Julie graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Music Degree in flute performance from Central Washington University and a Master’s in Music Therapy from Western Michigan University. She has received training from the Center for Biomedical Training as a neurologic music therapy fellow from Colorado State University. She has been providing music therapy services to youth with special needs and retirees to the San Diego area since 2001. In 2004 Julie co-founded The Music Therapy Center of California (MTCCA), where she is currently vice-president and Internship Director. Her research investigating the effects of music intervention on reducing agitation in hospice patients with dementia has been published in Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy.

In her work with children with special needs, Julie co-authored the “In Harmony: Integrated Learning Program with Speech and Music Therapy.” She has help to found, NoteAbilities which produces “Kibbles Rockin’ Clubhouse” (a DVD series to teach social and communication skills to children with autism) and is co-host of “The Autism Toolkit Podcast” a resources for parents, teachers and therapists. Julie is a founding board member of Banding Together, a San Diego non-profit whose mission is to provide music experiences, mentorships and instruments to youth with special needs. She has also been a guest on the KPBS Radio program “These Days”, KUSI “Good Morning San Diego” and Fox 5 News. She has presented locally and nationally for organizations such as Wayne County Speech and Language Association, Brandman University, La Sierra University, University of California San Diego, Western Michigan University, the Autism Tree Project Foundation, Kids Included Together, the Autism Education Network, and the American Music Therapy Association.