Hello and welcome to the first installment of 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! First off, we have Emily Hawley, MT-BC.
What is your role on the team and how long have you been with RMTS?
I am one of the Lead Music Therapists and I’ve been with RMTS just under three years.
What university or college did you go to? What was your primary instrument?
I went to Anna Maria College and I was a vocalist.
How did your undergraduate experience help to shape you into the therapist you are today?
During my senior year, there was a lot of focus on self-care of the therapist, along with self-awareness. The self-awareness piece of being a therapist is huge for me. I had a really close-knit cohort, it was a super supportive environment. Plus, we had a lot of opportunities for networking.
What are your StrengthsFinder strengths and how do they play a part in the work you do?
Restorative, Ideation, Input, Adaptability, and Empathy. I’m definitely a creative problem solver, which is where the Restorative strength comes in. With Input, I love learning more and taking in as much information as possible. And Empathy obviously comes into play with the work that I do, being a part of a team has empowered this strength, too.
What drew you to music therapy?
I went to an arts high school part-time and took my music classes there. My choir director’s sister is a music therapist and came in to talk to us about music therapy, which was the first time I heard about it. When it was time to think about what I wanted to do after high school, I was looking on the AMTA (American Music Therapy Association) website and found the definition of music therapy and also what a music therapist could look like. I felt like the description sounded like me! (laughs) I love people, psychology, and music, so it felt like a good fit.
What is the most rewarding part of the work?
Seeing clients’ growth throughout the process. Also seeing the skills that they do differently, or even better (!), when music is a part of their support system.
What are your favorite song(s) to play in sessions?
I love playing a mashup of “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles and “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens, that’s a fun one. I also love to improvise and finding new songs through the improvisation.
Do you have any professional development stories you’d like to share?
The biggest area I’ve grown professionally is definitely in my administrative skills! With learning to get organized, I’m truly understanding the full picture of what it means to be a music therapist, outside of clinic work. Also taking initiative, advocating for clients, getting my documentation in on time, communication, all of those administrative things.
Any personal growth stories?
A few years ago, a colleague said, “You would be great as a supervisor or lead music therapist!” and that was a role I didn’t think I would have the skills to do, but now, here I am in that role! I’ve grown a lot in my clinical skills and administrative skills. Also, being a part of this collaborative environment. There’s been a lot of growth!
How have you surprised yourself since joining this team?
Being a supervisor to practicum students. There’s always that initial fear of like, “Do I really have enough knowledge to offer these students?” but then, I realized that I did and it’s been great.
What is your proudest moment within the company so far?
Again, I am really proud of my organizational skills and self-discipline. I’m really proud of getting this promotion (as Lead Music Therapist), my full caseload, but always getting my notes in on time and fulfilling everything I need to do!
Favorite books, shows, movies, or podcasts?
Criminal Minds, that’s been my show for a little bit. And reality dating shows (laughs). I don’t listen to podcasts a ton, but when I do, they’re spirituality-based.
Favorite quote?
“The world is big, I am small. My problems are small, so why am I worried?” That quote always helps to put things in perspective for me.
What do you do outside of work?
I like to eat! I also like to spend time with my family, especially my nieces. Going swimming, relaxing, all that good stuff.
Which Mr. Men/Little Miss character are you?
Mr. Happy!
What’s your coffee order?
A medium iced mocha, extra extra cream and sugar. I actually started drinking coffee when Dunkin’ had a pistachio/mocha flavor, but they don’t have it anymore (laughs). But that would be the preferred order.
What would be the title of your memoir?
Resilience.
Three words to describe your job?
Meaningful. Collaborative. Supportive.