Therapy Connections
consists of a devoted team of
qualified individuals who come from a variety of educational backgrounds.
Robin Palmer Blue, MAEd, BCBA, LBA, MT-BC
Robin is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst (BCBA, LBA) and a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) as well as holds a Texas Educator Certificate in Special Education (EC-12). She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in commercial music/vocal performance and music business from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, post-baccalaureate Music Therapy Equivalency degree from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN, Master of Arts in Education degree, special education and early childhood emphasis, from Union University in Jackson, TN, and a graduate academic certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (GACT-ABA) from the University of North Texas, Distance Learning Program. In addition to her extensive training and continuing education concentration in autism spectrum disorders and Applied Behavior Analysis, she has advanced training in Biomedical Music Therapy Applications from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and advanced training in standardized therapeutic applications of Neurologic Music Therapy from the Robert F. Unkefer Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy, Colorado State University. With over 15 years experience working with children on the autism spectrum as well as children through adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Robin opened Therapy Connections of South Texas in August of 2008. Therapy Connections continues to grow, providing clinic-based direct and consultation/training Applied Behavior Analysis and Music Therapy services as well as outreach services throughout the Coastal Bend for families, agencies and school systems.
Owner/Clinical Director:
Locally owned & operated - proudly serving the Coastal Bend since 2008
ABA SERVICES
Outside of ABA services provided directly by our BCBAs,
our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
receive ongoing supervision/training
for services provided through
Therapy Connections.
MUSIC THERAPY SERVICES
are provided by a Board Certified Music Therapist
Francisco Castillo, BM, MT-BC
Francisco is a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). He received his Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy at Sam Houston State University, where he received experience in treating a variety of populations ranging from infants in a preschool setting to geriatrics in an assisted living center. As part of his college education he completed his internship with Heart and Harmony Music Therapy under the direction of Nikki Belshe MT-BC, and David Belshe MT-BC, where he developed his therapeutic style and managed a full caseload of children, adolescents, and young adults with autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome and traumatic brain injury. During his internship period, Francisco volunteered to improve the quality of living for the patients at Comfort Hospice through the use of interactive music and songwriting. Francisco also worked for Music Therapy Works in Austin TX and worked from home to home with children and young adults with special needs.
Kay Van Derostyne, MT-BC
Kay has been a board-certified Music Therapist since July 2021, but music and service have always been central in her life. She began playing clarinet at eight years old and expanded to the piano, oboe, saxophone, flute and percussion before graduating high school. In addition, Kay enjoyed providing music services for worship programs in multiple faiths and performing at community events. Kay learned the guitar while studying in the Sam Houston State University Music Therapy program and graduated Magna Cum Laude with honors. Kay interned at Fort Bend Independent School District in Sugarland, Texas under Kelsey Pena, MT-BC and Mary Zamora Kusko, MT-BC where she provided Telehealth and in-person services. Though Kay primarily served Autistic clients, she also enjoyed providing collaborative therapy for youth with Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and Generalized Anxiety Disorders. She is experienced in providing services in schools, clinics, homes, and senior environments for a variety diagnoses, including ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and age disorders. She has developed educational, cognitive, fine/gross motor, social, communication, and emotional goals with her clients and enjoys helping them achieve them.
