Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy
California State University, Northridge, CA

Populations Served:
Children with multiple disabilities including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, William's Syndrome; elderly with various forms of dementia and Parkinson's Disease; adults in team building and wellness programs.

Affiliations:
American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT)

Special HealthRHYTHMS Moment:
There are many special moments that come to mind... during the Inspirational beats part of the protocol, when asked to play on the drum what makes him happy, an 8 year old boy with Autism played the drum with a smile on his face and when done drumming he looked at his mother with a gleaming in his eyes and said, "I love you, Mom. Making music with you makes me happy." and they hugged each other. To be able to share this moment with this family was truly special. Mom could not help but to cry while sharing that this has been the first time that her son told her that he loved her.

At an Assisted living facility, a woman told me that she did not want to be part of the drumming and that she was tired of everyone telling her what to do. She refused to accept an instrument and kept her head down for most of the introduction. During the Rhythmic naming part of the protocol, when it was her turn, she stated her name to the group but refused to play her name on the drum. When asked if she would give the group permission to play her name for her, she said, "whatever!" Within a few seconds of the group drumming and singing her name, she looked up and said, "Thank you". By the time everyone was playing their instruments and singing songs, she accepted my invitation to be my helper and help me sing and even though she did not have an instrument, she kept the beat tapping her foot. A few minutes after 'helping' me with the group, this woman was smiling and singing for the world to hear and at the end she asked for a drum and did not want to give it back when it was time to go. To see this transformation take place was very self-actualizing to me as a therapist and for the staff. I see it every day, the power of music to help reach insight, to change, to transform and make this world a better world. I feel blessed for doing what I do and for the opportunity to be part of the HealthRHYTHMS family. I thank Remo for his vision and for giving back to the community.