Jody Kershner, MT-BC

Fellow of the Institute for Healthy Singing

Jody Kershner, MT-BC joined the Faculty of the Institute for Healthy Singing & Voice Research as a Fellow in 2025. She is a board-certified and state-licensed music therapist based in Georgia with a lifelong love of singing. She’s been part of the William Baker Choral Foundation since 2009, singing under the direction of Lynn Swanson. She holds a degree in music therapy from Florida State University.

Over the years, Jody has worked with people of all ages, from preschoolers and teens to adults and seniors, in settings ranging from schools and mental health facilities to day treatment centers and assisted living communities. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals on the autism spectrum, those with intellectual and physical disabilities, and people navigating mental health challenges, brain injuries, and memory loss. She currently divides her time between providing individualized adaptive music lessons and leading sessions in memory care and assisted living settings.

As a music therapist, Jody uses singing and instrument play to help clients reach non-musical goals like communication, emotional regulation, and social engagement. As a semi-professional singer, she brings a strong focus on musicality, vocal health, and expressive performance. She sees healthy singing as a powerful blend of artistic expression and personal well-being.

Jody is married to professional percussionist Jeff Kershner, and together they’ve raised three adult children who are all actively involved in music. They’ve recently welcomed their first grandchild. Outside of her musical life, Jody makes daily movement a priority and enjoys staying active through biking, swimming, running, hiking, and walking her dog.