AMTA Recognizes Rep. Kathryn Swan

NEWS From the Office of Representative Kathryn Swan

147th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 19, 2015

CONTACT: Representative Kathy Swan

(573) 751-1443

AMTA Recognizes Rep. Kathryn Swan

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State Representative Kathryn Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) was recently presented with an Advocate of Music Therapy Award at the 2015 annual conference of the American Music Therapy Association held in Kansas City, Missouri.

Eight recipients from across the nation were recognized for their contributions to music therapy. Swan was selected for her legislative support of the profession, as noted by AMTA:

Representative Kathy Swan is a dedicated advocate for music therapy. In March of 2012, Representative Swan filed HCR 33 recognizing music therapy as a valued healthcare profession. She filed another in 2014 as HCR 14 for the same. In 2015, she filed HB 189 recommending music therapists be licensed in the state of Missouri. Regardless of the many roadblocks she has encountered, she continues to utilize all avenues to move forward in these efforts. It is her creativity, intelligence, personality and perseverance that will lead the field of music therapy in new and exciting directions in the state of Missouri. We greatly appreciate her support and advocacy.

AMTA is committed to the advancement of education, training, professional standards, credentials and research in support of the music therapy profession with a mission to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services.

Swan said, "There is a significant difference between therapeutic music and clinical music therapy...between making music versus treating with music. Many patients with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, mental health issues, Alzheimers, brain injuries, premature birth or those in hospice lack access to music therapy and the positive health benefits that music therapy provides.

Swan was also designated as a "Friend of Music Therapy" by the AMTA and Certification Board for Music Therapists. Kelley Pujol, Director of Music Therapy with Easter Seals Midwest Autism Services of Cape Girardeau, nominated her for the award.

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