As we enter our 20th year at Roman Music Therapy Services (RMTS), we’re pausing to celebrate the communities we’ve had the privilege of growing alongside. To mark this milestone, we’re sharing stories that reflect the real, human impact of music therapy across Massachusetts. One of the organizations we are proud to work with is The Community Group, a childcare organization in Lawrence, MA.
Joy, Curiosity, and a Little Bit of Peace
Staff members at The Community Group consistently speak about the happiness music therapy brings into their centers. Kathleen McDonough, the Manager of Community Building and Employee Relations at The Community Group, describes it this way: “There is such a level of enjoyment, joy, and curiosity.” Students quickly recognize their therapists the moment they enter the classroom, greeting them with visible excitement. That joy, she notes, naturally leads to increased participation and meaningful skill building.
Katherine Averill, Director of Curriculum and Coaching, captures something quieter underneath the energy, expressing that, “There is such a peacefulness in the joy that I think we were all seeking.” Together, staff describe sessions that are not only energetic and engaging but also grounding and calm.
Relationships Built Quicky, Felt Deeply
Beyond joy, The Community Group has been deeply impressed by how quickly the RMTS clinicians build genuine relationships with the children they serve. Kathleen noted, “[The clinicians] are seeing so many children over the two weeks, and they know their names.”
Staff also speak to the team’s commitment to bilingual engagement. Even clinicians who are not fluent in Spanish make intentional efforts to learn songs and interventions in Spanish, ensuring children feel seen, heard, and included. Katherine adds that the connection extends beyond clinician and child – as Katherine put it, the clinicians “are supporting engagement between the children… they are all engaged together.” Music becomes a shared experience that strengthens peer relationships and builds classroom community.
Growth That Stays in the Room
The impact of music therapy at The Community Group goes far beyond the session itself. Staff observe meaningful growth in classroom skills such as listening, turn-taking, sharing, and overall confidence. Kathleen also shared how meaningful it is to watch children develop a genuine love of music. As Katherine put it, “They are already beginning to see themselves as musical.”
Teachers and students look forward to each session, often wishing they could have music therapy more often. Staff describe it as a true community-building experience, one that transforms not only student engagement but the overall classroom dynamic.
What They’d Tell Another Organization
When asked what they would say to another organization considering a partnership with RMTS, staff at The Community Group responded simply, “You will not be disappointed.”
As Janet Moro, Senior Director of Quality and Operations, shared, “Right from the start we wanted a hands-on approach, and that’s exactly what we’re getting.” Katherine Averill added that she thinks music brings an exuberance and playfulness that can sometimes get lost in busy childcare settings.
At Roman Music Therapy Services, we deeply value our partnership with The Community Group. We are proud to serve our community and create meaningful impacts through music.
