2020 AMTAS Executive Board
President, Fiona Riso
Contact: presidentelect.amtas@gmail.com
Region: Mid-Atlantic
School and Year: Temple University, Senior/Intern
Primary Instrument: Clarinet
Why I want to be a music therapist: Music has always been an important part of my life. Once I discovered music therapy and learned more about how it can be used to connect with people in so many different ways, the more I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. The more experience I gain in my education and training, the more I'm excited to use music to connect with and help those who need it most.
Why I became an AMTA member: AMTAS has been a great opportunity to connect with professionals and students all over the country and get a better perspective on how the profession functions as a whole and evolves over time.
Fun Fact: I studied abroad for a month in Rome and got to visit Paris, Geneva, and Venice while there.
Region: Mid-Atlantic
School and Year: Temple University, Senior/Intern
Primary Instrument: Clarinet
Why I want to be a music therapist: Music has always been an important part of my life. Once I discovered music therapy and learned more about how it can be used to connect with people in so many different ways, the more I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. The more experience I gain in my education and training, the more I'm excited to use music to connect with and help those who need it most.
Why I became an AMTA member: AMTAS has been a great opportunity to connect with professionals and students all over the country and get a better perspective on how the profession functions as a whole and evolves over time.
Fun Fact: I studied abroad for a month in Rome and got to visit Paris, Geneva, and Venice while there.
President-Elect, Naomi Davis
Contact: presidentelect.amtas@gmail.com
Region: Midwest
School and Year: Colorado State University, Senior
Primary Instrument: Bassoon
Why I want to become a music therapist: Music therapy combines my love for music with my drive to help others. I'm fascinated by the multitude of ways that music engages the brain. Every day that I get to learn more about how music can be a tool to rehabilitate and support development, I become more and more excited about where this field will take me.
Why I became an AMTA member: I became a member of AMTA because I believe that being a member of the professional music therapy organization is extremely important. Being a member of AMTA allows students to be a part of the important work of advocating for professional recognition of our field. I also believe that connecting and networking with students and professionals in the field are crucial part of my own professional development and AMTA provides amazing opportunities for that! Special perks like conference discounts and access to music therapy publications are also great resources that AMTA provides that I love utilizing!
Fun Fact: I once played a concert in the middle of the ocean(on a boat) and it was one of the most amazing music making experiences that I've had to date
Region: Midwest
School and Year: Colorado State University, Senior
Primary Instrument: Bassoon
Why I want to become a music therapist: Music therapy combines my love for music with my drive to help others. I'm fascinated by the multitude of ways that music engages the brain. Every day that I get to learn more about how music can be a tool to rehabilitate and support development, I become more and more excited about where this field will take me.
Why I became an AMTA member: I became a member of AMTA because I believe that being a member of the professional music therapy organization is extremely important. Being a member of AMTA allows students to be a part of the important work of advocating for professional recognition of our field. I also believe that connecting and networking with students and professionals in the field are crucial part of my own professional development and AMTA provides amazing opportunities for that! Special perks like conference discounts and access to music therapy publications are also great resources that AMTA provides that I love utilizing!
Fun Fact: I once played a concert in the middle of the ocean(on a boat) and it was one of the most amazing music making experiences that I've had to date
Vice President, Grace Parlier
Contact: vicepresident.amtas@gmail.com
Region: Great Lakes
School & Year: Alverno College, Sophomore
Primary instrument: Voice
Why I want to be a music therapist: As Hans Christian Anderson said, "Where words fail, music speaks." I want to be a music therapist, as I find music a means of communicating the ineffable in everyday life, empowering those who feel as if they do not or have lost a voice, and in bringing joy and strength in individuals through music.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I knew this position would offer a platform for me to thoroughly investigate my future field as a student. While I am a younger member of the team, I believe that participation is a means of greater passion and enthusiastic involvement. I am happy and excited to serve you on the board this year!
Fun fact: I am one of eight children and an avid thrift shopper.
Region: Great Lakes
School & Year: Alverno College, Sophomore
Primary instrument: Voice
Why I want to be a music therapist: As Hans Christian Anderson said, "Where words fail, music speaks." I want to be a music therapist, as I find music a means of communicating the ineffable in everyday life, empowering those who feel as if they do not or have lost a voice, and in bringing joy and strength in individuals through music.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I knew this position would offer a platform for me to thoroughly investigate my future field as a student. While I am a younger member of the team, I believe that participation is a means of greater passion and enthusiastic involvement. I am happy and excited to serve you on the board this year!
Fun fact: I am one of eight children and an avid thrift shopper.
Treasurer, Rachel Gan
Contact: treasurer.amtas@gmail.com
Region: Southwestern
School & Year: Southern Methodist University (Southwestern Region), Senior
Primary instrument: Piano
Why I want to be a music therapist: Music therapy is in the business of helping people be their best selves, and I want to be a part of that. Music itself is a wonderful, powerful medium that connects and empowers people in so many different ways, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to witness it in action with every client, each and every session.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I believe it is important to be connected to the larger network of music therapists in the country through AMTA. Other than the conference discounts, access to the music therapy publications is the most valuable resource—the articles I've read
throughout my education have supplemented my learning and inform my future practice!
Fun fact: I eat cereal in two bowls to avoid the disappointment of having sad, soggy cereal at the bottom of the bowl.
Region: Southwestern
School & Year: Southern Methodist University (Southwestern Region), Senior
Primary instrument: Piano
Why I want to be a music therapist: Music therapy is in the business of helping people be their best selves, and I want to be a part of that. Music itself is a wonderful, powerful medium that connects and empowers people in so many different ways, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to witness it in action with every client, each and every session.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I believe it is important to be connected to the larger network of music therapists in the country through AMTA. Other than the conference discounts, access to the music therapy publications is the most valuable resource—the articles I've read
throughout my education have supplemented my learning and inform my future practice!
Fun fact: I eat cereal in two bowls to avoid the disappointment of having sad, soggy cereal at the bottom of the bowl.
Secretary, Jordan Marshall
Contact: secretary.amtas@gmail.com
Region: Midwest
School and Year: Drury University, Senior
Primary instrument: Voice
Why I want to be a music therapist: Music speaks to people in a way that no other form of communication can. Music has always been such a crucial part in my life and finding a career where I can use music to help others is so exciting!
Why I became a member of AMTA: I joined AMTA because I think it is SO IMPORTANT to be a part of a community of music therapists. Not only does AMTA give out incredible resources and allow for professional networking, but it also unites music therapists from all over the country together so that we can work together to build up our profession.
Fun fact: When I was in high school, I started a business where I dressed up as different princesses and provided music and entertainment to children's birthday parties!
Region: Midwest
School and Year: Drury University, Senior
Primary instrument: Voice
Why I want to be a music therapist: Music speaks to people in a way that no other form of communication can. Music has always been such a crucial part in my life and finding a career where I can use music to help others is so exciting!
Why I became a member of AMTA: I joined AMTA because I think it is SO IMPORTANT to be a part of a community of music therapists. Not only does AMTA give out incredible resources and allow for professional networking, but it also unites music therapists from all over the country together so that we can work together to build up our profession.
Fun fact: When I was in high school, I started a business where I dressed up as different princesses and provided music and entertainment to children's birthday parties!
Parliamentarian, Jadyn Stuart
Contact: parliamentarian.amtas@gmail.com
Region: Great Lakes
School & Year: Alverno College, Sophomore
Primary instrument: Voice
Why I want to be a music therapist: I want to be a music therapist because of the ever growing need for music in everyone’s daily lives. To be able to promote music in healthy ways, and give advice/warn about the dangers of the misuse of music.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I wanted to expand my leadership within the music therapy world, gain connections with music therapists around the country, and understand the skills of becoming a young professional in this growing field.
Fun fact: I play 5 other instruments!
Region: Great Lakes
School & Year: Alverno College, Sophomore
Primary instrument: Voice
Why I want to be a music therapist: I want to be a music therapist because of the ever growing need for music in everyone’s daily lives. To be able to promote music in healthy ways, and give advice/warn about the dangers of the misuse of music.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I wanted to expand my leadership within the music therapy world, gain connections with music therapists around the country, and understand the skills of becoming a young professional in this growing field.
Fun fact: I play 5 other instruments!
Student Affairs Advisory Board Advisor (Chair), Jeffrey Wolfe
Contact: advisor.amtas@gmail.com
Region: Great Lakes (GLR)
Place of employment: Institute for Therapy through the Arts
Primary instrument: Percussion
Why I wanted to be a music therapist: When I was a sophomore at The University of Akron I became interested in Harry Partch, a percussionist/composer, who devised innovative instruments and tuning systems. Meanwhile, I was employed at Midpark High School as a Concert Band and Drumline Instructor. As I learned more about the mathematical concepts and scientific relationships of frequencies in music, I began to wonder how different elements of music affected people on a physiological and psychological level. I started to observe more and more at Midpark and noticed the unifying agent that music created. It enabled individuals on all levels to come together as one to create art. I had a few students with disabilities at that time. I found that they were empowered by performing music and engaging in the social process of making music. I found this experience to be rewarding on several levels; personally, spiritually, and from the community of those parents of individuals I was working with. As I learned more about research I began to talk more about my experience on a daily basis. I was engaged in an intense conversation with a colleague about my two experiences when she mentioned that what I was referring to sounded like the work of a music therapist. After realizing such an amazing profession existed, I sought out to make the rewarding experience of helping others through music my future. To this day I find it a truly rewarding and increasingly fascinating experience.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I grew up attending networking events with my family business. At a young age I realized how interaction in professional organizations such as AMTA helps you grow and feel supported in what you do. It allows an opportunity to witness professionals applying their knowledge on a daily basis, ideas developing through partnerships that enhance the quality of each organization, and how organizations provide support so you can ask questions and receive resources. I am also a member so I can support others and share my knowledge. In comparison to many organizations, I have always been amazed at the positive energy and sense of community that AMTA creates amongst music therapists.
Fun fact: My face was once used on a giant 700 sq. ft. billboard for the University of Akron.
Region: Great Lakes (GLR)
Place of employment: Institute for Therapy through the Arts
Primary instrument: Percussion
Why I wanted to be a music therapist: When I was a sophomore at The University of Akron I became interested in Harry Partch, a percussionist/composer, who devised innovative instruments and tuning systems. Meanwhile, I was employed at Midpark High School as a Concert Band and Drumline Instructor. As I learned more about the mathematical concepts and scientific relationships of frequencies in music, I began to wonder how different elements of music affected people on a physiological and psychological level. I started to observe more and more at Midpark and noticed the unifying agent that music created. It enabled individuals on all levels to come together as one to create art. I had a few students with disabilities at that time. I found that they were empowered by performing music and engaging in the social process of making music. I found this experience to be rewarding on several levels; personally, spiritually, and from the community of those parents of individuals I was working with. As I learned more about research I began to talk more about my experience on a daily basis. I was engaged in an intense conversation with a colleague about my two experiences when she mentioned that what I was referring to sounded like the work of a music therapist. After realizing such an amazing profession existed, I sought out to make the rewarding experience of helping others through music my future. To this day I find it a truly rewarding and increasingly fascinating experience.
Why I became a member of AMTA: I grew up attending networking events with my family business. At a young age I realized how interaction in professional organizations such as AMTA helps you grow and feel supported in what you do. It allows an opportunity to witness professionals applying their knowledge on a daily basis, ideas developing through partnerships that enhance the quality of each organization, and how organizations provide support so you can ask questions and receive resources. I am also a member so I can support others and share my knowledge. In comparison to many organizations, I have always been amazed at the positive energy and sense of community that AMTA creates amongst music therapists.
Fun fact: My face was once used on a giant 700 sq. ft. billboard for the University of Akron.