Based in Alabama
Our Story
Our roots start in Birmingham local hospitals where our founder, Hannah Oakes, began her career. After receiving music therapy as a part of their hospital treatment, patients continuously asked how they could access music therapy once they left—whether it be for stroke recovery, managing Parkinson’s symptoms, or improving pulmonary health. Hannah realized there was a need in Birmingham, and she was the one being called to fill it. Rooted Music Therapy exists to expand neurologic music therapy services throughout Birmingham, founding a company that provides in-home services and partners with clinics to establish music therapy within their programs.
Our Team
Hannah Oakes, MT-BC, NMT
Hannah is a Birmingham, AL native and obtained her Bachelor’s in music therapy at The University of Alabama. She completed her internship at UAB Hospital where she later worked. At UAB, Hannah worked in the NICU, palliative care, inpatient psych, inpatient rehabilitation, and acute care. Hannah developed a deep love for neurologic rehabilitation after obtaining her Neurologic Music Therapy certification in 2019. She went on to work at Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital where she specialized in stroke, pulmonary, Parkinson’s disease, and SCI treatment.
Abby Whitlock, MT-BC, NMT
Abby is a Madison, AL native and obtained her Bachelors in Music from Samford University. Shen then pursued a Music Therapy Equivalency degree from Florida State University with the additional designation of NICU-MT (National Institute for Infant and Child Medical Music Therapy). Abby completed her internship at Appalachee Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Her primary clinical work has been in adult healthcare, with experience in delirium prevention, palliative care, hematology/oncology, high-risk obstetrics, neonatal intensive care, and acute inpatient psych populations. Abby cares deeply about helping her clients reach their goals and find success in an encouraging environment. Abby provides Neurologic Music Therapy to our clients in the Huntsville, AL area.