Fall 2009 issue (print view)
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PRESIDENT'S REPORT article 01
Deborah Benkovitz, LSW, MSW, MT-BC
I hope you are enjoying the fall weather and beautiful trees with their changing colors! I certainly enjoyed the drive from Pittsburgh to Scranton for our Executive Board meeting the last weekend in September. We are off to a great start as a new board because we have so many experienced members as well as new people with great energy. Many thanks to Sr. Miriam Pfeifer, who so generously arranged our board meeting in Scranton for the thirtieth year!
Our region is full of good news. Treasurer Elaine Abbott reports that we are financially stable, and the future looks hopeful. The conference planners, including Nina Galerstein, Mike Viega, Melissa King, and Pittsburgh local hosts Jessica Mull and Bob Miller, are planning a fabulous conference with all sorts of fun, unusual and interesting activities as well as wonderful sessions. You will also be happy to know that conference registration costs are slightly lower than last year! We hope to see everyone in Pittsburgh in March of 2010!
The New Jersey State Task Force, chaired by Kathy Murphy, remains very active, working tirelessly with the New Jersey legislature to create licensing opportunities for New Jersey music therapists. Donna Polen continues her work as chair of the New York State Task Force, keeping membership informed, attending state meetings and continually monitoring and advocating for the best outcomes for New York music therapists. Val Ushock continues to chair the Pennsylvania State Task Force, monitoring the legislative changes and advocating for PA music therapists as well.
The new MARAMTS board is getting organized under the supervision of Student Affairs Liaison Sue Hadley. Due to some last minute changes in the MARAMTS board, Michelle Bonaventura is getting acquainted with her new role as President as is Bridget Skipper, who will serve as the Student Representative to the MAR board. Welcome and thank you for your service.
Public Relations is thriving under the new leadership of Meghan Hinman, who has great ideas and is looking for a few good members to join her on the PR committee. We are thankful for the historical perspective of Carol Shultis, our Historian, who reminds us of past events when we are contemplating the future. Sr. Donna Marie Beck, our Archivist, ensures that we are documenting and recording important information for future reference. Gene Ann Behrens, Vice President of Membership, has worked with unbelievable energy, phoning past members, surveying people for their opinions, and figuring how to keep membership costs low. Carol Ann Blank stays on top of Government Relations topics, communicating with state organizations and task forces, and working with the national office to ensure that legislation is being followed and needs are addressed. Matthew Phillips, our new newsletter editor, has done an incredible job transitioning into his new role as is evidenced by the quality of this newsletter. Gretchen Chardos Benner was remarkable in her new role as Secretary at her first board meeting. I would also like to welcome Brigette Sutton as the MAR’s first Regional Registration Chair. Kristen Brennan, past Secretary and current President-Elect, and Brian Abrams, Past President, have been extremely helpful to me as I have assumed the role of President. Last but certainly not least, Parliamentarian Barbara Maclean has provided much needed guidance and direction to me and to the Executive Board. I personally thank every single member of the board for their dedication to the MAR and the AMTA. They are an amazing, creative group of people with whom I am honored to work. Please read their individual reports for more detailed information
In addition to attending the MAR board meeting, I had occasion to visit the national office in Washington in September. I was enlightened and impressed by the AMTA staff and how much they do for us every day. It seems that everyone who works in the national office wears at least two hats, if not more, and they never stop looking out for our best interest. I hope that you will have the opportunity to visit the national office personally in order to see for yourself how much they do for us, the members of the Mid-Atlantic Region.
I look forward to seeing you in San Diego in November and in Pittsburgh next March.
Enjoy the rest of this beautiful autumn!
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ADVOCACY AWARD article 02
« DOWLOAD the Nomination Form »
PURPOSE
- To recognize an individual, other than a music therapist, who has made significant contributions or demonstrated support for the music therapy profession.
- To promote public relations for the field of music therapy within the Mid-Atlantic Region
QUALIFICATIONS
An individual may be nominated who meets the following criteria:
- Is not a music therapist
- Has demonstrated support in a significant way for the music therapy profession; and
- Lives in the geographic boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Region
PROCEDURE
- Nominations are to be made by members of the Mid-Atlantic Region
- Nominations must be received by January 30, 2010
- The MAR Executive Board will review all applications and determine the award recipient based on quality and significance of contribution and support
- This award will be presented at the 2010 MAR Regional Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. The award recipient will receive a plaque and be enrolled in the AMTA Friends of Music Therapy Program.
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ARCHIVIST REPORT article 03
Sr. Donna Marie Beck, PhD, FAMI, MT-BC
As archivist, I have been privileged to be able to reflect upon the experiences and efforts of many persons who make our region such an outstanding one. My greeting to each of you is this: “May you continue to be wonderful stewards of our mission as you plan goals, review policies, and determine the best way to serve the membership!”
Emily Plassman has completed her journey as student archivist. The results of her hard work have concluded with two publications. The “Student Archivist’s Handbook” consists of 20 pages that include the following content: General Rules and Guidelines, a Series including “Tuning into Rx Music” Newsletters, Board Books, Miscellaneous Reports and University Specific News. A Finding Aid for the next Archivist is also included. A listing of additional paperwork, supplies on hand as well as a list of past student archivists is attached to the handbook.
The second publication is “An Inventory of the Records of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association.” This document includes an Overview and History of MAR, Scope and Content, Related Materials, and Administration. A chronology from 1947 to 2009 is also included.
In the university specific series, the following schools have some information in their files: Immaculata, Marywood, Molloy, Montclair, Nazareth, New York University, Slippery Rock, SUNY Fredonia and SUNY New Paltz.
The next student to take up the task of archivist is Katie Myers. She will be responsible for scanning these materials so that you may be able to access them at your convenience as soon as we get the equipment necessary to accomplish the challenge!
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CALL FOR PAPERS 2010 article 04
Nina Galerstein, MMEd, MT-BC
“INCLINED TOWARD MUSIC THERAPY”
Pittsburgh, PA
March 24-27, 2010
Please send one complete proposal, using the MAR Conference Proposal Form as the cover page. Include all the information listed as well as the completed Proposal Form. Also send an original with three additional copies (4 total) which includes only the information listed in A-F for a “blind review” by the Conference Program Committee. Please note that all presenters must register for the conference.
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CONFERENCE PLANNING REPORT article 05
Vice President of Conference Planning
Jessica Mull, MT-BC, CVW (local co-host)
Bob Miller, MT-BC (local co-host)
Welcome to the ‘Burg, the City of Champions, the Steel City, and host of the 2010 MAR-AMTA Regional Conference…Pittsburgh, PA! Our theme for this year is, “Pittsburgh - Inclined Toward Music Therapy.” We are drawing upon the iconic image of the Pittsburgh inclines, which have continually helped to connect people and places since the late 1800s. Through Music Therapy, we strive to connect Music Therapists and the community to promote health and well being. The conference will include:
- A Pre-conference Institute entitled “Motion and Feeling Through Music: Applications of Musical Groove in Music Therapy” will be presented by Kenneth Aigen, Dan Gormley, David Ramsey, Nir Sadovnik, and Michael Viega. This institute will focus on helping Music Therapists enhance their abilities to recreate specific types of music in a stylistically appropriate way including: rock, blues, jazz, funk, hip-hop, electronic, and Latin styles. Theory of groove and discussions regarding how it relates to common goals addressed by music therapists in a wide variety of clinical settings will also be addressed.
- Opening Session with special guest speaker Sr. Donna Marie Beck PhD, FAMI, MT-BC, and local singer/songwriter Joy Ike (www.joyike.com). Joy has been voted Pittsburgh’s "best solo artist" in the Pittsburgh City Paper Reader’s Poll for two years in a row!
- Exhibit Hall Spectacular with Swing Dance featuring the Slippery Rock Jazz Ensemble (FREE beginner swing lessons included!)
- Morning Yoga, Drumming Opportunities, and Jam Rooms.
- Dessert Bar with Live Band Karaoke.
- Closing Session spotlighting local Music Therapists/Performing Artists.
- Accommodations at the GreenTree Radisson Hotel featuring: an Indoor Heated Swimming Pool, FREE Shuttle Service from the airport as well as within a two mile radius from the hotel, and FREE on-site parking!
In addition, the conference will feature the usual three days of sessions and workshops, both scholarly and experiential. Topics will cover a wide array of issues and populations, and include tracks for research and students. So come join us for a fun-filled and educational experience in the City of Bridges! For more information, contact local co-hosts Bob Miller and Jessica Mull at marconf2010@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh!
***CONFERENCE NEWS FLASH: Registration Fees Reduced!!***
We are delighted to announce that conference registration prices will be lower than last year for members and non-members. The preliminary program and registration materials will be on the MAR website in January 2010. For more information, please contact Nina Galerstein, Vice President For Conference Planning, at nina.galerstein@state.de.us.
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EXHIBITS COORDINATOR REPORT article 06
Karen Jasko, MS, LPC, FAMI, MT-BC
The exhibits are an important part of our annual conference. They provide us with an opportunity to enhance our programs with the latest equipment, books, and merchandise.
Do you have a CD, book, or other item of your own to sell? I am happy to announce that we will have a shared member booth this year at a significantly reduced rate of only $35 if you reserve your space by the early bird deadline of December 1st. The cost after the early bird deadline is $60. This is the total cost for all three days!
Would you like to advertise your school, business, or an upcoming workshop? Consider advertising in the conference program or including a flyer in the conference packet.
Thanks to Susie Knechtel who will be coordinating the Silent Auction which will be held on Thursday night of conference along with our Exhibits Spectacular. Please contact Susie (suzsiek777@earthlink.net) if you would like to donate an item or two for the Silent Auction, or as a door prize for conference attendees. Please include a description of the item, and the approximate value. Thank you also to Bonnie Buzzard, the local chair for the Pittsburgh Conference who already has exhibitors signing up!
Please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail (ksjasko@msn.com) with any questions or interest regarding vendors, advertisements, and conference sponsorship.
« download Conference Exhibits Prospectus »
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CONTINUING EDUCATION article 07
Amanda Klinger
CMTE ACCUMULATION AND DOCUMENTATION
CBMT Continuing Education Committee
With the end of the year quickly approaching, documentation of continuing education credits is important. There are many ways to accumulate (and document!) CMTE credits. The submission of CMTE credits is quite simple when one annually records all continuing education completed on the Summary of Continuing Music Therapy Education Activities Form (which can be found on pages 49-50 in the Recertification Manual, Fourth Edition, or on the website at www.cbmt.org). Complete documentation is submitted to the CBMT office only when audited.
The Professional Activities category includes publications, dissertations and theses, published book reviews, and grant writing, as well as presentations and program development. Also included in this category are original music compositions, which at 5 credits per composition may by themselves add up to a total of 20 composition credits per cycle! One may earn up to 80 CMTE credits per cycle for all combined sub-categories under Professional Activities.
Documentation for each of these Professional Activities sub-categories varies, but is very simple. For each presentation, you will need to document the title, a program summary, the name of the sponsoring organization, the name/date/location of the conference/symposium, and a copy of the brochure or other proof of sponsorship. Professional program development requires similar documentation. An original music composition requires a musical score, an audio recording, and a completed musical composition evaluation of the therapeutic use (criteria and guidelines are available from the CBMT office). See pages 22-23 in the Recertification Manual for complete details on documentation required for all Professional Activities credits.
Many certificants earn the majority of their credits through Educational Activities. Educational Activities and Graduate Coursework are the only two categories for which a certificant may earn all 100 CMTE credits per cycle. Approved Provider education programs are the easiest to document, and simply require a copy of the CMTE certificate from the CBMT Approved Provider. Non-Approved Educational Programs (those not offered by a CBMT Approved Provider) and Umbrella Groupings you create require the activity title, the name of the activity sponsor, the name of the instructor, a copy of the brochure or syllabus, a copy of a certificate/proof of attendance, number of contact hours, and most importantly, a written summary (approximately 250 words) of the learning experience as it relates to item(s) in the CBMT Scope of Practice. Umbrella Groupings are valuable for claiming related shorter workshops or trainings that add up to 5 CMTE credits when combined. Many hour-long staff trainings meet the requirements outlined on page 24 of the Recertification Manual. Just remember that events claimed under each umbrella grouping of 5 or more credits must be completed within a 12-month period of each other and reported together on the same Summary CMTE Form.
Self-Study may also be used for credit accumulation, and can include standardized (up to 100 CMTE credits per cycle) and individualized (up to 60 CMTE credits per cycle) self study. If you study privately, take a sign language course for instance, or other undergraduate coursework, you can claim these studies under the individualized self-study category. Documentation requirements include a written rationale for taking the course, its application to music therapy practice, its relationship to the Scope of Practice, and other supporting information found in the Final Evaluation of Individualized Self-Study Course (page 20 in the manual). In addition, an official transcript is required for undergraduate courses. Names of Approved Providers who offer self-study courses can be found on the CBMT website at www.cbmt.org, or on the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) website at http://www.nbcc.org/directory/ListProviders.aspx. Any course you take from a CBMT Approved Provider is also accepted for continuing education credits by NBCC, and CBMT accepts NBCC-approved courses.
Short Events are learning activities valued at fewer than 5 CMTE credits which can be submitted up to a limit of 15 CMTE credits per cycle. These short events require a certificate or proof of attendance, verification of the length, and signature of the presenter. If you document related “short events” credits under Umbrella Groupings, you can optimize the use of the Short Events category for any remaining credits that do not meet the 5-credit minimum.
Music Therapy Conference Credit (up to 15 CMTE credits per cycle) may be claimed for attendance at approved national and regional music therapy conferences. Credits are in addition to all CMTE courses and concurrent sessions attended at national and regional conferences. Attendance at state and local music therapy association conferences and meetings do not qualify for credit in this category.
Evidenced by the list above, as well as the entire continuing education section of the Recertification Manual, credit accumulation can be easy, and documentation of those credits is simple! Please refer to pages 22-25 in the Recertification Manual Fourth Edition for a complete listing of documentation requirements. The manual can be downloaded from the CBMT website at www.cbmt.org.
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GOVERNMENT RELATIONS article 08
Carol Ann Blank, LCAT, LPC, MMT, MT-BC
Are you a fan of Music Together on Facebook? If you are, you’re one of many in the Music Together family using Facebook to get the word out about Music Together and what’s going on at your center. (Note from Carol Ann: If this is Greek to you, have a chat with a student in your life or just go to facebook.com, open an account, and start clicking around. That’s what I did—it’s not that hard to figure out.)
A colleague of mine in New England took her Facebook page a step further recently. She used it to conduct a grass roots advocacy campaign. She noticed that a popular daytime television show was advertising a feature on a schizophrenic child, but wasn’t using “child first” language in its promotional spots. (Child first language means you put the child first, as in a child with special needs, not a special needs child.) So she posted a link to the show’s viewer response form and asked her Facebook friends to write in to the producers of the show, asking them to change the title of the feature to something that reflected the child’s individuality and that did not define the child in terms of the illness. The show did listen and used child first language in subsequent postings about the story.
On occasion, I have found that combining education about music therapy with a YouTube video can be an effective way to bring the message home!
While we are right to be concerned about how we represent ourselves in social networking groups, the fact is that many music therapists have Facebook accounts! As my colleague in New England put it, “People post so many of these videos because they think they're funny or awe-inspiring, but I like to spin it to relate to what we do and how we are or can be affecting our children.”
Engagement is key in our increasingly internet-connected society. By posting about an issue we are passionate about, we reach not only our own Facebook friends, but also become connected to the friends of their friends. The next time you say to yourself, “I really should do something about that,” remember that Facebook (and other social networking sites like Twitter, LinkedIn and MySpace) can help you reach a large group of potential allies for your cause.
The original version of this article was co-authored by Carol Ann Blank and MJ Territo (March, 2009).
The "Reducing Barriers to Learning Act" HR3800 was referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor on 10/13/09. This act, sponsored by Rep. David Loebsack, is to establish an Office of Specialized Instructional Support Services in the Department of Education and to provide grants to State educational agencies to reduce barriers to learning. One of the nine co-sponsors is from the MAR - Rep. Albio Sires. Follow the progression of HR3800 by going to www.thomas.gov and subscribing to the RSS feed. You can also email your representative and voice your support of HR3800 and request that they support it, too.
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THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION NEEDS YOU! article 09
Brian Abrams, Ph.D., MT-BC, LPC, LCAT, FAMI
We need energetic and creative people to share their talents
in various capacities with the Mid-Atlantic Region!!!Think about what kind of position you have the time for and let me know in what capacity you would want to serve. Simply send back this form or e-mail me the information. If you would like more information about a particular position, please contact me! Also indicate if you want to get involved now or in the future (1-2 years). I’ll keep your name on file for future reference.
Choose any position(s) in which you might be interested:
AdvertisementBIG JOBS:
Elected Officers:
- President (6 year commitment)
- Vice President for Conference Planning (4 year commitment)
- Vice-President for Membership
- Government Relations Chair
- Public Relations Chair
- Treasurer
- Assembly Delegate
Appointed Officers:
- Newsletter Editor
- Assistant Editor
- Secretary
- Parliamentarian
- Historian
Appointed Positions:
- Archivist
- Continuing Education Coordinator
- Exhibits Coordinator
- Conference Coordinator
- Representatives to AMTA Standing Committees
- Task Force Chairs
AdvertisementMEDIUM JOBS:
- Task force members
- Members of Government Relations and Public Relations Committees
- Local Conference Chairs
- Committees Coordinator of Special Projects
SMALLER JOBS:
- CMTE Presenter
- one time jobs with an ending and deadline
- special projects
- column writers for the newsletter
Please send response to:
Brian Abrams, PhD, MT-BC, LPC, LCAT, FAMI
brabrams@earthlink.net
(610) 299-9630Include your:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Email Addres
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MEMBERSHIP REPORT article 10
Gene Ann Behrens, PhD, MT-BC
We are only as strong as our members!
Your 2010 Membership fees are due at the end of December – Please pay ASAP in 2009!
Your membership fee increases our region’s ability to serve you.
Don’t forget about taking advantage of the Membership Support Fund for your 2010 fees if needed.
Due date extended to November 15.
One of my jobs as Vice-president of Membership in the MAR is to maintain and analyze the trends in membership based on the quarter reports. At of the end of the second quarter, July 7, there were 852 members in the MAR. This total is a 14.82% increase since the first quarter, April report, but a 2.75% decrease from that same time last year. Although the total number is less than this time last year, we did have a slightly larger first-to-second-quarter increase than in 2008. The number of professionals increased by 14.02% from the first quarter, but this number is 4.29% less from this same time last year. The number of students increased by 20.39% from the first quarter. Although this is still a 3.88% decrease from last year, this percent is less of a decrease than during the first quarter. The number of graduate students increased by 21.13% from the first quarter and they have now increased by 11.69% from last year. A review of these numbers associated with the membership types now indicates that the greatest decrease is within the professional members, closely followed by the student membership.
Based on the continued decreasing trends in the student and professional membership data and on comments from new professionals, I still believe there is a need to focus on encouraging new professionals to join and then mentor them to stay involved during their first few years. I also believe getting more students involved within the regional professional organizations is an important step to getting them involved as professionals. With the start up of classes, I will be re-contacting directors of programs and internship sites to solicit their assistance in encouraging students and new professionals to join AMTA. Our $75 discount coupon for the next regional conference appears to be attractive to people as they learn about it. However, I believe more coordinated work with educators and internship directors needs to take place. In other words, the region really needs everyone’s assistance! Please encourage new professionals to go online and complete the new professional form (http://www.mar-amta.org/membership/).
The national membership committee also collected feedback information via a questionnaire on survey monkey from members and from non-members. The survey was created by Ginny Driscoll, co-chair of the national membership committee. From my perspective as a statistician, I am concerned that we only received an approximate 17% return rate based on the reported 2116 members in 2008, and that over 50% of the members responding to the survey reported attending a national conference and regional conference. Based on my discussions with people during the callathon, I believe the two percents indicate that we were not able to obtain information from the many people in each region who cannot attend regional and national conferences for one reason or another. I believe these are the people with whom we need increase our connection. Based on the survey results, most members joined due to membership benefits and conference discounts. Eighty-eight percent of the respondents believe that it is important for students to be members; this echoes my belief in getting more students involved. Conferences, journals, and information at the members-only-website are valued most by members. Fifty percent of the respondents indicated they were satisfied with their membership, but a slight majority rated membership fees as only moderately reasonable. Fifty percent of the non-members identified the cost of membership as the reason for not joining; this outcome was supported by the many part-time music therapists with whom I talked during the callathon.
A few reminders to MAR members:
- If you need support for your 2010 membership dues, complete the application on the MAR website under Opportunities – due date extended to November 15, 2009
- Continue to check out AMTA. Pro, an on-line symposium that will allow you to view podcasts of lectures that highlight experienced music therapists
- Remind new professionals to send in their new professional forms
- Let me know when music therapists move into our region
- Drop me an email when you hear about an accomplishment or challenging situation for any of our members. We want to give them our support.
- Contact Brian Abrams, our past president, to volunteer for a variety of tasks within our region
We are only as strong as our members!
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NEW JERSEY TASK FORCE ON OCCUPATIONAL REGULATION article 11
Kathy Murphy, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI, LPC, LCAT
The NJSTF continues its advocacy efforts in New Jersey. Members of the task force include Carol Ann Blank, Kristen Brennan, Leah Oswanski, and David Ramsey. We are pleased to welcome Susanne Kobb as the new student representative to the task force. Patrick Stewart, our legislative consultant has been monitoring several bills that are important for our clients, as well as setting up meetings with key legislators and administrators, all to meet our goal of attaining official state recognition of music therapy here in the Garden State.
UPDATE ON STATE RECOGNITION
In early September, we received a draft copy to the MT Licensure Bill which was distributed to those MTs who attended the informational meetings at Montclair State University and Rider University. That version of the bill is currently under review by the Division of Consumer Affairs. They received the bill before the Statement of Need was prepared, and their initial reaction was to oppose our legislation. Patrick Stewart, our legislative consultant, has been in touch with the Attorney General and explained that our bill was in response to regulations that have been promulgated by the Division of Child and Behavioral Health Services, the Department of Education, and the Division of Family Services within the Department of Health and Senior Services. The AG’s office is advocating on our behalf, and working with the Division of Consumer Affairs to suggest compromise language. We have not seen this language as of this writing, but hope to have some information to share at the NJAMT meeting on 10/18/09. Please watch the MAR listserve and check the website for important updates. You can also send an e-mail to njtaskforce@yahoo.com and you will be added to the task force’s e-mail list.
USE OF “CMT” DESIGNATION IN NJ
We recently learned that NJ Statutes Annotated Title 45: 11-73 prohibits anybody, except a massage therapists licensed pursuant to the massage therapy act to use the abbreviation “MT” or “CMT” in the state of NJ. We have notified the NMTR and they are in the process of notifying those individuals on the registry. The section of the law reads as such:
45:11-73 Licensure required for use of certain titles.
18. a. No person shall engage in the practice of massage and bodywork therapies as a licensed massage and bodywork therapist or present, call or represent himself as a licensed massage and bodywork therapist unless licensed pursuant to this amendatory and supplementary act.
b. No person shall assume, represent himself as, or use the title or designation “massage or bodywork therapists,” “licensed massage and bodywork therapist” or any tile or designation which includes the words ‘massage<’ bodywork,” “masseur,” “masseuse,” “shiatsu,” “acupressure,” “acupressure, “accu-pressure,” “nuad bo’rarn, “amma,” anma,” “chi nei tsang,’ “tuina,” “polarity educator,’ polarity therapist,” polarity therapy,” “polarity practitioner,” or any of the abbreviations “MT,” “BT,” “MBT,” “MBST,” “CMBT,” “COBT,” “CMT,” ‘LBT,” “LMBST,” “LMBT,” “LABT,” “LOBT,” ‘AB,” “ABT,” “OB,” “RPP,” OR”LMT” or similar abbreviations as determined by the board, unless licensed under this amendatory and supplementary act
L.2007, c337, s.18
MUSIC THERAPY DAY
Music Therapy Day will be held in December. We are waiting for the legislative calendar to come out before selecting a date. Please watch the NJ listserve for updates on Music Therapy Day and ways you can help out.
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NEW YORK STATE TASK FORCE ON OCCUPATIONAL REGULATION (NYSTF)
AND NEW YORK STATE GROUP OF EIGHT (G8) article 12
Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC
The voting members of the NYSTF, appointed by the MAR Executive Board, are: Mary E. Boyle, EdD, LCAT, MT-BC; Beth R. McLaughlin, MS, LCAT, MT-BC; Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC, Chair; Evelyn C. Selesky, MA, LCAT, MT-BC; Madelaine Ventre, MS, FAMI, LCAT, MT-BC. Ex-officio members, without the right to vote, are: Carol Ann Blank, MMT, MT-BC, MAR Government Relations Chair; Judy Simpson, MHP, MT-BC, AMTA Director of Government Relations; Deborah Benkovitz, LSW, MSW, MT-BC, MAR President.
The voting members of the G8, with 2 representatives each from AMTA, CBMT, MAR and NYSTF are:
AMTA: Paul Nolan, MCAT, MT-BC, LPC; Judy Simpson, MHP, MT-BC
CBMT: Nancy Hadsell, PhD, MT-BC; Dena Register, PhD, MT-BC
MAR: Mary E. Boyle, EdD, LCAT, MT-BC; Carol Ann Blank, MMT, MT-BC
NYSTF: Beth R. McLaughlin, MS, LCAT, MT-BC; Donna W. Polen, LCAT, MT-BC, Chair.
The NYSTF continues to monitor the implementation of the NYS Mental Health Practitioners law that provides for the licensing of creative arts therapists (LCAT). Currently, legislation to address some of the “unintended consequences” of the licensure law is moving through the Assembly and Senate. The stated summary of the bill is as follows:
“Grants an exemption from licensing requirements for certain social work and mental health professionals employed by certain not-for-profit corporations, education corporations and business corporations if such corporations register with the education department; extends the expiration of provisions of law establishing licensing for social workers and mental health practitioners; directs the commissioner of education to convene working groups to study such provisions of law.”
You can access the legislation through either the Assembly or Senate at the following links:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A08897
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S05921
NYSTF Chair Donna Polen attended a meeting of the Mental Health Practitioners Board on October 9th in Albany. In addition to the opportunity to hear the most current activity of the Board and the Office of the Professions (which will be reported in detail through email correspondence from the task force as well as at their concurrent session scheduled for Sunday, November 15 from 8:00-9:00 a.m.), this was a chance to dialogue with David Hamilton, Executive Secretary of the Board, as well as others representing some of the other CAT organizations. Stay tuned to hear more about future collaborations!
In addition, NYSTF is monitoring the status of LCATs being denied as approved providers within the NYC DOH 9/11 Benefit Fund, and working to rectify this inappropriate exclusion. Together with related CAT organizations and the support and technical assistance of Judy Simpson, AMTA Director of Government Relations, a letter has been sent to the director of the Fund. We hope to have a status update on this situation to share at our presentation in San Diego.
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PAST PRESIDENT'S REPORT article 13
Brian Abrams, PhD, MT-BC, LPC, LCAT, FAMI
Greetings from Northern New Jersey! I hope that autumn has been a pleasant one thus far.
As I have shared in my previous report, as Past-President, it is one of my roles to help identify members interested in serving on a regional level. In this capacity, I encourage you to give serious consideration to serving the region, to share your energy and voice, and contribute your unique abilities to the advancement of our profession within the region. You may indicate your interest in serving using the “MAR Needs You” form, available at http://www.mar-amta.org/opps/volunteer.html.
Again, in order that the MAR Executive Board is able to serve you most effectively, please feel free to contact me, President Benkovitz, or any member of the Executive Board, should you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Thank you for your membership, and may the year come to a favorable and meaningful close for you and your families.
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PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT article 14
Meghan Hinman, MA, MT-BC
Greetings from Brooklyn! I am excited to be the new Public Relations Chair for our region. I work in New York City on the Palliative Care Team at Saint Vincent’s Hospital. I’ve been working as a music therapist in end-of-life care for about five years. Working in the hospital is kind of a never-ending practice of public relations, as I constantly tweak my “elevator pitch” to explain to staff and visitors that I am not a one-woman band, that I don’t work with the pet therapy dogs, and that what I am is a board-certified music therapist who makes a distinct clinical contribution in the hospital.
I am excited to have Elizabeth Ghiorzi, MA, MT-BC working with me as part of the Public Relations Committee for our region. Elizabeth works for Tempo Music Therapy in Southeastern Pennsylvania, providing music therapy and Music Together services for a variety of populations, including children with autism, developmental delays, speech and language disorders. If you are interested in joining Elizabeth and I and becoming part of the public relations committee, please email me at meghan.hinman@gmail.com.
I am still learning the ins and outs of my new role with Sue Hadley’s help. I want to thank her for doing such a great job as our PR chair during the last two years! I am hoping to follow her example and continue work on the initiatives she started. Members are using the online form to request brochures and other materials for their own local public relations outreach. This system is working very well, and I want to encourage everyone to utilize the resources that are available. Check out the PR page on the website for more information. We are also beginning to work on Powerpoint slide presentations, to offer another medium of Public Relations materials to our members.
Please contact me with any questions, suggestions, or requests about public relations issues. I am looking forward to serving the region!
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RESEARCH COMMITTEE: CALL FOR POSTERS article 15
Tony Meadows, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI
The MAR Research Committee is sponsoring a Research Poster Session on Saturday March 27, 2010 as part of the regional conference.
This session will provide participants with an opportunity to display their research in exhibition format as well as briefly summarize the purpose, method, and findings of the research in presentation format (approx. 10 minutes) using PowerPoint slides. Only completed research will be considered for the poster session, although researchers who have gathered their data and are in the final stages of analysis are encouraged to discuss their research with Dr Meadows to determine its suitability for poster submission.
Those interested in having their research considered for display during this session should submit 1 copy of a 200 word abstract, which includes the title and name of researcher(s). The deadline for submissions is February 25th, 2010.
Please email submissions to: Dr. Tony Meadows, MAR Research Committee, ameadows@immaculata.edu. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tony at: 610 647 4400 x3159, or at the above email address.
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RESEARCH COMMITTEE: GRANTS FOR CLINICIANS article 16
Tony Meadows, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The MAR Research Committee is pleased to announce an MAR member program for those seeking funding for research and special projects.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Program is to provide financial assistance to members of the MAR who wish to pursue a research study or a special project consistent with the mission and goals of the MAR. One award of up to $1,000.00 will be announced at the annual MAR Regional Conference, March, 2010.
DEFINITIONS
For research studies, outcomes are to further clinical, professional or disciplinary understanding in response to initial, presenting conditions. Quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies are to be used according to the research question(s) posed.
For special projects, outcomes may include (but are not limited to) material products, publications, model demonstration of practice, and education/training activities of potential benefit to the membership beyond the period of funding.
PRIORITIES
Priority will be given to those applications that:
1) address needs in relation to the MAR Mission and Goals
2) can reasonably be completed within a twelve month period
3) include methodology that is presented in a clear and systematic fashion.
DEADLINE
Completed applications must be postmarked Friday, February 5, 2010
OBTAIN AN APPLICATION
Visit the MAR website to download and copy the application & supportive documents at http://www.mar-amta.org/ or contact Tony Meadows, PhD, MT-BC at ameadows@immaculata.edu or (610) 647 4400 x3159.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT THE MAR RESEARCH COMMITTEE:
Anthony Meadows, PhD, MT-BC, Chair
ameadows@immaculata.eduAndi Hunt, MMT, MT-BC
andim@temple.eduMichael Rohrbacher, PhD, MT-BC
mrohrbac@su.eduGene Ann Behrens, PhD, MT-BC
behrenga@etown.eduKathy Murphy, PhD, MT-BC
kmurphymtbc@gmail.com
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STUDENT AFFAIRS REPORT article 17
Susan Hadley, PhD, MT-BC
Due to the resignation of the president of MARAMTS, there has been a reshuffling of positions. A special election was held in Scranton in September to fill the vacancy left on the board. I would like to welcome the new executive board! The members of the board are:
President: Michelle Bonaventura, Slippery Rock University
Vice President: Bridget Skipper, Immaculata University
Past President: Sherrye Dobbrins, Montclair State University
Parliamentarian: Leeann Hackett, Elizabethtown College
Secretary: Stephanie Kawzenuk, Nazareth College
Treasurer: Angela Junker, Slippery Rock University
Government Relations: Elaine Vuong, Nazareth College
The students have been working hard on preparing new student welcome packets as well as service projects, fundraising, and student activities for the 2010 regional conference.
Fundraising
This year, at the regional conference, the students will be selling T-shirts. If they have enough money in their budget, they will also have some very classy silver music note keychains available! Make sure to bring some extra cash to buy these great items and to support the students in their endeavors!
Passages
Everyone is gearing up for the 6th Annual Passages Conference being held this year at Nazareth College on October 24th from 9:30am to 5:00pm. The program looks really exciting! I encourage as many of you as possible to attend and see what great work our students and early professionals are doing. We hope to see many of you there. Congratulations to the Passages coordinators for all their dedication and hard work.
Scholarship Opportunities
Students, make sure to apply! MARAMTS is offering two sophomore, two junior, and one graduate scholarship this year. Each scholarship will cover AMTA student membership as well as student registration fee for the MAR conference. Application deadline for these scholarships is November 20, 2009.
In addition, MARAMTS is again offering two club awards in the amount of $250 each. Application deadline for the club award is December 4, 2009.
Finally, MAR is pleased to offer three Jenny Shinn Memorial Scholarships (up to $500 each) for students who will be interning in 2010. For those of you who have already started your internship but will continue in 2010, you are eligible to apply! For those of you who have not yet selected your internship site, you are eligible to apply! Three professional judges will select 6 finalists. These finalists will be interviewed at the 2010 MAR conference in Pittsburgh. The application deadline for the Jenny Shinn Scholarship is January 29, 2009.
Application packets for all scholarships and are available at: http://www.mar-amta.org
If you have any questions related to these scholarships and awards, please do not hesitate to contact me, susan.hadley@sru.edu. If you have any questions related to MARAMTS, please contact Michelle Bonaventura, amtas.mar@gmail.com.
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TREASURER’S REPORT article 18
Elaine A. Abbott, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI, LCAT
Entering the second quarter of the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year, the balances of our four Bank of America accounts were as follows: MAR Operating Budget: $47, 675.87; MARAMTS: $4,916.30; Conference: $3,030.00; Passages: $870.94.
Additionally, entering the second quarter, the balance of our Vanguard Money Market account was $17,080.28. The Vanguard account accrued dividends of $85.06 in the first quarter of 2009. This is down from first quarter of 2008 ($350.00), but up from last quarter ($75.56).
Feeling confident that we are able to maintain the necessary $20,000 balance between our four Bank of America accounts, $10,000 was transferred from the Bank of America MAR Operating Budget Account into to our Vanguard Money Market account the week of October 5th. With return of the market and this deposit, our dividends will hopefully increase significantly in coming quarters.
At our Fall Executive Board Meeting, a new Finance Committee was approved. At present, the new members include: MAR Past President Brian Abrams, MAR President Deborah Benkovitz, MAR President-Elect Kristen Brennan, MAR Regional Conference Registrar Brigette Sutton.
We are looking for one more member of the Finance Committee. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Elaine Abbott. She will be happy to talk with you about the position and can be reached at elaineabbott@juno.com.
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