Nicole O'Malley

Nicole O’Malley is an Assistant Professor and Director of Music Therapy at URI and the Founding Executive Director of Hands in Harmony, a nonprofit specializing in music therapy. Nicole received her M.A. in music therapy through Berklee College of Music, focusing on researching the neurobiology of the role of music in the stress and relaxation response and is currently completing her PhD in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience at the University of RI where she is building her research lab with a focus on interdisciplinary opportunities using neuroscience and music.

In addition to clinical work and practice, program development, Nicole is also passionate about increasing access to music and music therapy services where she engages in legislative efforts and policy development. She serves as the chair of the music therapy task force of Rhode Island (throughout the passing of the music therapy licensure in Rhode Island), the NER-AMTA Government Relations Representative, RI Arts and Health Network Steering Committee, and the RISCA PHG Overhaul Workgroup

Hands in Harmony (HIH) is a Rhode Island based 501(C)3 nonprofit organization that provides Neurologic Music Therapy services to medically fragile clients and their families/caregivers. HIH utilizes evidenced-based, replicable interventions, grounded in research. Our Music Therapists provide neurologic music therapy services to those suffering from complex medical conditions (cognitive, social, communicative, behavioral, psychological, sensory-motor, and physical) or deficiencies, as well as to the families and caretakers that support them. Services are provided throughout Rhode Island and into southern Massachusetts, using a neuroscience-based medical model and highly-trained therapists.