Nicole O’Malley

Nicole O’Malley is an Assistant Professor of Music Therapy and Director of the Music Therapy program at the University of Rhode Island. She is based in the Fine Arts Center and leads the Music Therapy program. Her professional roles also include serving as Executive Director and President of Hands in Harmony, a non-profit organization she founded in 2003.

Education:

• Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy (Anna Maria College)
• M.A. in Music Therapy (Berklee College of Music), focusing on the neurobiology of music's role in stress and relaxation responses

Research interests include neurologic music therapy, neonatal care interventions, and advocacy for music therapy licensure. She holds certifications as a Neurologic Musician (2007) and a Fellowship in Neurologic Music Therapy (2016), alongside Level I Neonatal Intensive Care Unit training (2017).

Awards:

• Recipient of the Changemaker Award for Music Therapy Advocacy (2013)

Professional service: Chair of the Rhode Island Music Therapy Task Force, instrumental in passing state licensure for music therapy. Her leadership extends to organizational governance, including transitioning Hands in Harmony to a non-profit entity.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Music Therapy program at URI and oversees Hands in Harmony, a community-focused initiative.