Dustin Politte-Bender, MT-BC, NMT
Owner, Lead Music Therapist
Specializations: mental health, trauma-informed care, memory care, hospice, geriatric and palliative care, all ages and abilities
Dustin is the founder of Positive Note Music Therapy, where his mission is to help people connect, heal, and grow through music. Together with his wife Tiffany, he has built a team of dedicated therapists providing high-quality care to individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
His journey into music therapy began during a pivotal moment in his own mental health journey while studying music education. Discovering the field felt like finding the missing piece, and he immediately knew it was the right path. Dustin went on to earn his Bachelor’s in Music Therapy from Maryville University, later became Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) Certified, and is now pursuing his Master’s while balancing clinical work and leadership roles at the university.
Dustin has experience in psychiatric care, memory care, and medical rehabilitation. After completing a nine-month internship at St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, he stayed on as a music therapist before moving to St. Luke’s Surrey Place, where he quickly became the Director of the Recreation Therapy Department. Wanting more flexibility and the opportunity to build something of his own, he transitioned into contract music therapy before launching PNMT.
In addition to leading PNMT, Dustin is passionate about training the next generation of music therapists. He teaches at Maryville University as a graduate assistant and helps lead several of the university’s music therapy programs and partnerships.
Outside of work, Dustin enjoys life’s adventures with Tiffany and their four cats. He also loves going on walks, reading fantasy novels, playing World of Warcraft, and running Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.
Tiffany K. Politte-Bender
COO & Director of Marketing
With nearly a decade of experience running businesses full-time, Tiffany oversees operations, administration, marketing, and creative direction at Positive Note Music Therapy, ensuring the practice thrives and its impact is felt throughout the community.
More than three years before the practice officially opened, Tiffany envisioned Positive Note Music Therapy, developing the name and imagining what it could one day become. She believed that with Dustin’s leadership and compassion, paired with her own business experience, eye for detail, and shared commitment to excellence, they could build something truly meaningful together, providing high-quality care throughout St. Louis and the surrounding areas.
Tiffany is also the founder and donation coordinator of Clutter Cure STL, a mission-driven business that collects, sorts, and distributes clean, gently used household items to local nonprofits and community groups, reducing waste while supporting those in need.
Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending time with Dustin and their four cats, reading personal development books, cooking from scratch, weightlifting, hiking, and treasure hunting at thrift stores.
Chloe Hoth, MT-BC
Board-Certified Music Therapist
Specializations: all ages and abilities, trauma-informed mental health care, memory care, geriatric and palliative care, oncology treatment support, bereavement support
Chloe discovered music therapy in high school after her Nana, who worked at Cardinal Glennon, shared a video of their music therapy program—an experience that confirmed her calling to the field! She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy from Maryville University, along with a minor in Deaf Studies.
Chloe’s primary instrument is voice, complemented by her skills on guitar, ukulele, and piano. She enjoys learning music that resonates deeply with her clients and their families, using familiar songs to foster connection, comfort, and therapeutic goals.
Throughout her clinical training and professional experience, Chloe has worked with early childhood clients in ABA school settings, as well as with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in intensive care and oncology, and palliative care settings, and in inpatient psychiatric and outpatient mental health services for individuals of all ages. She is especially passionate about palliative and end-of-life care, as well as bereavement support, focusing on creating safe, familiar spaces through music during vulnerable moments.
When she’s not making music, you’ll find her reading, exploring, and hunting for cozy coffee shops and bookstores!
Jack Katze, MMT, MT-BC
Board-Certified Music Therapist
Specializations: adolescent and adult mental health, geriatrics, hospice, at-risk youth
Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Jack’s love for music began with the piano before branching into guitar, bass, and drums—his primary instrument. Over the years, he has performed with a variety of bands, gaining experience across multiple genres. Encouraged by his mom to explore music therapy, Jack pursued a combined undergraduate and master’s degree in Music Therapy at Maryville University, following his BA in music from Beloit College.
Jack also plays marimba and harmonica, and he enjoys singing. Along with rock music, he loves jazz, soul, gospel, blues, country, metal, and pop—the list goes on!
He completed internships at SSM Health University Hospital Behavioral Health, providing music therapy for adults in psychiatric care, and at SSM Health Hospice, working primarily with older adults in their homes and facilities. He especially enjoys working with adolescents and adults and has a growing interest in forensic populations.
In addition to being a music therapist, Jack is passionate about his work with Home Sweet Home STL, a nonprofit furniture bank in Maplewood, where he finds fulfillment as a mover and driver, helping provide essential furnishings for low-income families.
In his free time, Jack enjoys rock climbing with his partner, spending time with their dogs and cats, and reading or watching sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, as well as Dropout comedy shows.
Bailey Macke, MT-BC
Board-Certified Music Therapist
*Accepting telehealth clients only*
Specializations: children of all abilities, special education, memory care, geriatrics
Bailey discovered her love for guitar at just eleven years old and credits her mom for introducing her to music therapy—a field that perfectly blends her lifelong passion for music with her drive to help others. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s in Music Therapy from Drury University, along with a minor in Psychology and a certificate in Celebrating Neurodiversity.
With over a decade of guitar experience, Bailey especially enjoys playing fingerstyle and jazz pieces. In college, she studied voice as her primary instrument and has played piano since high school. While she loves all genres, folk, pop, and classic rock are her favorites.
During her training at Drury, Bailey gained hands-on experience in memory care, veterans’ mental health, intergenerational rock band, and supporting adolescents with developmental disabilities. She later completed a six-month internship with Special School District, providing direct music therapy services to children and young adults in special education, ages 6 to 21. She also serves as a songleader at an LGBTQ+ affirming summer camp, and she is passionate about using music for community care in marginalized groups.
Bailey takes a holistic approach to music therapy, helping clients build on their strengths and promoting well-being through meaningful musical experiences.
Outside of work, Bailey is a dedicated crafter—knitting, crocheting, and sewing her own clothes, often with three projects going at once!
Positive Note Music Therapy, LLC