About Pathways
Our story began in the classroom, where the transformative power of music became impossible to ignore. As a music educator, our founder witnessed firsthand how students with complex needs unlocked new ways to communicate, regulate, and connect through music engagement.
The true turning point, however, was deeply personal. While sitting with a loved one, she watched them completely light up and come alive simply by singing familiar songs together. In that profound moment of connection, she realized her calling. She didn't just want to teach music—she needed to train rigorously as a clinical music therapist to learn exactly how to harness this therapeutic power to help others navigate life’s challenges.
Pathways Music Therapy LLC is dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, clinical music therapy services for individuals across the lifespan throughout central Virginia.
Why Pathways?
The concept of "pathways" is woven into everything we do. It represents the intricate neural networks our brains use to process sound and our lifelong capacity to adapt and learn. It honors the unique, often winding life journeys we all navigate through transitions and transformations. Most importantly, it represents the tailored treatment designs to help you unlock your inherent potential, support your progress, and enhance your well-being.
At the heart of the practice is a simple, unchanging truth: genuine, authentic human connection happens through music. I am here to walk that pathway with you.
Meet the Music Therapist
Jen Matthias, Owner, MM, MT-BC, NICU-MT (she/her)
I am a board-certified music therapist and educator dedicated to helping individuals heal, grow, and connect through the power of music. With ten years of experience spanning both music education and clinical music therapy, my work bridges the gap between music learning and therapeutic facilitation.
My foundational training began at James Madison University, where I earned my Bachelor of Music Education. To better serve the diverse needs of my students and clients, I became a certified Orff Schulwerk developmental educator and completed specialized training in the Dalcroze method. Driven by a desire to use music as a clinical tool for rehabilitation, I later earned my Master of Music Therapy from the University of Kentucky.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals across the entire lifespan. My clinical experience is diverse and adaptive, encompassing early childhood development, NICU and pediatrics, adolescent mental health, neurorehabilitative care, social/emotional focused programs at adult day settings, adaptive community instrumental ensembles, and older adults in post acute rehab, assisted living, and memory care settings. Whether guiding a child through developmental milestones or supporting an adult on a path to neurological recovery, I design creative, evidence-based interventions tailored entirely to the individual.
When I’m away from my instruments and clinical practice, you can usually find me gardening, hiking, or curled up with a good book. I also enjoy practicing my repertoire at home, where my cat enjoys regular serenades.
My passion for learning and building connection with others through music engagement is at the heart of my clinical practice. As a music bringer, I aspire to cultivate meaningful experiences with others embracing empowerment, creativity, and holistic wellness approaches.
The Practice Vision
Pathways Mission: Provide person-centered music therapy that honors each individual’s identity, culture, and unique musical connections across the lifespan that enhances holistic wellness outcomes.
Core Values
Joy: Sparking connection, expression, and meaning through the power of music.
Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards, transparency, and clinical excellence.
Inclusivity: Welcoming, valuing, collaborating, and learning alongside people with diverse identities, cultures, and abilities.
Courage: Embracing vulnerability, advocating for clients, and pursuing growth.
Dignity: Honoring the fundamental rights, unique stories, and personal values of clients.
Pathways Practice Commitment
Pathways Music Therapy LLC is committed to ethical standards of practice established by the American Music Therapy Association. All clients will be treated with compassion, affirmation, respect, and dignity with no exceptions related to personal identifiers such as race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, immigration, disability status, veteran, and religion or non-religion beliefs.
This music therapy practice acknowledges the discrimination experienced by the disability community, BIPOC individuals, the Queer community, and the immigrant community and strives to implement services which affirm and support marginalized identities. Maintaining safety, integrity, and transparency in the therapeutic relationships with clients is a priority.
