Wildwood Music Therapy

03/28/2026

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Researchers from the University of Kentucky & Wildwood Music Therapy are inviting
community members to participate in focus groups, interviews, and discussions about a
new choir program that will welcome people with memory loss and their families.
Dementia Friendly Lexington Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living Lexington Senior Center

03/27/2026

Wildwood Music Therapy is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the "We’re Here: Then, Now, Always campaign."

"People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have always been here — part of the fabric of our nation — even when systems kept them out of sight and out of community life,” said Jill Jacobs, Executive Director of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. “This month is not about awareness as a one-time event. It’s a reminder that people with IDD are always here, and that all of us have a responsibility to keep learning, engaging, and building communities where everyone belongs – every day of the year.”

Read more from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities https://nacdd.org/2026-dd-awareness-month-were-here-then-now-always/

03/17/2026

Help us welcome Erin Aubrey Batkiewicz, MM, MT-BC to the Wildwood team! We are so excited to have her with us and for our clients to experience her thoughtful and creative approach to care.

Erin holds a master's degree in music therapy from The University of Kentucky. She uses a trauma-informed approach and is passionate about using the power of music's effects on the brain and body to build towards a place of comfort, calm, and connection. She has over 10 years of experience in the field as a music therapist and 15 years as a music educator! She has worked with all ages and abilities and in many settings including inpatient psych, memory care, addiction recovery, and private practice. Her thesis research explored the use of music therapy to address grief and loss. During undergrad, Erin majored in piano performance and psychology, studying at a music conservatory for a semester. Prior to becoming a music therapist, Erin worked as a singer/songwriter in Nashville, TN and uses that experience in her daily practice as a therapist and music instructor.​ Erin also teaches traditional and adaptive lessons in piano, guitar, and voice. Fun facts about Erin, she is a mom to 2 beautiful children. She is in a craft club and is certified in therapeutic journaling.

03/16/2026

We are so excited to partner on this project! Check it out and share with anyone you know who might be interested in sharing their opinion:

Help Design a Memory-Friendly Community Choir in Lexington!
Researchers at the University of Kentucky and Wildwood Music Therapy are inviting Lexington community members to help co-create a memory-loss–inclusive, intergenerational choir.
Who can participate:
· Adults (18+) with or without memory loss
· Adolescents (13–17) with parent/guardian permission
· Residents of City Council District 1 or 2
· Community organizations in Lexington
· Interest in arts, aging, or dementia support
What participation involves:
· Creative reflection activities
· Actively share your experiences and ideas
· Compensation available Interested? Contact JoyfulVoices@uky.edu or complete the eligibility form.

Help Design a Memory-Friendly Community Choir in Lexington!

Researchers at the University of Kentucky and Wildwood Music Therapy are inviting Lexington community members to help co-create a memory-loss–inclusive, intergenerational choir.

Who can participate:

· Adults (18+) with or without memory loss

· Adolescents (13–17) with parent/guardian permission

· Residents of City Council District 1 or 2

· Community organizations in Lexington

· Interest in arts, aging, or dementia support

What participation involves:

· Creative reflection activities

· Actively share your experiences and ideas

· Compensation available Interested? Contact JoyfulVoices@uky.edu or complete the eligibility form.

03/14/2026

Great Wildwood MT and Lexington music therapy representation at Southeastern Regional Music Therapy Conference!!

03/10/2026

Music therapists Jen and Nora are excited to be presenting at the Southeastern Region of the American Music Therapy Association music therapy conference next week! We'll be co-presenting with Jill Farmer, CTRS with Parks & Recreation -Therapeutic Recreation about our partnership and social music group programming.

Several other Wildwood music therapists are also attending conference later this week. We look forward to bringing back new ideas for our clients!

03/03/2026

CW: murder/violence

We are a couple of days late, but it's important to me to recognize the Disability Day of Mourning which takes place every March 1st.

If you are not familiar, "Every year on March 1st, the disability community comes together to remember the victims of filicide – people with disabilities killed by their family members. Vigils are held on the Day of Mourning in cities around the world." https://disability-memorial.org/

One thing that we can ALL do, regardless of our relationship with the disability community is: "Challenge ableism (anti-disability bias and prejudice) everywhere you see it. Challenge the idea that it is better to be dead than disabled, that disabled people are a drain on society, that disability means suffering, and that disabled lives are not worth living. Promote inclusion, community integration, and acceptance." https://autisticadvocacy.org/anti-filicide/

Please take a look the links I've included if you would like to learn more. 💚

02/14/2026

🌞Summer camps are here and are better than ever! We are so excited to offer a full day option for camp this year in collaboration with !

In The Bright Spot's new space, we'll have access to a great backyard space for our breaks AND we'll be able to offer extended day options to better fit your work schedule!

Dates: June 29th - July 3rd
🎸🔬9 to 12, AM Camp -- "Amped Up: Rock Band and Sound Science Lab," ages 7 - 14. In addition to exploring the instruments in a modern rock band and playing as group, campers will become sound scientists, exploring how music really works through hands on experiments.

🎵🎨1 to 4, PM Camp -- "Melody Makers and Masterpieces: Ukulele, Songwriting, and Arts Camp," ages 5 - 14. In addition to learning and practicing ukulele skills through familiar and fun music, campers will experiment with songwriting and bring those songs to life through a variety of art activities

Add-ons available:
Lunch Bunch: 12 to 1. Included for campers attending both the AM and PM camps.
Extended day AM and PM: 8am to 9am and 4pm to 5pm

Learn more and register at https://www.wildwoodmusictherapy.com/purchase/summer-camps

02/10/2026

February is Black History Month!

The power of music is often tied to the history that it's a part of. Check out some of these powerful songs about life as a Black American suggested by The Root in their "Say It Loud: The Ultimate Black History Month 2026 Playlist." 🎵

Songs listed:
India Arie - I Am Not My Hair
Same Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come
Marvin Gaye - “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”
James Brown – “Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud)”

Learn more from the founders of Black History Month:
https://asalh.org/black-history-month/about/
https://www.theroot.com/say-it-loud-this-is-the-ultimate-black-history-month-p-1851201585/slides/2

02/04/2026

Looks like next Tuesday we'll be in the upper 50s -- great weather to finally get out of the house and join us for a special Valentine's Day music class! ❤️

We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, February 10th at 11:00.
https://wildwoodmusictherapy.as.me/

01/28/2026

Help us congratulate Zach Palma, MM, MT-BC on successfully defending his Master's Thesis yesterday: "Music-based storytelling for older adult well-being: An adapted multiple case study."

So proud of you Zach! Congratulations! 🎉

01/23/2026

🎉 Kentuckians & KY Music Therapists Need Your Help!

🏛️ SIGN / SHARE THE PETITION FOR MT LICENSURE IN KY 👇
🔗: https://www.change.org/p/support-senate-bill-21-music-therapy-licensure-in-kentucky

The KY Music Therapy Task Force has been working closely with the bi-partisan legislators that have sponsored SB 21! This bill would recognize our "MT-BC" credential (Music Therapist - Board Certified) in the commonwealth and help create more access to person-centered music therapy.

Recognition of the MT-BC and protection of the term "music therapy" also helps protect service recipients like you! Better understanding of terminology ensures that people are receiving music therapy from someone who has completed (and stays current with) the education and training to practice professionally.

Please sign and share!

Support Senate Bill 21: Music Therapy Licensure in Kentucky