Jessica DeKleva

Jessica DeKleva, PhD, MT-BC, earned her doctorate in Music Education with an emphasis in Music Therapy from Florida State University, where she also earned her master's and bachelor’s degrees in music therapy.

Dr. DeKleva brings extensive clinical, academic, and administrative experience to her role, having worked as a music therapist and administrator for a private practice in Tallahassee, Florida, since 2017. She has served as an adjunct professor, graduate assistant, and music therapy consultant at Florida State University, teaching a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction, Music Therapy Drumming, and Experimental Research in Music.

Her scholarly work focuses on the integration of music therapy in educational and clinical settings, particularly within child welfare and trauma-informed care. She has co-authored a forthcoming book chapter in The Oxford Hanbook of Special Music Education and Music Therapy and has presented frequently at local, regional, and national conferences on topics ranging from private practice to interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. DeKleva is the recipient of the 2024–2025 Florida Institute for Child Welfare Dissertation Fellowship and the 2024 Mary J. Hilliard Award Scholarship. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and NICU Music Therapy, underscoring her commitment to evidence-based, client-centered care.

A dedicated mentor, Dr. DeKleva has supervised music therapy interns and practicum students from institutions across the Southeast and serves on multiple professional committees, including Fundraising Chair for the Southeastern Region of the American Music Therapy Association and Co-Chair of the Florida State Task Force for Music Therapy.