Sunny Days Therapeutics
(706) 883-5300
Sunny Days Therapeutics
(706) 883-5300

Music Therapy

At Sunny Days Therapeutics, located in Watkinsville, GA, our music therapist provides music Therapy services in our office and within our community.  We take pride in helping individuals, neurodivergent individuals and groups at your location.

What is Music Therapy

Music therapy is the evidence-based approach of using music to address non-musical goals. Interventions used vary widely based on the needs, abilities, and preferences of the individual participating, and they are thoughtfully selected and implemented by a credentialed music therapist.

Some examples include:

  • Singing favorite songs to promote and improve speech
  • Rewriting song lyrics to identify and express emotions
  • Dancing to music with a strong beat to promote smooth and controlled body movements
  • Writing songs to help sequence daily tasks
  • Musical games designed to promote attention and executive function
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Music Therapy

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Music Therapy for Speech Goals

Music therapy can help stimulate speech, improve clarity, and promote expressive language. By singing a familiar and enjoyable song, the music therapist can prompt a client to sing along by providing spaces for the client to fill in words. When someone sings “You are my….”, our brains naturally want to complete the phrase- “Sunshine!”

To improve clarity of speech, a music therapist may teach some vocal exercises as a warm up to singing the client’s favorite songs. One popular and silly-sounding vocal warm up, “mommy made me mash my M&M’s,” can provide the singer an opportunity to practice the “m” sound, word sequencing, and pitch variance all at the same time!

Music therapists can use the lyrics of a client’s favorite songs as an opportunity to explore emotional language and communication. We can talk about how the singer might feel based on the words in the song, and even re-write the lyrics to explore other feelings and ideas. We could even work together to write a new song completely from scratch!

Music Therapy for Speech Goals
Music Therapy

Music Therapy for Motor Goals

Music therapy can help develop fine and gross motor skills through movement to music, playing instruments, and more. Gross motor skills targeted may include walking with a steady gait, coordinating intentional movements, or increasing range of motion, depending on the individual. To help promote an even walking gait, a music therapist can play music with a strong steady beat as the client walks. If you have ever walked or ran to music, you may have noticed that your body naturally wanted to match the pace of the music. This same principle is applied in music therapy, and is used to help people who have trouble maintaining an even walking pattern.

Some people have trouble making controlled, intentional movements. For this, a music therapist may create a simple choreographed dance that helps the client practice these movements to music with a strong beat. The beat provides structure for the movement, and helps the client’s body learn how to time the movement appropriately. The therapist may also provide rhythm sticks or a drum for the client to tap to the beat of the music, providing a target and purpose for the movement.

To practice fine motor skills, the music therapist may utilize teaching the basics of playing piano or ukulele, which each require practice in controlling finger movement. We can start by playing piano keys using one finger at a time, then adding more as the client progresses. There are also bells and other percussion instruments that can be used as motivating ways to practice intricate finger movements!

Music Therapy for Motor Goals
Music Therapy

Music Therapy for Mental Health

Music therapy can provide opportunities to connect with others in a non-threatening environment. Playing music in a group can be a way to engage and communicate with peers without needing to hold conversations, or even make eye-contact. Improvisation can allow for a nonverbal form of communication, while lyric analysis and song writing can help with identifying and processing emotions.

Music can be used as a conversation-starter to discuss building self-esteem, coping with difficult emotions, or exploring unfamiliar situations. Using song lyrics to discuss issues takes the pressure off of someone talking exclusively about themselves, and helps them find comfort in knowing other people experience similar emotions and struggles. Music therapy utilizes the musical preferences of the individual, allowing for self-expression, independence, and agency within the therapeutic process.

Music Therapy for Mental Health
Music Therapy

Music Therapy for Sensory Processing

For people who have trouble with sensory processing, music therapy can help teach healthy coping skills to address sensory needs. Music naturally integrates multiple senses, and the predictable nature of music can be inherently soothing.

For those who are seeking specific sensory inputs, music therapy can provide the following:

  • Auditory stimulation: listening to preferred music at a volume comfortable for the participant
  • Tactile stimulation: touching and playing drums, piano keys, guitar strings, and other instruments of varying textures
  • Proprioception (sense of body-awareness): squeezing muscles and joints to a steady beat can be an exercise taught through music therapy that can be used in daily life to receive this type of input in a healthy way

For those who are avoidant of specific sensory inputs, music therapy can help provide self-regulation skills in times of over-stimulation. The motivating nature of music may also provide a bridge to making unpleasant inputs more tolerable. Some examples of this include:

  • Auditory stimulation: listening to soft, easily-predictable melodies through headphones to block out the source of the over-stimulating noise
  • Tactile stimulation: the desire to hear the sounds of instruments may provide motivation to explore various textures and allow for adjustment to the sensory input
  • Vestibular stimulation (moving through space): performing a series of movements set to preferred music that are slow, linear, and predictable so that it may provide a way to experience this sensory input while avoiding overstimulation
Music Therapy for Sensory Processing
Music Therapy
Amber Miller

Amber Miller

LPMT, Music Therapist
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Amber Miller

Amber began her career as an elementary school music teacher in 2014 after graduating Georgia Southern University. She continued teaching until 2017, when she moved to Athens to pursue her Bachelor’s Equivalency in Music Therapy at the University of Georgia. This culminated in an internship at The George Center in Roswell, GA. 

Amber has experience leading music therapy in groups and with individuals from many walks of life. She has worked with seniors in memory care, children and young adults with Autism, preschool-aged children, and more. Additionally, she is trained in Remo’s HealthRHYTHMS program. She is passionate about making music accessible to anyone, and in presuming competence in her clients.

When not making music, Amber enjoys snuggling her pugs, geocaching, and playing D&D with her friends.

Amber's Bio

Music Therapy Services Offered

1:1 Music Therapy– A music therapist working with an individual client to create and implement a treatment plan. Interventions used will be based on musical experiences that are motivating for the individual, and that also focus on their specific needs, abilities, and goals. 

Drumming Empowerment – A group based on HealthRHYTHMS protocol designed to promote socialization and self-confidence through playing instruments and musical games.  Offered every other Saturday for those with Special Needs, aged 18 and up.

Community-Based Music Therapy – Individual or group music therapy that comes to you! Our music therapist offers services in homes, schools, community centers, daycares and more.  It’s designed to help your group or individual support their goals- all while having fun!

Meet Our Therapists

Our caring therapists are here to support you on your mental health journey. Whether in person in Watkinsville, GA or virtually throughout the state of GA, we provide space to help you navigate life stressors, build resilience and improve your overall well-being.

Amber Buchanan

Amber Buchanan

Practice Admin; Owner
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Amber Buchanan

Amber Buchanan, founder and CEO of Sunny Days Therapeutics, earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from a small private college in West Virginia. Despite her degree being in business, she has always had a passion for helping others. During the onset of the pandemic, Amber engaged in some soul-searching and realized she wanted to dedicate herself full-time to helping individuals within her community and surrounding areas.

Seeing a pressing need for enhanced mental health support in her community, Amber took the initiative to make a difference. She sold her home to cover the startup costs for Sunny Days, hired administrative staff and therapists, and secured an ideal location to establish a new mental health practice.

Over the past few years, Sunny Days has evolved and expanded, becoming a vital resource for mental health support in the Athens and Watkinsville communities. The connections formed, the support from the community, the dedication of the therapists and staff, and, most importantly, the patients, are truly what makes this journey worthwhile.

Amber hopes that Sunny Days will continue to thrive and support those in and around her communities for many years to come.

Amber's Bio
Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith

Administration
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Jennifer Smith

Jennifer currently lives in the Athens area, where she enjoys spending time with her three children and three fur babies. She enjoys keeping active with outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, and tubing. She also enjoys refurbishing old wooden furniture- considering it a personal form of therapy. 

Jennifer has worked in medical administration for many years, and she loves her career and helping others!

Jennifer's Bio
Amy Simmons

Amy Simmons

LCSW, Clinical Director
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Amy Simmons

Amy Simmons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has a passion for serving and genuinely loves helping other people. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Concord University in Athens, West Virginia in 2013 and Master’s Degree in Social Work from West Virginia University in 2015. She completed internships in both out-patient and in-patient settings. Her background includes working with adult and adolescent patients. She most often conducts individual therapy sessions but also has experience with couples and groups.

Amy has experience working with individuals with special needs and issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, low self-esteem, LGBTQ+, gender identity and sexual orientation. She has experience is using a variety of treatment modalities and is excited to schedule an appointment to conduct an initial assessment and develop a person-centered treatment plan, that will help you meet your mental health goals. At this time, therapy sessions will be conducted via telehealth.

When not working, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and family. She enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new things and going on adventures.

Amy's Bio
Krystal Kenneth

Krystal Kenneth

LMSW, Child Therapist
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Krystal Kenneth

Kryss Kenneth obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Boston University in 2023, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from The University of Georgia in 2020. While at Boston University, Kryss pursued the clinical track of her program and specialized in Children, Youth, and Families.

Kryss has experience working in a domestic violence shelter, a high school, a teen center, and an LGBTQ+ mental health clinic. Through her work and educational experiences, she has learned how to engage with clients in a trauma-informed and age-appropriate manner. Through a combination of treatment modalities like CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, play and art therapy, social emotional learning, and more, Kryss is prepared to guide clients to their goals.

When she’s able to spend time outdoors, Kryss enjoys gardening flowers and vegetables, hiking, skateboarding, roller-blading, and taking on DIY projects. When she’s hanging out indoors she enjoys cooking, baking, rock tumbling, and spending time with her cats and family.

Krystal's Bio
Amber Miller

Amber Miller

LPMT, Music Therapist
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Amber Miller

Amber began her career as an elementary school music teacher in 2014 after graduating Georgia Southern University. She continued teaching until 2017, when she moved to Athens to pursue her Bachelor’s Equivalency in Music Therapy at the University of Georgia. This culminated in an internship at The George Center in Roswell, GA. 

Amber has experience leading music therapy in groups and with individuals from many walks of life. She has worked with seniors in memory care, children and young adults with Autism, preschool-aged children, and more. Additionally, she is trained in Remo’s HealthRHYTHMS program. She is passionate about making music accessible to anyone, and in presuming competence in her clients.

When not making music, Amber enjoys snuggling her pugs, geocaching, and playing D&D with her friends.

Amber's Bio

Valerie McGuinness

LMSW, Therapist
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Valerie McGuinness

Valerie McGuinness is a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about helping people live an authentic life that they love. By joining people where they currently are, Valerie teaches practical skills and techniques for communication, emotional regulation, and processing past traumas.

Valerie completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia in 2006 and her Masters in Social Work in 2012. After working in a variety of settings, Valerie has settled into being a trauma focused therapist and mentor for developing therapists. Valerie has trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR (2019), Polyvagal Theory, Trauma Focused CBT, and completed yoga teacher training (2014).

In her free time, she enjoys crafts, gardening, memes, cats, and live music.

Valerie's Bio

Sentoria Green

LMSW, Therapist
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Sentoria Green

Sentoria is an Army veteran, a wife, and a mother of four. After serving in the military for nearly 11 years, she returned to education as an adult learner. She earned an Associate in Arts degree from Midlands Technical College in 2020, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Columbia College in 2022, and a Master’s in Social Work-Clinical Track from Campbellsville University in 2023.

With a deep passion for service, Sentoria is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities. She combines a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, to help clients navigate their challenges and reach their full potential. While she has experience working with children and perinatal populations, she welcomes clients from all walks of life.

Outside of her professional life, Sentoria enjoys crocheting, reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and exploring nature trails.

Sentoria's Bio

Elisa Guzman

MSW, Therapist
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Elisa Guzman

Elisa Guzman is a client-centered social worker who offers individual therapy rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and a deep respect for each person’s lived experience.

She earned her Bachelor of Science from Georgia State University in 2019 and her Master of Social Work in 2025, where she pursued a combined focus in clinical practice and policy. She has facilitated workshops at the University of Georgia, teaching practical skills and therapeutic techniques to support emotional well-being.

Elisa is trained in DBT, ACT, CBT, TF-CBT, and other evidence-based modalities. She has experience supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, emotional regulation, identity development, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and stress.

Her therapeutic style is strengths-based, empathetic, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. She strives to create a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore, heal, and build resilience at their own pace. Elisa feels it is an honor to walk alongside clients as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward growth.

When she’s not in session, Elisa enjoys spending time with her son, baking, reading, building Lego sets, gardening, coloring, and appreciating nature, especially the rain.

Elisa's Bio

Tashara Roberts

LMSW, Therapist
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Tashara Roberts

Hi, I’m Tashara, a Licensed Master Social Worker from New Jersey. I earned my degree from Clark Atlanta University, and I’ve always had a passion for helping others grow and discover their inner strength. Over the years, I’ve worked as a crisis counselor, group facilitator, and behavioral health therapist, supporting individuals through life’s challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and creating a safe for a supportive space where clients feel heard and empowered. Outside of my work, I enjoy watching sports and taking part in adventurous activities that keep me active and grounded. I truly believe in the power of connection, self-discovery, and personal growth. I’m dedicated to helping others build the confidence and tools they need to thrive.

Tashara's

Darryl Walker

LMSW, Therapist
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Darryl Walker

Darryl Walker Jr. is a Licensed Master Social worker. He earned his Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama and received his Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Oakwood University. He approaches each client with empathy and respect, with the goal of supporting them in navigating complex challenges. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and extended family, playing basketball, and going fishing.

His favorite quote is, “take everything one day at a time.”

Darryl's Bio
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