Music therapy is "50 years new," but Cheryl Jones Ellsworth, 50, said the program is still gaining recognition in Northeast Pennsylvania.
The clinical supervisor at Marywood University and contracted music therapist with Allied Services is looking forward to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Music Therapy Conference, which will be hosted at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center from April 3 to 6. The event will benefit the approximately 700 attendees, and a public session will provide information for those interested in the field.
Margy Fiscus of Allied Services Integrated Health Services is being awarded with the Mid Atlantic Region's Advocacy Award on Thursday, the same day Ellen Casey, wife of late Gov. Robert P. Casey, will welcome attendees.
"They give out one award at the conference each year," Mrs. Jones Ellsworth said. "It goes to someone outside the field who has championed the field."
She explained that Mrs. Fiscus had been instrumental in adding music therapy programs to Allied, noting it offered a unique service to clients.
"It's using the inherent properties of music to work on treatment goals," she explained. "When there is damage to the brain, there are some folks who are not able to speak, but are still able to sing."
Also during the conference, in conjunction with First Friday, there will be a drum circle put on by Maxwell Kofi Donkor at 7 p.m. on April 5.
For more information about the conference or music therapy, visit mar-amta.org/events/conferences.
Contact the writer: rbrown@timeshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter