Erica Porter Smith (M.S., MT-BC) is a passionate music therapist and lifelong musician who believes in the power of singing to bring joy, connection, and healing at every stage of life. Raised in Utica, New York, she studied piano, voice, and flute, and discovered early on the magic of making music with others. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and Master of Science in Creative Arts Therapy from Nazareth University, and completed a hospice music therapy internship in Tallahassee, Florida. Erica spent over a decade at St. Ann’s Community in Rochester, where she built a vibrant music therapy program and led vocal and bell choirs. She found her calling in creating inclusive musical spaces for older adults, especially those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. As music director of ENCORE, Erica brings warmth, creativity, and purpose to this intergenerational chorus where every voice is valued, and every song builds connection.