Healing Arts Cafe - January 2025

Maddie DePriest is a board-certified, neurologic music therapist who is driven by her passion to utilize music as a means of supporting patients, care partners, and teammates throughout their healing process. As a music therapist with Levine Cancer, Maddie specializes in adult oncology, neurorehabilitation, and mental health. Maddie is a provider grounded in trauma-informed philosophy, working to promote self-empowerment and healing for the whole person through the use of individualized, musical interventions. When Maddie is not songwriting or engaging in music itself, she is spending quality time with her family, friends, and further exploring the greater Charlotte area.

I am a Miami native happily living in Charlotte. I have always had a passion for art: as a student of art history, an art educator and visual artist. Inspiring g creativity with students in underserved communities, including young adults with intellectuals disabilities has enabled me to share my love for art with students of all ages and backgrounds. My work has been included in juried exhibits at The McColl Center for Arts + Innovation, SouthEnd Arts and Las Laguna Gallery. When I’m not working at LCI, you can find me painting in my studio at StudioWorks in Charlotte. I am a nature lover and love to hike and bike! This keeps me inspired in my art creations.

Board certified in music therapy since 2010, Dean Quick specializes in treating adults in oncology and individuals with mental health concerns (specifically those with eating disorders and personality disorders). Dean is a music therapist and the Music Therapy Internship Director with Levine Cancer in Charlotte and an Advanced GIM Trainee in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. Using clinical music therapy interventions and music-based psychological depth work, Dean utilizes music to assist individuals in living a life empowered by music. When not creating music, Dean enjoys spending time with his family and skateboarding.

Andrea is and artist-in-residence at Levine Cancer Institute, serving at the Cabarrus and University locations, and through virtual classes. She encourages patients, staff, care-partners, and community members to use the creative process as therapy and a means of social connection. Andrea also enjoys gardening and spending time with family and friends around a campfire and playing games.

 Manuela helps others express their inner creativity as part of the supportive oncology department at Levine Cancer Institute. For 8 years, she has been an artist in residence in the healing arts program. She leads weekly art classes and provides therapeutic art to patients, caregivers, and staff. Recently Manu has also been leading and providing assistance to The Common Thread at LCI - a group where participants meet to knit and crochet. Knitting is another creative escape for Manuela, and she particularly enjoys making beanies, throws and children’s garments.

Manuela is a proud mom of two beautiful daughters who she gets to enjoy here in Charlotte, along with her little dachshund named Gino. Outside of art, and as a retired and avid tennis player, Manu keeps busy in other ways - like making hand made pasta, along with many other delicious Italian dishes!