Board of Directors

MHTP’s Board of Directors is responsible for all governance of MHTP, including both short- and long-term guidance of the organization. MHTP is the only therapeutic music training program governed by a Board of Directors; the MHTP CEO is supervised by the Board President. Most Directors serve on one or more single-issue work groups or standing committees. Directors have a wide diversity of education, experience, and interests that collectively and synergistically combine to create a powerful and highly-skilled group of individuals who deeply love MHTP and are dedicated to its highest good. All MHTP Directors are volunteers.

Heidi Boyle, CMP, BS, MBA- MHTP President. Heidi Boyle recently retired from Ernst & Young where she led its Financial Services People Consulting practice. She has over 30 years of experience leading large-scale change and strategic programs and has held executive roles in top financial institutions. Heidi began playing piano, violin and guitar at an early age and over the years has participated in numerous musical groups and accompanied soloists at performances and competitions.  She was emotionally drawn to therapeutic music as an opportunity to serve others and found MHTP's comprehensive program to be a perfect match for her passions. Heidi earned her B.S. in Accounting from Valparaiso University and her M.B.A. from the University of Utah and lives in Driggs, Idaho. She became a Certified Music Practitioner in 2025 and chaired MHTP's National Program Council for two years.  

Martha Lewis, CMP, MA, MTS, left the corporate world after many years to pursue her passion for the healing arts.  After completing an MA in Expressive Arts Therapy & Counseling and an MTS in Spirituality and the Arts, she co-founded the Music for Healing and Transition Program, Inc. with Laurie Riley in 1994. Martha was the first President and Executive Director of MHTP and remained active as an MHTP Board Director until 2002.  She was an instructor for MHTP from 1995-2017.  Now semi-retired, she is once again serving on MHTP’s Board of Directors. Over the years, Martha has taught and facilitated expressive therapy workshops throughout the country and served in various ministries for Episcopal churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.

Cassandra Mason, BS, MBA Cassandra Mason most recently served as the Grants Officer at the NH State Council on the Arts. The Council administers grants and services to support a wide range of public arts programs that reach audiences in a variety of formats including arts engagements programs in communities across NH, arts programs in hospitals, healthcare and substance misuse treatment facilities. Although not an artist, she is the proud parent of three very creative adult children. She is the spouse of a former Marine, a care partner to an adult child on the autism spectrum and dog mom to two rescue dogs, Sully and Boomer. She holds an MBA from Plymouth State University and a BS in Behavioral Science.

James Patry is Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations at North Country Healthcare, a hospital association in far northern New Hampshire. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media Production and an MS in Communication Management from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. An MBA from Plymouth State University and a Philanthropy Certificate from Indiana University bring additional valuable experience to the board of MHTP, as does his fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Outside of work, James is an active Rotarian with White Mountain Rotary Club and serves on several local nonprofit boards. When not volunteering in this capacity, he enjoys listening to and performing music, golf, cheering on the sports teams of his beloved Syracuse University, and studying genealogy. James is also a proud Godfather of a great-niece and great-nephew.

Shenée Rayford, MBA, SPHR, is a San Francisco native and currently resides in Dallas, TX. Professionally, she has spent over 20 years as a human resources leader across multiple industries, retail, healthcare and technology. Shenée has a passion for people that extends beyond the workplace.  She has dedicated herself to mentoring other women and people of color, particularly in the areas of education and career building.  In her downtime, Shenée enjoys live entertainment (music, theater, and dance), trying new recipes and performing makeup artistry. 

Melissa Straus, DMA, CMP, plays double bass, is former principal bassist of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. An avid soloist and recitalist, she performs regularly on recitals, concerts, and  at contemporary venues. Melissa has served as faculty at Hope College, Alma College and University of Wisconsin at Superior. Melissa completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Michigan State University in 2003 as well as the coursework for a master’s degree in Ethnomusicology. Melissa is a Certified Music Practitioner, providing therapeutic music at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital since 2015. She also serves on the Music for Healing and Transition Program Research Committee. Melissa co-authored the article, “Harmony Hospital: Integrating Music in Medical Settings”  which was published in the Journal for Applied Arts & Health in 2025. 

Former directors and executive directors: