» Hotel Information
» Conference Prices
» Program
» Entertainment
» CMTEs
» CMTE bios
» Session Presenter Bios
» Pre-conference Institute
» Registration
2012 Regional Conference
Concurrent Session Presenters’ Biographies
Below is a listing of most of the session presenters. We hope to have all of their bios included, so please check back soon.
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Dr. Abbott is Chair of Music Therapy at Duquesne University. She has published research studies in the Journal of Music Therapy and the Journal of the Association for Music and Imagery.
Abrams, Brian, Ph.D., MT-BC, LPC, LCAT, FAMI
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Dr. Abrams is Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Therapy at the Cali School of music at Montclair State University.
Jesse is completing his Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy at Temple University. Currently an intern at the Rebecca School in New York, Jesse also has much experience in working with various populations in the Philadelphia area. Jesse has great interest in music-centered music therapy and the continual integration of contemporary styles into music therapy practice.
Avissar, Ariel, MA, MT-BC, LCAT
Ariel has been practicing music therapy for 10 years. He works in adult & geriatric psychiatry and currently developing a unique music therapy wellness and recovery program that consists of performance and recording in Brooklyn, New York.
Leanne currently serves as the Director of Music Therapy at the Levine School of Music, where she provides music therapy to individuals with disabilities in Washington, DC and surrounding communities.
Benkovitz, Deborah, MSW, LSW, MT-BC
Debbie is a clinician at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Director of the UPMC Music Therapy Internship. She started the internship program six years ago.
Benner, Gretchen Chardos, MT-BC, LSW
Gretchen earned bachelor degrees from Duquesne University, and MSW from the University of Pittsburgh (graduated 12/2011). She provides music therapy on inpatient psychiatry units at UPMC Mercy Hospital.
Blaine, Terry, M.S., LCAT, MT-BC
Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapist
Neonatal Intensive Care Music Therapist
Terry is the Music Therapy Program Leader at Hospice, Inc. in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Dr. Bradt is Associate Professor in the Department of Creative Arts Therapies at Drexel University. Her clinical work focuses on chronic pain management. Her research expertise is in efficacy studies and systematic reviews in medical music therapy.
Lauren received her BM in voice performance from The Boston Conservatory and began the Equivalency/Masters Music Therapy Program at Temple University in 2008. Lauren currently works for Vitas Innovative Hospice Care in Delaware.
Carpente,John A., PhD, MT-BC, LCAT
Dr. Carpente is an Assistant Professor of Music Therapy at Molloy College, is the Founder and Executive Director of The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy, Founding Clinical Director of the Center for Autism and Child Development at Molloy College and is the owner of Developmental Music Health Services. He is an instructor and clinical supervisor for the Nordoff-Robbins certification training program at Molloy College. Dr. Carpente has over 15 years of clinical and supervisory experience working with a wide range of client groups. He has lectured internationally and domestically.
Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapist Elisa is a Music Therapist and Lecturer at The State University of New York at New Paltz.
Allison is a recent graduate of Slippery Rock University. She then went on to complete her internship at Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care in Baltimore, MD.
Dr. Dvorak is an Assistant Professor of Music Therapy at Shenandoah University. She worked with patients with eating disorders in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities as a clinical specialist.
Eyre, Lillian, PhD, MTA, MT-BC, LPC
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Dr. Eyre received a PhD in Music Therapy from Temple University in 2008. She has extensive clinical experience in psychiatry and medical music therapy. In 2008, she was engaged as an assistant professor in music therapy at Immaculata University.
Fay, Maria Hricko, LSW, LCAT, MT-BC
Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery
Maria is the Coordinator and Supervisor of the Music Therapy Clinic at Marywood University. She has been supervising undergraduate music therapy students since 1997 and was Clinical Training Director for two interns from Marywood University.
Kimberly has worked with various client populations in her Music Therapy experience, including oncology, domestic violence, children with special needs, and psychiatric and substance abuse treatment.
Fu, Jenny Hoi Yan, MA, MT-BC, LCAT
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapist
Austin Vocal Psychotherapy Therapist
Jenny received her MA from New York University. She is currently working with children with hearing impairments at the Auditory/Oral School of New York. Jenny co-founded MAR Passages.
Gadberry, Anita L., Ph.D., MT-BC
Dr. Gadberry is the Director of Music Therapy at Marywood University. She is also the Regional Liaison for the World Federation of Music Therapy. For over a decade, Anita has specialized in music therapy for children with autism.
Ghetti, Claire M., PhD, LCAT, MT-BC, CCLS
Dr. Ghetti has worked with medically-fragile children and adolescents in acute and long-term care settings, and has published research regarding the use of music therapy as procedural support.
Gimeno, Montserrat, Ed.D., MT-BC
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Dr. Gimeno is an Assistant Professor of Music Therapy at the State University of New York - New Paltz. She completed a bachelor degree in music therapy at Willamette University, a master’s degree in music therapy and a doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California. She is also trained in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music.
Dr. Gold is Principal Researcher at the Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre (GAMUT), Uni Health, Uni Research, Bergen, Norway. He is also Adjunct Professor at the University of Bergen, Norway, and Aalborg University, Denmark, and Editor-in-Chief of the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy. He received his music therapy training at Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts and his PhD from Aalborg University. He also runs a private music therapy practice in Vienna for people of all ages with mental disorders and behavioural problems. His primary research interest is in the combination of â€hard†research methods (i.e., randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews) and â€soft†therapy methods (i.e., process-oriented music therapy approaches)
Patti, Gretchen, MS, LCAT, MT-BC
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Gretchen is Director of Therapeutic Services at Bethany Children's Home & was previously the Director of Music Therapy and Internship director for 20 years. She maintains a private practice in music therapy, GIM and Reiki. She has served the Mid-Atlantic in the capacity of President, Government Relations Chair and Assembly Delegate.
Dr. Hadley is Professor of Music Therapy at Slippery Rock University. She has edited several influential books and published numerous articles and book chapters. Her research focuses on feminism, race, disability, and psychotherapy.
Fellow, Association for Music & Imagery
Dr. Hahna is an Instructor at Slippery Rock University. Her clinical work and research is focused on the use of feminist music therapy.
Audrey completed her BA and MMT at Temple University and has been practicing in the Philadelphia area since 2001. She has worked with a variety of populations and currently works in a Psychiatric Hospital.
Hawk-Jones, Sally, MT-BC, ACC (Activity Consultant - Certified), LCAT
Sally has worked as a music therapist and activity professional with long-term care clients for over 25 years. She supervises a department of 19 Craft, Recreation, Music Therapy and Volunteer Services staff, within a 470 bed, skilled nursing facility.
Neurologic Music Therapist
Bonnie is the owner of The Groovy Garfoose, which offers music therapy to children, teens and adults with special needs in NE Ohio. In addition, Bonnie contracts with Lake Health Hospitals serving as a clinical music therapist to patients and families at TriPoint Medical Center and West Medical Center in Ohio.
Hensel, Stacey, MA, LCAT, MT-BC
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy
Stacey has extensive experience as a clinician, instructor and supervisor in a music centered music therapy model. She has had instrumental roles in developing two thriving music therapy programs, currently at the Rebecca School in NYC. Stacey is also the founder of Innovative Music Therapy Services and a supervisor for creative music therapists in the New York City area.
Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapist
Molly is a graduate of Temple University and works for Seasons Hospice. In addition to the current presentation topic, Molly’s interests include therapist/client songwriting, bereavement, and clinical supervision.
Hospice and Palliative Care Music Therapist
Anya works in hospice, educated at Drexel University. Attempting to persistently apply presence when working with patients, and eager to discuss how this enhances the richness of the patient/therapist relationship.
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Erin is a licensed counselor in private practice. She is a co-founder of the Integrative Music Institute, offering training in The Bonny Method and the MARI Assessment.
Zachary is a new professional in the field of music therapy. He attended New York University’s Master’s program and will have earned his degree in December 2011. He received his Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Vanderbilt University 2009. With extensive fieldwork and internship training in the Nordoff-Robbins approach, he recently joined the music therapy team at Rebecca School in the spring of 2011.
Stephanie is a LTS music therapist at Monroe #1 BOCES and is a 2011 graduate of Nazareth College (Music Therapy with Education Certification). She completed her internship at the University of Rochester Medical Center and has held executive board positions in MARAMTS and AMTAS.
Keough, Laurie, MSEd, LCAT, MT-BC
Laurie is the Assistant Clinical Professor for music therapy at Nazareth College
in Rochester, NY. Her current research focuses on interdisciplinary work in sensory-integration therapy.
King, Betsey, PhD, LCAT, MT-BC
Dr. King is an Associate Professor and the program director for music therapy at
Nazareth College in Rochester, NY. Her current research focuses on the development of
music therapy protocols for acquired speech-language disorders.
Sara Joy has a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and has been working in correctional settings for 6 ½ years. She is currently pursuing her master’s at Drexel University.
Dr. Lipe is Assistant Professor of Music Therapy at Converse College, Spartanburg, SC. She has held music therapy clinical and teaching positions at facilities and academic institutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern Regions. Her publications and presentations focus on music therapy and dementia, and music therapy and spirituality.
Jill received her M.S. from Molloy College and currently serves as the Program Coordinator and clinical supervisor at The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy. In addition, she is also an adjunct professor of music therapy for undergraduate students at Molloy College. Jill is currently pursuing her Level I advanced certification training in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy.
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Cara is a licensed counselor in private practice. She is a co- founder of the Integrative Music Institute, offering training in The Bonny Method and NADA acu-detox.
Rita coordinates music therapy activities at Howard Community College, Columbia, MD, teaches music therapy courses, directs the HCC-Bain Center Senior Choir, and works with children and adults with special needs.
Theresa McManus has been practicing music therapy since 1980 and serves as the MAR representative to the Association Internship Approval Committee.
Neurologic Music Therapist
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Music Therapist
James holds a master’s degree in music therapy from Florida State University. He works with medically-fragile children at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center (NY), and the Music Therapy Institute (Westchester, NY).
Melendez, Karen Anne, LPC, NCC, MT-BC
Karen Anne received her MA from Drexel University in 1998, is an Advanced Trainee in the Bonny Method of GIM, and has worked in forensic psychiatry for the last 8 years.
McSorley, Kristen, Music Therapy Student
Kristen is a music therapy student and women's studies minor at Slippery Rock University. She received a faculty-student research grant to study the use of feminist mentoring in music therapy.
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Bob is a music therapist in Pittsburgh, PA, adjunct professor of music therapy at Duquesne University and co-founder of Music for Life of Pittsburgh, LLC.
Morris, Ilene (Lee) Berger, LCAT, MT-BC
A music therapy clinician for over 30 years, Lee Morris lives and works in Long Island, NY. She has worked primarily in special educational settings with children and adolescents. Lee and her music therapy colleagues at Alternatives for Children perform, record and provide consultation services under the name CLIMB - an acronym that stands for Children Learn In Music Best.
Muller, Bryan J., Ph.D., MT-BC
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Bryan maintains a private psychotherapy practice using Guided Imagery and Music with adult clients. Bryan also teaches undergraduate music therapy courses and guitar at Immaculata University.
Murphy, Kathy, PhD, MT-BC, LPC
Kathy Murphy earned her doctorate in Music Therapy from Temple University and is a member of the music therapy faculty at the University of Evansville. Celebrating 30 years of clinical practice, Kathy has worked with both adults and children in both clinical and educational settings. She is providing group music therapy services on both the dual diagnosis and substance abuse units at Brentwood Meadows in Evansville, IN.
Katie received her bachelor’s degree in music therapy with a psychology minor at Duquesne University in May, and will be completing her internship with UPMC in Pittsburgh in the spring.
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Julie is the Music Therapist and Internship Director at Montgomery County Public Schools in southwest Virginia. She is a regular guest speaker for classes and conferences related to autism spectrum disorders and special education. Julie is also a practitioner of the Bonny Method of GIM.
Neil, Megan, Music therapy Student
Megan is a student at Slippery Rock University. She has received a grant to conduct research on how the music we use in therapy reinforces power and privilege of dominant groups in society.
Obi, Rosemary Oliva, MS , LCAT , MT-BC
Rosemary has been employed at the University of Rochester Medical Center since 2000, providing music therapy to pediatric and adult populations. She received her BM in music therapy from the University of Dayton and MS in Creative Arts Therapy (Music Therapy) from Nazareth College .
Gabriela is a clinical supervisor at The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy. Currently, she is completing her Master of Science degree in Music Therapy from Molloy College, where she also serves as adjunct faculty for undergraduate students. Gabriela has also completed her advanced certification training in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, and awaits her certification upon completion of her masters.
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery Ms. Price received her Bachelor's degree from Millsaps College and her Master's degree from Emory University; she has done further music study at Catholic University and the University of Maryland. Her history with Helen Bonny began in 1969 at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center on the Spring Grove campus where Helen was a Music Therapist with Walter Pankhe, a renowned research psychiatrist. So began a lifelong interest and work in music and healing. In 1975 she completed her coursework in Music Therapy at Catholic University in Helen's program and in 1976 trained with her at the institute for Consciousness and Music becoming a Fellow. She has since practiced in a number of settings, both group and individual. She has taught piano for many years in her Maryland studio.
Roia has spent the last 25 years becoming a music therapist. In addition to her work at Hunterdon Developmental Center, she is a clinical supervisor, music therapy blogger and a singer-songwriter.
Rohrbacher, Michael, PhD, MT-BC
Director, Music Therapy, Shenandoah University. Formerly: music therapist, Baltimore Schools, in collaboration with PT, OT, counseling. Project Director, Administration on Aging grant- emphasis: interdisciplinary approaches to ADRD.
Stephanie is a singer/songwriter from Buenos Aires, Argentina with a BA in Psychology. She is a second-year graduate student at NYU Steinhardt in the Music Therapy program and is currently an intern at the Rebecca School, working with children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. She has had previous experience working with various populations, including psychiatric adults, geriatrics, and hospice patients as well.
Jamie is currently the Creative Arts Therapist at Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of NY in New Hyde Park, NY, working with a pediatric in-patient population. Jamie received her Masters degree from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2010 and graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2008 with a BA in Biology and a BA in Music, Vocal performance. She will receive her LCAT license in June.
Schwartz, Elizabeth K., LCAT MT-BC
Elizabeth practices in early childhood in New York and is an adjunct instructor at Molloy College. She is the author of Music, Therapy, and Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach.
Evelyn is the director of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program at Molloy College and currently serves as Chairperson of the Music Dep. She currently serves on the national AMTA Academic Program Approval Committee, and presents regularly on issues in music therapy education and clinical training at both national and regional music therapy conferences. Evelyn also serves on the New York State Task Force on Occupational Regulation (NYSTF), which oversees the developments and implementation of the New York State Licensure in Creative Arts Therapy.
Shultis, Carol L., M.Ed, LPC MT-BC
Carol served as Director, MT and CTD for the Forbes Health System for 20 years (training nearly 100 interns). She is currently completing dissertation research and is a PhD candidate at Temple University. She teaches in the music therapy program at Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA, provides music therapy services to a children/adolescent partial hospitalization program, and for residents in long term care and rehabilitation. She has been a frequent presenter for local, regional and national conferences.
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Carolyn is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and musician living in Annapolis, MD. She has been active as a musician, performer, and teacher and incorporates the wholeness of music in connecting breath, body, and creative expression. A former faculty member of Catholic University School of Music and Trinity College, she is co-creator of the performance piece, Celebrating the Cycle of Life through Art, Dance, Music, and Poetry, flutist with the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra and the flute/guitar duo, Affinity, and singer with the a cappella trio, Trinitas.
Sorel, Suzanne, DA, LCAT, MT-BC
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapist
Dr. Sorel is the Associate Dean & Director of Graduate Music Therapy at Molloy College, Director of Education & Training at Rebecca Center for Music Therapy, and Director of Nordoff-Robbins Training at Molloy College.
Stokes-Stearns, Sierra, Ph.D., MT-BC
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Sierra has been a specialist in the Bonny Method for over 30 years. She is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Atlantis Institute for Consciousness and Music, an international training program for the professional clinician. She has a private practice in Annapolis, MD and serves as summer faculty at the C.J. Jung Institute in Kusnacht, Switzerland.
Brigette is the Director of Music Therapy at Villa St. Joseph, where she has been supervising students/interns since 2007. Brigette is MARAMTA Registration Chair and VPCP-Elect.
Jennifer Swanson received her BM in flute performance in 2006 and began the Equivalency/Masters program at Temple University in 2009. Jennifer is currently a graduate assistant at Temple University and part-time music therapist for Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy.
Takeda, Kenji, MA, MT-BC, LCAT
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy
Kenji currently works as a music therapist at Rebecca School. He has completed post-master's training programs at Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy at NYU and National Institute for the Psychotherapies. As an accomplished pianist, Kenji holds piano performance degrees from Royal Academy of Music in London, England, and Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Aaron works as a music therapist with children, adolescents, and adults in psychiatric in-patient settings in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He has training and personal experience in clinical supervision.
Dr. Tippy is the Clinical Director and one of the Founders of the Rebecca School, the largest school in the world using the DIR model exclusively. He was supervised by Stanley Greenspan, MD, creator of the DIR model for four years. Active in teaching, presenting and using the DIR model daily with children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. He has recently authored a book with Dr. Greenspan: Respecting Autism: The Rebecca School Casebook for Parents and Professionals.Dr. Tippy has been a Teacher, a Psychologist, or both for the last 30 years.
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapist
Midori has been working as a music therapist at The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy for three years. She recently completed her Master of Science degree in Music Therapy at Molloy College, as well as her Nordoff-Robbins Level I Advanced Certification Training.
Natalie is a music therapist in private practice and Music Together ® teacher with Forever Making Music & More in Willow Grove, PA. She is also a member of the Special Needs Development Workgroup and Clinical License Testing Group for Music Together ® headquarters in Hopewell, NJ.
Ventre, Madelaine, MS, LCAT, MT-BC
Fellow, Association for Music and Imagery
Madelaine is Director of The Center for Creative Therapies and the Arts. She is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, a Board Certified Music Therapist and an AMI (Association for Music and Imagery) Fellow and Primary Trainer. She has been a clinician for over 40 years and in private practice in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) since 1981. Madelaine has trained GIM students nationally and internationally on the undergraduate, graduate and post- graduate levels. She has published in professional journals and books and presented at national and international conferences.
Tracy is the Coordinator of the Music in Special Education Concentration at the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. She also has a private music therapy practice in Potsdam, NY.
Whitehead-Pleaux, Annette MA, MT-BC
Annette works with pediatric burn survivors at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston. She has been an advocate for LGBTQ civil rights and volunteered with queer youth.
Willoughby, Suzanne, LCAT, MT-BC
Suzanne lives and works in Long Island, NY and has been a clinician for 11 years at Alternatives For Children which serves pre-school children with special needs. Her work also includes adolescent contract work in school districts and pediatric TBI kids at a local hospital. Suzanne is also a member of CLIMB (Children Learn In Music Best) which records original music and provides consultation services.
Wineberg, Christine, MA, LPC, MT-BC
Christine is a self-employed music therapist and licensed professional counselor in Philadelphia, PA. She has degrees in music therapy from Mansfield University and Drexel University and is working toward a Psy. D. in clinical psychology at Immaculata University
Nadine is in private practice in Bowie, MD, working with children and adults with a variety of special needs. A singer-pianist, her CD, “Positively” was released in 2009.