Karen Nisenson has devoted her career to the field of creative arts therapy and music education, making sure all students discover their potential while enhancing self-confidence, self-awareness, and personal growth. Over the years, she has helped countless children and adults of all ability levels, including those with autism and other special needs, discover the power of music and the arts. As a board-certified creative arts therapist and classically trained musician, Karen utilizes music therapy and creative expression to help individuals communicate, build confidence, and thrive in a creative and flexible environment.

With a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Juilliard School and a Masters in Music Therapy from New York University, Ms. Nisenson’s more than three decades as a performer and teacher of piano also encompasses a very specialized array of educational skills. In 2000, she became Founder/Director of Arts For Healing, a nonprofit creative arts therapy center, providing music, art, dance, and theater to children and adults with special needs throughout Fairfield County.

As adjunct Professor of Music Therapy at NYU, Karen was affiliated with the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Center, a teaching clinic that is part of NYU's Music Therapy Department.​​ She contributed to the growing field of music therapy, making sure all children with varying learning styles could participate in music. Her program "Gateway", published by the Simply Music Company, provides piano teachers with a creative program for any student who learns differently. Karen continues to perform with the Silvermine Duo piano performance group and enjoys being an accompanist for solo instrumentalists and singers.

Karen has made it her lifelong goal to spread the joy of music through her teaching and music therapy. Regardless of her students abilities and age, from the neurodivergent to the more neurotypical... from complete beginners to those more advanced... she has always brought a warm, supportive, and adaptive approach to her lessons!