About

Our Story

Founded in September 2005, the studio began by offering only a popular internationally known early childhood music and movement program. As the studio grew and began increasing its program options, the name Rhythm Garden Music was formally given to reflect the studio’s offerings beyond the early childhood program. Rhythm Garden Music LLC currently offers music therapy services, in-services, consultations, an early childhood arts program, and music lessons for acoustic/electric guitar, bass, piano, and ukulele.

Morgan Sparks, MT-BC
Owner & Director
Lead Music Therapist

Morgan was born and raised in Greene County, graduating from Shakamak High School in 2001. A Board-Certified Music Therapist, she holds a B.S. in Music Therapy from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a B.A. in Psychology from DePauw University. Morgan decided to open her private practice in Jasonville because she was determined to make a positive difference in her hometown. She believes in the power of music as a key ingredient for positive growth for individuals of all ages and abilities, and finds it to be awe-inspiring to see, first-hand, the positive impact that music has on a child’s development.
Morgan has experience working in many populations, including acute mental health, long-term care, and hospice, as well as more than a decade of experience in early-childhood, autism and other developmental disabilities.
Morgan is a member of the American Music Therapy Association, Association for Indiana Music Therapy, the Delta Xi Chapter of Tri Kappa, and serves as a member of the Head Start Policy Council.

Bethann Smith
Staff Music Therapist & Internship Supervisor

Bethann Smith is a Board-Certified Music Therapist with a wide range of experience. She taught public school music K-12 for five years. Preschool children and after school care through the YMCA later led to front desk receptionist and aerobics instructor which gave her networks to work at Head Start for 11 years. Of the 11 years, 10 were spent working in the homes of families. It was during this time she started her journey as a Music Therapist. She attended on campus classes during lunch, and online classes by night. She then decided to attend St. Mary-of-the-Woods campus classes, finishing my certification quicker. She picked up a part time job working with individuals with special needs in the school corporation, integrating Music Therapy techniques while completing her practicum. It was during this time she realized she wanted to work with individuals with special needs on a continuing basis.

Her interests include, but not limited to and are always evolving, horse riding and training, hiking, bicycle riding, motorcycle riding (She owns and rides her own), taking her dog for long walks, knitting, reading, cooking, gardening, photography (a few awards along the way. Including two calendar months featuring her photos), mixing with lotions and potions with essential oils and in general loving what life has to offer. It is through all her experiences and interests that have shaped the way she approaches her Music Therapy techniques.

Justine Gibson, MT-BC
Staff Music Therapist

Justine is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) who obtained her B.S. in Music Therapy and Minor in Psychology from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) in 2021. During her time as a practicum student at SMWC, Justine was able to gain experience using music therapy to support: children, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, older adults, and individuals in a psychiatric setting. Following graduation, Justine completed her music therapy internship at Fulton State Hospital, a high security forensic psychiatric hospital in Fulton, Missouri. At her internship, Justine had the opportunity to work with a variety of diagnoses including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, mood disorders, and Antisocial and Borderline personality disorders. While at her internship at Fulton State Hospital, Justine’s love for music therapy grew further as she observed the support and power music therapy could offer individuals as they progressed through their treatment. Now, back home in the Wabash Valley and a staff music therapist at Rhythm Garden Music LLC, Justine is excited to share her passion for music therapy and mental health as a new professional.

In fall of 2022, Justine will continue her journey in music therapy as she begins her Master of Arts in Music Therapy degree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where she also serves as the Graduate and Teaching Assistant for the program.

Jacob Wilson, MT-BC
Staff Music Therapist

Jake is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) who obtained a B.S. in Music Therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) in 2020. Throughout college, Jake worked as a percussion instructor and theater pit drummer around the Wabash Valley. During his time as a practicum student at SMWC, Jake worked with various populations, including older adults, incarcerated individuals, and children and adults with ID/DD. Upon completing his coursework, Jake moved on to his internship at Dynamic Music Services in Indianapolis, IN. Internship provided even more variety, giving Jake the opportunity to work with individuals on the Indiana Medicare Wavier with a variety of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and, on occasion, mental health disorders. Following internship, Jake continued to grow as a young professional working in the Indianapolis/Franklin area. Now, he is excited to be closer to home and work at Rhythm Garden Music LLC, taking on new challenges and discovering the music within the new people he will meet.