The Spring 2011 Michigan Music Therapists newsletter. Spread the word about music therapy in Michigan: please share with colleagues, clients, friends, etc.
RESUME WITH DETAILED WORK EXPERIENCE UPDATED 10.27.16 without NWCU on itLorilee Mundfrom
Lori Lee Mund is applying for a customer service position in finance. She has over 30 years of experience working in credit unions, banks, and schools in various roles including credit judge, loan officer, teacher, and customer service representative. Her experience and education have provided her with strong communication, people, and financial skills well-suited for a customer service role.
This document provides an overview of Assurance, an independent insurance and risk management brokerage firm. It generates $42 million annually in revenue by placing over $450 million in insurance premiums. It has 200 employees located in a single office with a 95% client retention rate over 10 years. Services include private insurance, business insurance, employee benefits, and other specialized services. Assurance prides itself on its independence, employee ownership structure, market access through preferred insurance partners, and its results-driven culture focused on continuous improvement. It serves over 5,000 clients of various sizes located across all 50 states and globally through partnerships.
RESUME WITH DETAILED WORK EXPERIENCE UPDATED 10.27.16 without NWCU on itLorilee Mundfrom
Lori Lee Mund is applying for a customer service position in finance. She has over 30 years of experience working in credit unions, banks, and schools in various roles including credit judge, loan officer, teacher, and customer service representative. Her experience and education have provided her with strong communication, people, and financial skills well-suited for a customer service role.
This document provides an overview of Assurance, an independent insurance and risk management brokerage firm. It generates $42 million annually in revenue by placing over $450 million in insurance premiums. It has 200 employees located in a single office with a 95% client retention rate over 10 years. Services include private insurance, business insurance, employee benefits, and other specialized services. Assurance prides itself on its independence, employee ownership structure, market access through preferred insurance partners, and its results-driven culture focused on continuous improvement. It serves over 5,000 clients of various sizes located across all 50 states and globally through partnerships.
This document is a resume for Brittney Mattioli, who graduated from Berklee College of Music with a BA in Music Therapy and a Psychology minor. She has experience in music therapy practicums working with pediatric, psychiatric, senior and special needs populations. Her community involvement includes founding a non-profit in honor of her sister and volunteering with cancer research and children's illness organizations. She is a performing singer-songwriter and hopes to become a board-certified music therapist working in a children's hospital.
This document contains Kenneth Chinakwe's undergraduate ePortfolio, including a personal statement, resume, reflection, and samples of work addressing various program outcomes like critical thinking, research skills, communication skills, ethics and diversity awareness, foundations of psychology, and interpersonal effectiveness. The personal statement provides biographical details about Chinakwe and his background. The resume outlines his work and educational experience. Sections include reflections on Chinakwe's psychology studies and outlines and samples addressing the program outcomes.
This document discusses culturally relevant pedagogy and strategies for teaching culturally diverse students. It provides data about the demographic makeup and challenges facing students in Lamar County, Georgia. It then discusses the importance of understanding students' cultural backgrounds and incorporating their cultures and experiences into lesson planning to create a meaningful learning environment. Suggestions are provided for how teachers can make their instruction more culturally relevant, such as using popular music and media in lessons and having respect for students' home cultures.
Emily Darter is interested in becoming a school counselor. She enjoys helping people and finds her religion very important. After taking surveys, she learned she is social, works well with others, and likes organization. Her resume shows she has experience in clerical work and childcare. She is involved in many extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Emily researched the job duties, requirements, hours, salary and educational programs for school counselors to further explore this career.
Michael R. Minor is passionate about gospel music and vocal instruction. He has over 25 years of experience leading worship music ministries. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Music Business from Full Sail University, with an expected graduation date of 2023. His goals are to obtain positions teaching or working in music therapy upon graduation, and to eventually earn master's and specialist degrees to advance into administrative roles in education.
Michael Myers provides tips on effectively managing your social media presence as a professional. He recommends linking your social media accounts together so they automatically update each other. This includes linking your LinkedIn profile to your professional Twitter account, blog, and other online profiles to sync updates. Keeping these profiles consistently branded and active helps establish your online reputation and can help with career and job opportunities.
This document provides information about the Nicollet Speech Builders Toastmasters club. It includes the club's meeting location and website, a list of the 2008-2009 officers, upcoming events like the club contest and area speech contest, and encourages members to make Toastmasters a New Year's resolution by attending regular meetings to improve speaking skills through small, regular efforts that build up over time like compound interest. It also profiles club member Evelyn Genta, sharing details about her background, Toastmasters experience, and goals for the upcoming year of completing her ATM-Gold designation by May 2009.
- HOMTV's acclaimed show "Senior Living" is returning with a new format and new hosts.
- The monthly show will now be filmed at the Meridian Senior Center instead of HOMTV's main studio.
- The first new episode will be recorded on July 12th at the Meridian Senior Center and begin airing on July 14th.
- The new hosts, Peggy Frisch, Ralph Frisch and Megan Sowul, are all members of the Meridian Senior Center who were previously volunteers and were selected to host the show.
Marinella Chvatal is seeking experience in social work engaging clients and building support systems. She has excellent communication skills and adheres to safety and privacy standards. As an intern, she led activities for children, taught English skills, and organized volunteers and files. She is graduating soon with a degree in Community Services and has volunteered extensively, including with her sorority, choir, and service organizations. Her references include directors from her university and internship.
John M. West received dual degrees in economics and music performance from the University of Michigan in 2017. He has experience interning at a finance firm and holding leadership roles in various music ensembles and organizations. His resume demonstrates strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills developed through teaching youth music programs, counseling, and participation in competitive marching bands and orchestras.
The document discusses factors that influence teens to get cosmetic surgery, including wanting to delay aging, change body parts, boost self-confidence, and match seasonal trends due to media portrayal of "perfect" people. It notes that most cosmetic surgeries are received by young girls, who commonly get procedures like breast augmentations and lip enhancements. The document also outlines some benefits of cosmetic surgery for teens, such as improved self-esteem and ability to avoid bullying, but emphasizes the importance of society promoting self-love in teens rather than pointing out flaws.
Jessica Brown is seeking a position where she can utilize her graphic design and administrative experience. She has an Associate's Degree in Graphic Design from C.S. Mott Community College and experience in graphic design, photography, freelance design work, and various office administration roles. Her goal is to help provide for her family while taking on new challenges. She has received numerous awards for her artwork and has been on the Dean's List every semester of college.
The passage summarizes the 1982 crash of Air Florida Flight 90 in Washington D.C. The Boeing 737 crashed into the Potomac River shortly after takeoff from Reagan National Airport during a snowstorm. 74 people were on board and 73 died, either on impact or from hypothermia in the icy river waters. The crash was caused by the plane's failure to gain sufficient altitude and speed in the snowy conditions after being de-iced. It struck the 14th Street Bridge before crashing into the river, killing 4 people on the bridge as well. The extreme cold and stormy conditions made rescue efforts difficult and contributed to the high death toll.
Dedipya Immadisetty is seeking a position in public health. He has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from East Tennessee State University, where he was involved in several student organizations and held leadership roles. His experience includes internships with Susan G. Komen and volunteer work in hospitals. He has worked as a Resident Advisor for three years, advising and mentoring students. References are provided from his academic and volunteer experiences.
Wayne Brekke has over 20 years of experience in various roles including direct service professional, teacher, contractor, driver, and counselor. His resume highlights employment history in healthcare, education, construction, transportation, and chemical dependency counseling. He holds a Master's degree and is seeking a new position as a direct service professional.
James Lebish has over 15 years of experience working in substance abuse counseling. He has a Bachelor's degree in Mental Health and Human Services with a focus on addiction studies. Currently, he works as an addiction therapist and previously worked at Grace Street Recovery Services in both Lewiston and Portland, Maine facilitating intensive outpatient groups and providing case management. In his career, he has also worked as an intern for pretrial services programs and as a milieu counselor at Mercy Hospital.
The document outlines a marketing plan to promote the Toledo Symphony School of Music by raising awareness of its programs and increasing enrollment. Key elements include using social media like Facebook and Twitter, print advertisements, flyers, and partnerships with local organizations, companies, schools and camps. The plan's goals are to increase likes/followers on social media, promote programs through print materials, boost enrollment 20% by June 2016, and obtain 1-2 new partnerships with both local groups and schools. Progress will be evaluated through surveys and tracking enrollment, social media, and partnership numbers.
Pamela Kimball graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design in 2015 with a BFA in Illustration. She maintained a 3.97 GPA and was on the President's List every semester. Her work experience includes positions at Kumon of Rochester Hills West, Hawks Landing Island Store, and Children's Rainbow Daycare. She has skills in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Wacom tablets. Kimball has volunteered with organizations like the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, John Ball Zoo, and Last Chance Animal Rescue.
The Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project uses jazz music and related art forms to promote learning, communication, and self-expression for people of all ages and backgrounds. It provides free concerts, after-school programs, and park workshops. The mission is to encourage creativity, expression, and learning through hands-on music and arts activities. The program partners with schools and organizations to provide culturally enriching experiences that develop critical thinking and social-emotional skills for youth. Evaluations show the program increases achievement, engagement, and test scores for participants.
This document provides information about upcoming events and programming for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Michigan chapter in March 2015, which is Social Work Month. It includes details about the annual conference in Kalamazoo on April 8-10, regional social work meetings across Michigan celebrating the profession, and continuing education opportunities on various topics. The document also lists the board of directors and staff for the NASW Michigan chapter.
Registration packet for the Winter 2012 and Spring 2012 sessions of \'Sing Play Grow\', an inclusive early childhood music & movement program for children birth-5 with a parent/guardian.
Registration packet for our Fall 2011 session of "Sing Play Grow" early childhood music & movement classes. Register by Sept 23 to get a FREE class!
This document is a resume for Brittney Mattioli, who graduated from Berklee College of Music with a BA in Music Therapy and a Psychology minor. She has experience in music therapy practicums working with pediatric, psychiatric, senior and special needs populations. Her community involvement includes founding a non-profit in honor of her sister and volunteering with cancer research and children's illness organizations. She is a performing singer-songwriter and hopes to become a board-certified music therapist working in a children's hospital.
This document contains Kenneth Chinakwe's undergraduate ePortfolio, including a personal statement, resume, reflection, and samples of work addressing various program outcomes like critical thinking, research skills, communication skills, ethics and diversity awareness, foundations of psychology, and interpersonal effectiveness. The personal statement provides biographical details about Chinakwe and his background. The resume outlines his work and educational experience. Sections include reflections on Chinakwe's psychology studies and outlines and samples addressing the program outcomes.
This document discusses culturally relevant pedagogy and strategies for teaching culturally diverse students. It provides data about the demographic makeup and challenges facing students in Lamar County, Georgia. It then discusses the importance of understanding students' cultural backgrounds and incorporating their cultures and experiences into lesson planning to create a meaningful learning environment. Suggestions are provided for how teachers can make their instruction more culturally relevant, such as using popular music and media in lessons and having respect for students' home cultures.
Emily Darter is interested in becoming a school counselor. She enjoys helping people and finds her religion very important. After taking surveys, she learned she is social, works well with others, and likes organization. Her resume shows she has experience in clerical work and childcare. She is involved in many extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Emily researched the job duties, requirements, hours, salary and educational programs for school counselors to further explore this career.
Michael R. Minor is passionate about gospel music and vocal instruction. He has over 25 years of experience leading worship music ministries. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Music Business from Full Sail University, with an expected graduation date of 2023. His goals are to obtain positions teaching or working in music therapy upon graduation, and to eventually earn master's and specialist degrees to advance into administrative roles in education.
Michael Myers provides tips on effectively managing your social media presence as a professional. He recommends linking your social media accounts together so they automatically update each other. This includes linking your LinkedIn profile to your professional Twitter account, blog, and other online profiles to sync updates. Keeping these profiles consistently branded and active helps establish your online reputation and can help with career and job opportunities.
This document provides information about the Nicollet Speech Builders Toastmasters club. It includes the club's meeting location and website, a list of the 2008-2009 officers, upcoming events like the club contest and area speech contest, and encourages members to make Toastmasters a New Year's resolution by attending regular meetings to improve speaking skills through small, regular efforts that build up over time like compound interest. It also profiles club member Evelyn Genta, sharing details about her background, Toastmasters experience, and goals for the upcoming year of completing her ATM-Gold designation by May 2009.
- HOMTV's acclaimed show "Senior Living" is returning with a new format and new hosts.
- The monthly show will now be filmed at the Meridian Senior Center instead of HOMTV's main studio.
- The first new episode will be recorded on July 12th at the Meridian Senior Center and begin airing on July 14th.
- The new hosts, Peggy Frisch, Ralph Frisch and Megan Sowul, are all members of the Meridian Senior Center who were previously volunteers and were selected to host the show.
Marinella Chvatal is seeking experience in social work engaging clients and building support systems. She has excellent communication skills and adheres to safety and privacy standards. As an intern, she led activities for children, taught English skills, and organized volunteers and files. She is graduating soon with a degree in Community Services and has volunteered extensively, including with her sorority, choir, and service organizations. Her references include directors from her university and internship.
John M. West received dual degrees in economics and music performance from the University of Michigan in 2017. He has experience interning at a finance firm and holding leadership roles in various music ensembles and organizations. His resume demonstrates strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills developed through teaching youth music programs, counseling, and participation in competitive marching bands and orchestras.
The document discusses factors that influence teens to get cosmetic surgery, including wanting to delay aging, change body parts, boost self-confidence, and match seasonal trends due to media portrayal of "perfect" people. It notes that most cosmetic surgeries are received by young girls, who commonly get procedures like breast augmentations and lip enhancements. The document also outlines some benefits of cosmetic surgery for teens, such as improved self-esteem and ability to avoid bullying, but emphasizes the importance of society promoting self-love in teens rather than pointing out flaws.
Jessica Brown is seeking a position where she can utilize her graphic design and administrative experience. She has an Associate's Degree in Graphic Design from C.S. Mott Community College and experience in graphic design, photography, freelance design work, and various office administration roles. Her goal is to help provide for her family while taking on new challenges. She has received numerous awards for her artwork and has been on the Dean's List every semester of college.
The passage summarizes the 1982 crash of Air Florida Flight 90 in Washington D.C. The Boeing 737 crashed into the Potomac River shortly after takeoff from Reagan National Airport during a snowstorm. 74 people were on board and 73 died, either on impact or from hypothermia in the icy river waters. The crash was caused by the plane's failure to gain sufficient altitude and speed in the snowy conditions after being de-iced. It struck the 14th Street Bridge before crashing into the river, killing 4 people on the bridge as well. The extreme cold and stormy conditions made rescue efforts difficult and contributed to the high death toll.
Dedipya Immadisetty is seeking a position in public health. He has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from East Tennessee State University, where he was involved in several student organizations and held leadership roles. His experience includes internships with Susan G. Komen and volunteer work in hospitals. He has worked as a Resident Advisor for three years, advising and mentoring students. References are provided from his academic and volunteer experiences.
Wayne Brekke has over 20 years of experience in various roles including direct service professional, teacher, contractor, driver, and counselor. His resume highlights employment history in healthcare, education, construction, transportation, and chemical dependency counseling. He holds a Master's degree and is seeking a new position as a direct service professional.
James Lebish has over 15 years of experience working in substance abuse counseling. He has a Bachelor's degree in Mental Health and Human Services with a focus on addiction studies. Currently, he works as an addiction therapist and previously worked at Grace Street Recovery Services in both Lewiston and Portland, Maine facilitating intensive outpatient groups and providing case management. In his career, he has also worked as an intern for pretrial services programs and as a milieu counselor at Mercy Hospital.
The document outlines a marketing plan to promote the Toledo Symphony School of Music by raising awareness of its programs and increasing enrollment. Key elements include using social media like Facebook and Twitter, print advertisements, flyers, and partnerships with local organizations, companies, schools and camps. The plan's goals are to increase likes/followers on social media, promote programs through print materials, boost enrollment 20% by June 2016, and obtain 1-2 new partnerships with both local groups and schools. Progress will be evaluated through surveys and tracking enrollment, social media, and partnership numbers.
Pamela Kimball graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design in 2015 with a BFA in Illustration. She maintained a 3.97 GPA and was on the President's List every semester. Her work experience includes positions at Kumon of Rochester Hills West, Hawks Landing Island Store, and Children's Rainbow Daycare. She has skills in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Wacom tablets. Kimball has volunteered with organizations like the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, John Ball Zoo, and Last Chance Animal Rescue.
The Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project uses jazz music and related art forms to promote learning, communication, and self-expression for people of all ages and backgrounds. It provides free concerts, after-school programs, and park workshops. The mission is to encourage creativity, expression, and learning through hands-on music and arts activities. The program partners with schools and organizations to provide culturally enriching experiences that develop critical thinking and social-emotional skills for youth. Evaluations show the program increases achievement, engagement, and test scores for participants.
This document provides information about upcoming events and programming for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Michigan chapter in March 2015, which is Social Work Month. It includes details about the annual conference in Kalamazoo on April 8-10, regional social work meetings across Michigan celebrating the profession, and continuing education opportunities on various topics. The document also lists the board of directors and staff for the NASW Michigan chapter.
Registration packet for the Winter 2012 and Spring 2012 sessions of \'Sing Play Grow\', an inclusive early childhood music & movement program for children birth-5 with a parent/guardian.
Registration packet for our Fall 2011 session of "Sing Play Grow" early childhood music & movement classes. Register by Sept 23 to get a FREE class!
Registration packet for the Summer 2011 5-week mini-session of \'Sing Play Grow\'. For the first time, we are offering a Tuesday morning option in addition to Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Healthy Homes University conducts household assessments for asthma triggers within low & moderate-income households. Find out if you\'re eligible for this program. - Spanish version
Healthy Homes University conducts household assessments for asthma triggers within low & moderate-income households. Find out if you\'re eligible for this program.
CODA MTS, LLC is a privately-owned agency that specializes in pediatric music therapy and early childhood music classes. They use music therapy to target developmental goals for children with special needs, such as autism or Down syndrome. They also offer an inclusive music and movement program called Sing Play Grow for children ages birth to 5 to foster music skills, body awareness, speech development, creativity and socialization.
The document provides information about registering for early childhood music and movement classes offered by CODA Music Therapy Services for the Spring 2011 session. It includes a registration form detailing class times and payment options, as well as an enrollment form requesting child and parent/guardian contact information and permissions. The 10-week session runs from March 7 to May 20 with discounts available for early registration, siblings, military families, and coupon codes.
The document is an enrollment form for an early childhood music and movement program run by CODA Music Therapy Services. It collects the child's name, birthdate, contact information for parents/guardians, information about the child's music and movement experiences at home, any special needs or allergies, and permission for photos/videos to be used in advertising. The parent agrees to enroll their child and payment terms by signing at the bottom.
Dr. Deforia Lane will give the 2011 Niland Distinguished Lecture in Music Therapy at Michigan State University on February 18th. As the Associate Director of the Seidan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Director of Music Therapy at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Dr. Lane's work is distinguished by her ability to empathize with clients through her own experience with cancer. The free public event will include videos, music, and Dr. Lane sharing her work as a music therapist, inspiring attendees.
1. N u m ber 101
Sprin g 2011
!
soon
o ming
go c tails.
N ew lo f or de
elow
See b
President
Rebecca Findley, MT-BC Preparing for GLR 2012
rebeccafindley@yahoo.com
Past President The 2012 GLR Conference, Grand
Liz Buckmaster, M.Ed., MT-BC Perspectives in a Rapidly Chang-
musicliz@wideopenwest.com
ing Field, will be held April 11-15,
Vice President 2012 at the Amway Grand Plaza
Julie A. Palmieri, M.M., MT-BC
Hotel (www.amwaygrand.com) in
juliepalmieri@gmail.com
Grand Rapids. Planning is already
Secretary underway, but many more volun-
Miranda Eden, MT-BC
teers are needed to make this
meden@lifeprocesscenter.org
even a success. Information and
Treasurer/Membership descriptions of the various confer- The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel is located in downtown Grand
Jaime Merritt, MT-BC Rapids, overlooking the Grand River.
ence committees are available
jme.mtbc@gmail.com
online at www.mmtonline.org/
Continuing Education glr2012.html. If you are interested in serving in some way, please contact
Tomoko Page, MT-BC
tomokopagemtbc@yahoo.com
the conference co-chairs—Miranda Eden, Rebecca Findley, and Julie
Palmieri—as soon as possible. They can be reached via e-mail at
Public Relations 2012glr@gmail.com. Let‟s show the Great Lakes Region the strength of
Deb Koepele Kuptz, MT-BC
brassbelle@juno.com
music therapy in Michigan!
Government Relations
Susan E. Gregory, MT-BC Announcing the MMT Logo Contest
gregjs@comcast.net The MMT logo needs an update and we want your help with the make-
Clinical Training over! Between now and April 15, 2011, we invite submissions for the new
Roberta Justice, MT-BC logo. The Top 5 (as determined by the executive board) will be posted
rjustice@emich.edu
online for vote by the membership. The winning design will be unveiled
Newsletter at the Spring Workshop and the winner will receive 2012 MMT member-
Kellee Coviak, MT-BC ship and a $50 iTunes gift card.
kellee.coviak@codamts.com
Guidelines:
Website Coordinator Must be submitted by a current MMT Member
Julie A. Palmieri, M.M., MT-BC
Should include organization title: “Michigan Music Therapists”
web@mmtonline.org
All images should be original design & not include copyrighted information/
Archivist images
Ed Roth, M.M., MT-BC, NMT Format should be high resolution: .jpg, .png, .gif format
eroth@wmich.edu Logo will become property of MMT
Deadline for submission: April 15, 2011.
Send to rebeccafindley@yahoo.com.
2. Page 2 N u m be r 101
Wo r k s h o p N ew s
Our Fall Workshop, Thinking Outside-the-Box: Expanding MT Outside Tra-
ditional Practice, was held on Friday October, 29, 2010 at Monroe
County Intermediate School District in Monroe, Michigan. This workshop
featured school music therapists Angela M. Snell, MT-BC and Laurel
Rosen-Weatherford, MT-BC, who presented a number of outstanding
interventions for the school population and incorporated a number of
their students in the presentation. They also showcased their unique mu-
The MMT Spring sical playground. There were 31 attendees, including 25 professionals
Workshop will be held and 6 students. Thank you to Angie, Laurel and interns for a great work-
Saturday, May 21, shop.
2011. Tracy
Richardson will present
on songwriting.
Images from left: Angie Snell demonstrates on the outdoor xylophone. Workshop attendees sing along with Old Time Rock
& Roll. Laurel Rosen-Weatherford drums with a student on the playground.
Our Spring Workshop will be held on May 21, 2011 and will feature Tracy
Richardson, M.S., MT-BC presenting on songwriting. Additional informa-
tion will be announced soon.
Michigan Music Ther apy Awar eness Week
April 25-29, 2011
Michigan Music Therapy Awareness Week will be April 25-29, 2011.
Though we are constantly called upon to be advocates for our profes-
sion, MMT encourages all Michigan music therapists to be especially no-
ticeable during this week. Here are a few ideas for promoting music
therapy:
Notify your local media. Watch for a sample press release from MMT to get your
started.
Make & distribute bookmarks or stickers with music therapy quotes, facts, etc.
Organize a recital, celebration, etc. at your facility.
Distribute articles, studies, or fact sheets within your facility.
Wear your “Music Therapy” sparkle pin (sold by MMT).
Share this newsletter with someone else (colleagues, clients, friends, etc.).
Visit the MMT Facebook page to share an idea and see what others are planning.
3. S pr in g 2011 Page 3
Member Spotlight:
T h e r e s a M e r r i l l , P h . D. , M T - B C , FA M I
Interview conducted by Katie Bender, senior Music Therapy
student at Eastern Michigan University
Dr. Theresa (Terra) Merrill, Ph.D., MT-BC, FAMI is a welcomed
new addition to the Music Therapy program of Eastern Michi-
gan University (EMU) in Ypsilanti, MI. Dr. Merrill received her un-
dergraduate and graduate degrees in British Columbia, Can-
ada and her Ph.D. from Michigan State University (Diploma in
Music Therapy, Capilano College, North Vancouver, B.C., 1989;
Bachelor of Music Therapy, 1993, Master of Music Therapy,
1998, both from British Columbia Open University, Vancouver, Dr. Merrill, Ph.D.,
B.C.; Ph.D. in Music Education/Therapy, MSU, 2009). Dr. Merrill‟s MT-BC, FAMI
Master‟s Thesis was titled Rise Up Singing: A model for con-
sciousness through the therapist’s reflections on an improvisational music ther-
apy group for Persons with End Stage Dementia, while her Doctoral dissertation
examined the positive qualities of mentoring relationships between music
therapists.
Dr. Merrill came to EMU from Marylhurst University in Portland, OR, where she
served as a full-time Music Therapy professor from 2004-2010. At this small, lib-
eral arts college, she coordinated and supervised the undergraduate clinical
placement program and oversaw national roster internships; developed on-line
music therapy coursework; and served as executive director of the Creative
Arts Day Camp for Children with Special Needs. Prior to her position at Maryl-
hurst, Dr. Merrill was Professional Practice Leader for Providence Health Care, a
leading music therapy professional practice across seven hospital sites in Van- “I could be involved in
couver, B.C. Dr. Merrill has a vast array of clinical experience, having been in- creating an exciting
volved in geriatric care programs, hospitals, community counseling facilities,
future for music therapy
residential treatment and rehabilitation centers, and wellness centers, as well
as overseeing the clinical education of hundreds of students. in Southeast Michigan.”
Dr. Merrill states, “My desire to return to Michigan to teach at EMU is part of a
continuum. After being at a very large institution (MSU) where I felt a lack of
connection with students, I wanted to be in a smaller setting where I could
have a closer and more individualized connections with students. So, I went to
Marylhurst and that was a perfect place to grow and develop as an educator.
Being primarily a teaching college, there was no opportunity or support for re-
search and scholarly activity. EMU felt like the perfect balance to me: an op-
portunity to work closely with students as individuals and also to have space,
time and support to make the sort of contribution to our field that I feel drawn
to make at this time.”
When she was invited to EMU to interview for the tenure-track position last year,
she was impressed with the program. “The vibrancy of the program, its reputa-
tion within the University and AMTA, the active involvement of the students
throughout the interview process, the secured support for graduate studies,
and the support for scholarship inherent within a tenure track position all led me
to the feeling that I could be involved in creating an exciting future for music
therapy in Southeast Michigan.”
Graciously and enthusiastically, Dr. Merrill has accepted and thrived in her new
position on faculty. Welcome (back) to Michigan, Dr. Merrill!
4. Page 4 N u m be r 101
M u s i c T h e r a py i n t h e N ew s
Music therapy has been in the spotlight quite a bit during recent weeks,
partly due to the use of music therapy in the rehabilitative treatment of
Representative Gabrielle Giffords, but also because music therapy is
featured in both a new Jodi Picoult novel and a Sundance film. Here
are a few links to check out.
Great Day Houston: Using Music to Heal
Interview with Maegen Morrow, music therapist at TIRR Memorial
Hermann hospital. She discusses the use of music therapy in rehabilita-
tion and treatment of brain injuries. Video available at: http://
www.khou.com/great-day/gdh_030211_seg5-117248118.html
Inside Giffords‟ Rehab
CNN‟s Dr. Sanjay Gupta goes inside TIRR and participates in a typical
day in treatment, including music therapy. In his blog, Dr. Gupta called
music therapy his “personal favorite.” Video and blog available at:
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/18/19059/
Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult
The main character of this new novel, Zoe Baxter, is a
music therapist. Though music therapy is not the main
focus of the novel, Picoult‟s inclusion of the profession
“CNN‟s Dr. Sanjay does help bring attention to the field. A synopsis and ad-
Gupta called music ditional information are available on Picoult‟s website at:
therapy his „personal http://www.jodipicoult.com/sing-you-home.html
favorite.‟” The Music Never Stopped
“The Music Never Stopped” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
The movie is based on the case study, „The Last Hippie‟ by Dr. Oliver
Sacks, M.D. and demonstrates the use of music to treat brain injuries.
According to AMTA, Julia Ormond‟s character is modeled after Dr. Con-
nie Tomaino, the Executive Director of the Institute for Music and Neu-
rologic Function and Senior Vice President of Music Therapy Services at
the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services. Unfortunately, there is not
yet a showing scheduled for Michigan, but there is a feature on the
movie‟s website to request additional screenings. Check out the trailer
and more at: http://themusicneverstopped-movie.com/
In local news: Music Therapy Helps Special Needs Students
An article that ran in the MSU State News which highlights the music
therapy program at the MSU Community Music School. The full article is
available at: http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2011/02/
music_therapy_helps_special_needs_students
5. S pr in g 2011 Page 5
Tw o Ye a r A n n i v e r s a r y o f M S U M u s i c
T h e r a py M o r a t o r i u m
February 9, 2011 marked the two-year anni-
versary of the announcement of the morato-
rium on the MSU music therapy program. In
response to the discontinuation of the pro-
gram—the very first music therapy training
program in the United States—a number of
music therapists, students and community
members have come together to form Advocates for Music Therapy
Education (AMTE). AMTE has appeared before the MSU Board of Trus-
tees on numerous occasions and is exploring other options for continu-
ing the program, including transferring the program to a different col-
lege within the University. Fundraising is another important component
of their agenda. If you would like to become involved with these pro-
gram-saving efforts, please contact AMTE Chair, Rebecca West
(rebecca.west.mtbc@gmail.com). Additional information can be
found on the AMTE website (www.musictherapyedu.org); there is also a
Facebook group “Save the MSU Music Therapy Program.”
New Cer tification Manuals In Ef fect
A reminder that the Fifth Editions of the Recertification Manual and the “[AMTE] is exploring
Approved Provider Manual became effective on January 1, 2011. New other options for
policies and changes are highlighted on page 4 of the Recertification continuing the [MSU music
Manual. Please make sure you familiarize yourself with these changes therapy] program.”
and how they will effect your certification.
An E ve n in g w it h D r. D e fo r ia La n e
MMT was honored to join the MSU Music Ther-
apy Program in sponsorship of the 2011
Niland Distinguished Lecturer in Music Ther-
apy: An Evening with Dr. Deforia Lane on Fri-
day, February 18. Dr. Lane provided an in-
spiring presentation featuring stories and foot-
age of her work within medical music ther-
apy. She also voiced her support of the MSU
Dr. Deforia Lane, Ph.D., MT-BC
Associate Director, Seidman Cancer Center music therapy department, as the program
Director of Music Therapy, University Hospitals
of Cleveland, Seidman Cancer Center and continues to battle the moratorium imparted
Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.
by the University. The evening was con-
cluded with a reception and visitation
among colleagues and students.
6. Michigan Music Therapists
c/o Kellee Coviak, Newsletter Editor
P.O. Box 81003
Lansing, MI 48908
Visit www.mmtonline.org
for the latest news.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 23-27, 2011
GLR of AMTA Conference,
SNAPs
Grand Geneva Resort & SNAPs is a new avenue for sharing Sensa-
tional News, Announcements & People. We
Spa (Lake Geneva, WI)
welcome you to share your exciting news on
March 26, 2011 the SNAPs discussion thread on the MMT
MMT Meeting at GLR Facebook page.
Conference
Congratulations to Lisa Barnhart
April 15, 2011 (WMU), recipient of the Fall 2010
MMT Logo Contest Dead- MMT Memorial Scholarship.
line
Congratulations to Jodi Conradi
April 25-29, 2011 Stark, M.A., MT-BC, recipient of
Michigan Music Therapy the Michigan Youth Arts Touch-
Awareness Week
stone Award for the Very Special
Arts (VSA) Michigan 2011 Educa-
May 21, 2011
MMT Spring Workshop, tor of the Year.
Details TBA
Harmony Garden Music Therapy
April 11-15, 2012 Services (Jackson, MI) has a new
GLR of AMTA Conference, music therapist! Welcome Bekah
Amway Grand Plaza Ho- We invite you to share this newslet- Moilanen, MT-BC.
tel (Grand Rapids, MI) ter with colleagues and clients.