connection Club is inviting neighbors with disabilities" QC Life - WBTV News, April 2022
"Heading In A Different Direction" Bridges Magazine Winter 2022
"The Beat Goes On" Fort Mill Now, April 2020
"Music Therapy at Piedmont Music Therapy, LLC" CN2 News - Renee O'Neil, January 2020
"Event To Spotlight Music Therapy" QC Life - WBTV News, December 2019
"Music Therapy Relatively New to North Carolinas Lacks Licensing Laws" Daily Tar Heel - Karen Stahl, November 2018
Alumni News: "Gretchen Benner - Duquesne University" - May 2018
"Siskey YMCA Camp Reaches New Heights" WCCB Charlotte - Will Kennedy, July 2017
"Healing Powers: Music Therapy Alumnae Use Degrees To Make A Difference" Duquesne University Tempo Magazine 2012-2013
"Live Lobby Music: Alumna creates hospital performance program at hospital" Duquesne University Tempo Magazine - 2011
"Moody Music: How Music Affects Moods" Interview by University Prep Students, Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show - June 2011
"Soothing Sounds: Hospitals' Hallways Filled with Live Music" by Deborah Deasy, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Newspaper, March 2011
"Ocean Adventures: Exploring Music and Creative Play" in the imagine 2012 Magazine, p. 64.
"Healing Through Music Therapy" CharlotteNOW TV, January 2023
"Charlotte Music Connection Club is inviting neighbors with disabilities" QC Life - WBTV News, April 2022
"Heading In A Different Direction" Bridges Magazine Winter 2022
"The Beat Goes On" Fort Mill Now, April 2020
"Music Therapy at Piedmont Music Therapy, LLC" CN2 News - Renee O'Neil, January 2020
"Event To Spotlight Music Therapy" QC Life - WBTV News, December 2019
"Music Therapy Relatively New to North Carolinas Lacks Licensing Laws" Daily Tar Heel - Karen Stahl, November 2018
Alumni News: "Gretchen Benner - Duquesne University" - May 2018
"Siskey YMCA Camp Reaches New Heights" WCCB Charlotte - Will Kennedy, July 2017
"Healing Powers: Music Therapy Alumnae Use Degrees To Make A Difference" Duquesne University Tempo Magazine 2012-2013
"Live Lobby Music: Alumna creates hospital performance program at hospital" Duquesne University Tempo Magazine - 2011
"Moody Music: How Music Affects Moods" Interview by University Prep Students, Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show - June 2011
"Soothing Sounds: Hospitals' Hallways Filled with Live Music" by Deborah Deasy, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Newspaper, March 2011
"Ocean Adventures: Exploring Music and Creative Play" in the imagine 2012 Magazine, p. 64.
