New PALS Program Celebrates Music Therapy Champions

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 childs 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!

Starting this May, our team will recognize these PALS (Partners, Advocates, Leaders, Supporters), highlighting the superstars that we work with in all sectors.

Our May PALS

Ainsley Flynn is a Residential Manager at a Bridgewell home we work with, and our music therapist Kim Schlessinger nominated her. Says Kim, Ainsley has been a phenomenal advocate for her members, from taking the time to set up virtual sessions with me to gathering instruments for the ladies to play during sessions. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her better through numerous phone calls, and it is increasingly clear just how much she cares for her members, making Walmart trips to buy craft supplies, making sure to set up whatever virtual programming she can, all while balancing her home life.”

Kesner Pierre manages a Northeast Residential Services home and was nominated by Maureen Young. According to Maureen, Kesner has gone above and beyond in previous music therapy sessions, singing and participating by playing with individuals in the group, and shows a wonderful rapport with all of the individuals. Kesner has been working hard to manage the home during the COVID crisis and is helping to make virtual music therapy services successful for the residents. I have so much appreciated him being a part of our music therapy sessions and providing a loving and positive environment for the residents to live in.”

The entire team at Roman Music Therapy Services would like to thank both Ainsley and Kesner, not only for their dedication to their residents, but for all that they do to support bringing music therapy to their residents, whether in person or virtually.