About Rachael Lawrence-Lupton

Rachael has been a music therapist since 2008 and completed her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Smith College (2005), her music therapy equivalency at University of the Pacific (2007), and her Masters in music therapy at Saint Mary of-the-Woods College (2013). She has had the opportunity to practice not only in the greater Ann Arbor area, but also in the Chicagoland area, and Southern California. During that time she has mostly specialized in geriatrics and end of life care for both adult and pediatric patients, including facilitating 1 day grief camps across the state of Michigan for grieving children as well as providing music therapy experiences and groups in conjunction with bereavement groups. She has provided music therapy for children with significant disabilities in a residential school as well as adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. In her most recent position with Arbor Hospice, she had the opportunity to grow the music therapy from a department of 1 to a team of 11 therapists from across the state of Michigan that provided not only end of life care, but also provided practicum and internship opportunities for students across the country. She developed the National Roster Internship Program that had the opportunity to train dozens of students.

In addition to her dedication to patients, families, and students, she has also presented at many regional and national music therapy conferences as well as across the state of Michigan. She has been featured on television and on podcasts speaking about the impact of music therapy with geriatrics and end of life. Rachael has also held multiple positions on board of the Great Lakes Region of the American Music Therapy Association since 2014 and is the current Vice President for Michigan Music Therapy Association. For all of her activism to the region and the field of music therapy, Rachael was the recipient of the 2022 Great Lakes Region Service Award.

Outside of her work focused on the field of music therapy, Rachael is a baker, crocheter, lover of all things chocolate, and the mom to 2 incredible children that keep her laughing, humble, and always remembering what is most important in life.

Inspiration for Gentle Care Music Therapy

Rachael created Gentle Care Music Therapy, LLC in 2025 with the ability to primarily focus on geriatrics, bereavement, support through all aspects of cancer treatments, and those with or care for an individual with a dementia diagnosis. The name for the company is dedicated to a dear friend and colleague of Rachael’s, Margie Martin, who’s ability to find joy and positivity regardless of the circumstances was a constant inspiration. Even when Margie was in the thickest part of her cancer treatments, of which the disease eventually took her life, she made it a point to ask about how everyone else was doing and maintained her email signature of, “Take Gentle Care.” Every person Margie came into contact with felt the sunshine and zest she brought to life and Rachael’s goal is to continue her legacy and provide the same type of joy and love to all around her.

Expression beyond words

The mission of Gentle Care Music Therapy, LLC is to utilize music to connect with people wherever they are at in their journey of life.

Email: [email protected]
 Phone: 312-515-6161