Partners. Advocates. Leaders. Supporters
There are times when we meet people in the community who immediately understand the impact music therapy can make. They are the parents who advocate for music therapy services on their child’s IEP, program directors who advocate fight for music therapy for their residents, and caregivers that know music makes a difference in the life of their loved one. We rely on the support of stakeholders involved, from family members to direct service staff to administrators, to do our job well. Without the efforts of these key change makers, we wouldn’t be able to have the powerful musical moments we have. That is why we are so pleased to honor some of these folks each month!
Our June PALS
KATELYNNE MACKIE , Charles River Center
Katelynn is the Director of Family Support Services at CRC and was nominated by Maureen Young, MT-BC. Katie helped set up a weekly family group for kiddos with ASD and provided needed support when conveying the needs of enrolled families. She was also a vital collaborator on goals/objectives. Of working with Katelynn, Maureen said, “It has been so wonderful to have her support as we all navigated starting this new group, and to know we have her support going forward as well. She is doing a wonderful job being present for families during this time and advocating for services that can benefit them”.
AIMEE RODRIGUES, parent
Aimee was nominated by Marcie Rozek-Arena, MA, MT-BC. She is a parent advocate who made it possible for 27 student music therapy sessions to occur in her child’s school district in June. It was her requests and communications with school administrators, and tenacious follow ups, that made it possible for her child to be a trial for virtual music therapy sessions. When those sessions proved to be successful, the district resumed services, virtually, with other students. Aimee’s devotion to her child, upbeat persistence, and her enthusiasm were instrumental in resuming music therapy. Her advocacy has been an example and a service to other students, parents, and families.
LYN O’NEIL, Special Ed Director of Wakefield Public Schools
Her response to getting virtual groups going was, “Yes, anything you can do for our kids would be great!” She also connected us to the Preschool Director in town and is funding four extra groups for music therapy services. She has supported professional development trainings for her staff and has promoted our services to other districts.
KYLIE BAKER, St. Patrick’s Manor
Kylie was nominated for her diligence with clients and caring touch. She goes the extra mile, ensuring that clients work on the physical goals we have in place for each client while we are making music with them virtually. Jenni Chute, MT-BC, who nominated Kylie, said “She has been in contact with my client’s family, and helped take a screen shot of our session for them so they could see how much she loves the music. There have been many helpful staff members at St. Patricks, but Kylie stands out because of her dedication through each visit”.
The entire team at Roman Music Therapy Services would like to thank all of our June PALS recipients, not only for their dedication to their residents, families or constituents, but for all that they do to support music therapy, whether in person or virtually.