Welcome back to Roman Music Therapy Services’ Meet the Team interviews! Through this series, we will be introducing you to each member of our team, from Music Therapist to Programmatic Specialist, from Administrative Team to our Faculty Supervisor. This is for you to get to know our team, inside and out! Next, we have Billie Junget, MT-BC.
What is your role on the team and how long have you been with RMTS?
I’m a Staff Music Therapist and the Programmatic Services Trainer. I started my time with RMTS during internship and I’ve been with the team for about three years.
What university or college did you go to? What was your primary instrument?
I went to Charleston Southern University in South Carolina as a euphonium and percussion primary.
How did your undergraduate experience help to shape you into the therapist you are today?
The clinical work I experienced and then the application of that clinical work in my music therapy coursework has definitely contributed to my therapeutic skills now. I was also big into marching band and drumline, so being a part of those ensembles really encouraged my flexibility and adaptability within group settings.
What are your StrengthsFinder strengths and how do they play a part in the work you do?
Empathy, Intellection, Adaptability, Positivity, and Developer. Empathy plays a huge role in the work I do, and also in the greater scheme of my life. I always try to meet people where they are and put myself in other’s shoes. I also find that these strengths play into my listening skills – I like being able to hold space for others in my professional work and in my personal life.
What drew you to music therapy?
I knew I wanted to go into music, but I didn’t want to teach and I didn’t want to perform. But then I learned about music therapy and the way the field uses music to reach goals and make non-musical connections, and that’s what really stuck out to me. Just knowing I can facilitate music and work with it in a way that other professions don’t get to do. Music therapy helps us find our voice and access music in a different way – it’s not just music for personal use, but for everyone.
What is the most rewarding part of the work?
The beautiful connections we have with the people we serve. There aren’t a lot of other professions that get to experience music in the way we do and it’s so profound! It’s funny because I see some of my clients more than I see my friends and family (laughs) but that speaks to the impact of the work we do. The smiles on our community’s faces when they enter the musical space – that’s the most rewarding part.
What are your favorite song(s) to play in sessions?
I love playing anything by The Beatles. I also love Rockin’ Robin and Dancing Kids (a favorite song here at RMTS)!
Do you have any professional development stories you’d like to share?
Professional development is such a big part of our team culture that I can’t pick just one story! I think that an area of my professional development that is cool to share is my journey of stepping into the Interim Internship Director role. Going from being an intern with this company to being able to support a current intern was so unexpected, but again – that speaks to my Adaptability strength! Also, now that I am a trainer on the team, it’s been amazing to help facilitate others’ growth within our team.
Any personal growth stories?
In my recent switch to being a full-time clinician, I’ve had to create new organizational systems that work for me and the roles that I’m in. I’ve definitely grown in my ability to find ways to maximize my workflow and organize my time.
How have you surprised yourself since joining this team?
This is a hard one! I think I’ve surprised myself by just – throwing myself into things. For example, I was never a singer, but now I sing all day, every day! Also wanting to do new things and strengthening areas of growth within myself has also been very surprising.
What is your proudest moment within the company so far?
I’m really proud of the Weekly Wins board I started! It’s a space for the team to celebrate our wins and ourselves. I’m also proud of the presentations I’ve been able to share with the team, which fits into my Intellection strength! Being able to share my knowledge and teach others something new is something I’m definitely proud of.
Favorite books, shows, movies, or podcasts?
I’m a big “Game of Thrones” fan. I watched the show first and got hooked, then I read the books (and are re-reading them!). Watching the show first definitely helped me keep track of all the characters in the book. I’m also watching Legendary, it’s a vogue/ballroom dance show that’s so fun.
Favorite quote?
“If nothing ever moves, put that needle to the groove and sing.” – Dr. Dog, The Breeze
What do you do outside of work?
I just like being a Taurus (laughs). I like relaxing, hammocking in different parks, and long-boarding.
Which Mr. Men/Little Miss character are you?
Little Miss Can’t Parallel Park. It’s not a real Mr. Men/Little Miss character, but it’s the one I most identify as (laughs).
What’s your coffee order?
So I don’t really drink coffee/caffeine, but when I’m at Dunkin’, I love a good iced tea lemonade. Raspberry, specifically.
What would be the title of your memoir?
Shamrock and Roll. or… Rhythm and Blues.
Three words to describe your job?
Lead. Connect. Grow.