2017 AMTAS Executive Board

President, Jamela Brown 

Contact: ​president.amtas@gmail.com
Region: Soutwestern
School & year: Texas Woman's University, Senior
Primary instrument: Voice
Why I want to be a music therapist: I believe music is such a powerful force which can serve as a means for change and expression in many areas of life. I have always loved music and I have always searched to assist people and be a guide to people throughout life's obstacles, and music therapy provides a way to use my music and serve others all at once!
Why I became a member of AMTA: I see AMTA as a great tool for professionals as well as student music therapists. I love that because of my AMTA membership, I have access to a plethora of music therapy research articles through the Journal of Music Therapy!
Fun fact: Even though the songs are super elementary, I think the composers of VeggieTales are genius! Also, my favorite movie is Disney's "The Aristocats."

President-Elect, Garrett Weeks

Contact: presidentelect.amtas@gmail.com
Region: Southeastern (SER)
School & year: University of Louisville, 5th year
Primary instrument: Voice
Place of internship: University of Kentucky Hospital
Why I want to be a music therapist: It was a combination of my two favorite subjects, music and psychology.
Why I became a member of AMTA: To have the opportunity to connect with others across the country.
Fun fact: I was named after my great grandmother, Mom Garrett.

Vice President, Megan Sindeldecker

Contact: vicepresident.amtas@gmail.com
​Region: Great Lakes (GLR)
School & year: Ohio University, Junior
Primary instrument: Flute
Why I want to be a music therapist: I had a really difficult time choosing between studying music and medicine. It wasn’t until my band director in high school introduced me to the field of music therapy that I realized I could pursue both of my passions and help others in the best way I know how- music!
Why I became a member of AMTA: To stay connected in the field of music therapy across the nation and take an individual responsibility in furthering my education.
Fun fact: I went skydiving for my 20th birthday!

Treasurer, Rachel Williams

Contact: treasurer.amtas@gmail.com
​Region: Mid-Atlantic (MAR)
School & year: State University of New York at Fredonia, Junior
Primary instrument: Voice
Why I want to be a music therapist: To help children who have cancer win the battle of a lifetime.
Why I became a member of AMTA: To learn as much as I possibly can about Music Therapy and to make connections with professionals and other students. I also strongly believe in MT advocacy and know that AMTA is the best way to find opportunities to do so.
Fun fact: I am on a DIII Collegiate Track and Field Team. I throw shot put, weight throw, hammer throw, and the discus. ​

Secretary, Zoe Levine

Contact: secretary.amtas@gmail.com
​Region: Mid-Atlantic (MAR)
Primary instrument: Voice
Why I want to be a music therapist: Music therapy allows me to combine my love of music and science, and I want a career based on empowering others to reach their potential.
Why I became a member of AMTA: AMTA is a great opportunity to connect with students across the country. It's an opportunity to share ideas and work together to support future leaders in the profession. 
Fun fact: I am a Zumba instructor and really love dogs!

Parliamentarian, Kenny Farinelli

Contact: parliamentarian.amtas@gmail.com
​Region: Mid-Atlantic (MAR)
​School & year: Slippery Rock University, Senior
Primary instrument: Trombone
Why I want to be a music therapist: Music is a powerful tool that can enrich and contribute to people's lives in innumerable ways. I can't think of anything better that being able to share and provide music to help benefit the lives of those in need.
Why I became a member of AMTA: There are so many benefits to being a member! Between access to music therapy publications, discounts on pretty much everything, and being able to have your voice heard in the continual development of this profession, getting membership was an easy decision to make.
Fun fact: I stole a tiny part of my identical twin brother's ear when we were in the process of being born.

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.