http://www.musictherapy.org/, http://www.cbmt.org/

FL Music Therapy Gov't Relations, Tallahassee, FL (2026)

04/02/2026

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: REPRESENTATIVE MICHELE RAYNER!

Rep. Michele Rayner represents District 62 - Part of Pinellas County. She was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida, with a background in civil rights and social justice as an attorney. She was also the first openly q***r Black member of the Florida legislature when elected to office in 2020!

Jessica Pouranfar (music therapist) shares: I had the pleasure of meeting with Representative Michele Rayner a few weeks before our hill day. I shared my concerns about the majority of my clients losing music therapy services due to the Medicaid- Sunshine Health issues with MTM back in October of 2025. Rep. Rayner has a godson on the spectrum who receives music therapy services. She listened with a compassionate ear as she understands the importance of music therapy for children with special needs and especially underserved populations. Michele is in full support of music therapy licensure as it can prevent services from being disrupted in the future and help expand music therapy services for those who really need it.

Thank you Rep. Rayner for meeting with the Florida Music Therapy Task Force at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day!

[ID: Picture of some Florida Music Therapy Task Force member Jessica Pouranfar with Rep. Michele Rayner of District 62 at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day on February 10, 2026 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL.]

03/27/2026

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: REPRESENTATIVE TOBY OVERDORF!

Rep. Toby Overdorf represents District 85 - Part of Martin County. He moved to Florida in 1992, with past experience working as an environmental consultant, in addition to serving in the House of Representatives since 2018. His recreational interests include fishing, golf, scuba diving, and skiing.

Virginia Bibler (music therapist and owner of Gulf Coast Music Therapy) shares: it was a pleasure to meet with Representative Overdorf at our latest Music Therapy Hill Day on February 10th. Rep Overdorf was welcoming and supportive as we shared about Music Therapy and the importance of state licensure for MT-BCs practicing in the state of Florida. He asked questions about the progress we’ve observed with clients/patients with an autism diagnosis as well as our work with children in foster care.

Thank you Rep. Overdorf for meeting with the Florida Music Therapy Task Force at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day!

[ID: Picture of some Florida Music Therapy Task Force members/volunteers with Rep. Toby Overdorf of District 85 at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day on February 10, 2025 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL.]

03/20/2026

INTRODUCING OUR MUSIC THERAPY COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: NICKLAUS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL!

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami serves pediatric patients from infancy through adolescence, and even provides prenatal services for the South Florida community. Their Music Therapy/Expressive Therapies Department consists of a dedicated team of 6 staff members (4 full-time, 1 per diem, and 1 graduate assistant).

The department provides care for a wide range of needs, including cancer, chronic pain, neuro-rehabilitation, and early childhood development through specialized individual and group sessions.

Nicklaus Children’s mission is “To inspire hope and promote lifelong health by providing the best care to every child.” Through their expressive therapies, they live out this mission by bringing healing and joy to their patients every day!

You can connect with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital on Instagram/TikTok () or visit their website at nicklauschildrens.org.

Thank you Nicklaus Children’s for all the incredible work you do for our Florida kids!

[ID: graphic with white background featuring the Florida Music Therapy Task Force logo and the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital heart logo. 3 pictures are shown: 1) MT-BC in yellow PPE playing guitar for a patient, 2) MT-BC in green shirt working with an infant in a crib, 3) MT-BC playing guitar and smiling at a patient at a table.]

03/16/2026

THANKS FOR JOINING US AT SER-AMTA CONFERENCE!

Whether you joined in person or online, we are so grateful to have connected with you all this past weekend at the SER-AMTA Conference in North Carolina! Thank you Stephany Nystrand for also providing Sunshine updates/assistance during our meeting.

Bookmark our Linktree (www.linktr.ee/flmusictherapytf) to watch our state meeting’s recording (to be posted), sign our coalition of support, and stay up to date with task force updates!

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03/11/2026

MEET THE AMTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ASSOCIATE, AMANDA HENLEY!

Amanda Henley, MM, MT-BC (she/her), is a board-certified music therapist and the Government Relations Associate for AMTA. When asked about her work in music therapy advocacy, Amanda shares, “I joined the Indiana state task force in 2013 not really knowing much about advocacy or state government. Over the years it has become one of my greatest passions, advocating for both those who provide and receive music therapy. I am thrilled to continue this work on a broader scale as AMTA’s government relations associate.” Amanda’s dedication is matched only by her experience living across the country—she has lived in 6 different states!

Follow Amanda:

[ID: caption in black text on white background with yellow/orange ombre strip and picture of Amanda smiling]

03/09/2026

There have been so many great discussions and meetings I have had the chance to participate in with a variety of organizations and nonprofit groups lately. Here I met with the FL Music Therapy Task Force on their Hill Day to learn all about their work and mission. Thank you for the visit! FL Music Therapy Gov't Relations

🎶🎵🎼🦮

03/05/2026

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: SENATOR LAVON BRACY DAVIS!

Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis represents District 15 - Part of Orange County. One of her constituents, Amelia (music therapist at AdventHealth; FLMTTF Research Team) shares: My connection with Senator Bracy Davis goes back years, even though neither of us realized it. The TL;DR version is that she had seen me in action at work before I knew who she was or that I’d be asking her for support years later. Getting to meet her last year and learning of our connection through music therapy was the highlight of my trip to the Capitol.

Joining us last year were some recipients of music therapy services in the Central Florida area. She asked about them BY NAME this year. Unfortunately, I had to deliver the news that due to Medicaid fraud and a cutoff of funding, those individuals had been without services since last fall. Senator Bracy Davis, knowing deeply the therapeutic nature of music, shared her concern and assured us that she believes access to music therapy services is essential. She also shared sweet stories of her late father, a pastor and musician, who used music in his own rehabilitation after having a stroke. I’m honored that her passion is behind our cause!

Fun fact: whenever Senator Bracy Davis is stressed or overwhelmed, she listens to “God is Good” by Jonathan McReynolds and that song gives her all she needs to face any obstacle with a clear head and spirit.

Thank you Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis for meeting with the Florida Music Therapy Task Force at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day!

[ID: Picture of some Florida Music Therapy Task Force members/volunteers with Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis of District 15 at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day on February 10, 2025 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL.]

expressivetherapy

03/05/2026

MEET US AT SER-AMTA CONFERENCE!

Join the Florida Music Therapy Task Force at the Florida Meeting next Saturday, March 14, 2026 at SER-AMTA Conference! This is an opportunity to meet other music therapists or students in our state, meet our task force, and engage in discussion about task force updates and Sunshine updates! Conference attendees can attend in-person at Lakeshore 1 or anyone can attend on Zoom (meeting info on our graphic, LinkBio, and here: https://loyno.zoom.us/j/94993855861?pwd=OL5voywtTEKHSzb6hTBEp4Df4FjCe5.1).

*Recordings of virtual/hybrid meeting will be accessible. See you at conference!

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03/03/2026

MEET THE FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY TASK FORCE RESEARCH TEAM, CAITLIN COUCH!

Caitlin Couch (she/her/hers) is a pediatric music therapist working to advance the profession in the state of Florida! Originally from Florida, Caitlin joined the task force because she wants to contribute to meaningful work in advancing the profession of music therapy forward in our state. “To contribute to meaningful work in advancing the profession of music therapy forward in the state!!” Additionally (and conveniently for a Disney fan), Caitlin loves visiting the parks and her favorite ride is Guardians!

Want to stay in touch with the Florida Music Therapy Task Force? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter— link in our social media LinkBio!

[ID: A vertical graphic with an orange and white background. On the left is a photo of Caitlin Couch, a woman with blonde hair in a dark green dress holding a maroon graduation cap. The right side features the Florida Music Therapy Task Force logo and text detailing her role in the Research Team, her occupation as a Pediatric Music Therapist, and her motivation for advocacy. A fun fact mentions she is a huge Disney fan. Her social media is listed as .itliin.]

03/02/2026

☀️Music Therapy Sunshine Spotlight: Kapwa Music Therapy and Counseling!☀️

Kapwa Music Therapy and Counseling is a private practice owned and directed by Jay DeRosa, LMHC, MT-BC, AVPT.
Kapwa Music Therapy and Counseling serves Orlando and the central Florida area by integrating music therapy into mental health counseling sessions. When asked about Kapwa’s mission, Jay states “At the heart of my counseling practice are values of authenticity, respect, and compassion. Named after the Filipino core value of Kapwa, my approach is grounded in genuine human connection.”
Kapwa Music Therapy and Counseling provides services for adolescents, young adults, and adults with abuse, trauma, and varying mental health/psychiatric diagnoses. Jay DeRosa is currently the only credentialed Austin Vocal Psychotherapist (AVPT) in the state of Florida, a music therapy advanced training and approach that integrates vocal expression and improvisation with psychotherapeutic healing. This approach focuses on using the voice as a tool for exploring and processing emotions, trauma, and personal experiences.

You can connect with Jay DeRosa on Instagram .therapy or visit her practice’s website: kapwa-therapy.com. Thank you Kapwa Music Therapy and Counseling for all the work you do!

[ID: “Meet the Florida Music Therapy Community” graphic featuring Jay DeRosa and Kapwa Music Therapy and Counseling logo. Three photos show Jay’s headshot, Jay at the FL state capitol, and giving a presentation.]

02/25/2026

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: REPRESENTATIVE BRUCE HADLEY ANTONE!

Rep. Bruce Antone represents District 41 - Part of Orange County. In 1984, Rep. Antone moved to Florida and since then has worked as a legislative aide to State Senator Buddy Dyer in addition to currently serving his Third House stint (2002-2006, 2012-2020, 2022-present). His recreational interests include reading, sports, traveling, and music.

Micah (music therapist at AdventHealth; FLMTTF Communications Team) shares: “It was an honor to speak to Rep. Antone about our West Lakes Early Center and the great impacts of our music therapy program in regards to early childhood development/rehabilitation, classroom/staff support, and community outreach. Rep. Antone was particularly interested in learning about the role of music therapists on an interdisciplinary team, music therapy training/program at FSU, and music therapy presence across (central) Florida.”

Thank you Rep. Bruce Hadley Antone for meeting with the Florida Music Therapy Task Force at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day!

[ID: Picture of some Florida Music Therapy Task Force members/volunteers with Rep. Bruce Haley Antone of District 41 at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day on February 10, 2025 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL.]

02/19/2026

✨ January Newsletter Recap is here! ✨

Stay connected with the latest updates from the music therapy community and the Florida Music Therapy Task Force 🎶 This month’s highlights include exciting leadership announcements from AMTA, important membership renewal reminders, upcoming continuing education opportunities, conference dates, internship openings, and job opportunities across Florida.

📅 Don’t miss key events like the SER-AMTA Regional Conference in Charlotte this March and the Hospice & Palliative Care MT Institute. Whether you’re a student, intern, or professional, there are so many ways to stay involved, grow your career, and strengthen advocacy for music therapy in our state.

💻 Be sure to follow and subscribe to stay informed, connected, and engaged with everything happening in our field. Your voice and participation help move music therapy forward in Florida and beyond!

[ID: A series of orange-themed newsletter recap graphics from the Florida Music Therapy Task Force for January 2026. Slides include AMTA news such as leadership appointments, award recipients, membership renewal reminders, and details about the 2026 SER-AMTA Regional Conference in Charlotte, NC. Additional slides highlight registration openings for continuing education courses, internship opportunities at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, and multiple music therapy job listings across Florida. The final slide encourages viewers to stay informed and follow on social media and subscribe to the newsletter.]

FL Music Therapy Gov't Relations

04/02/2026

03/27/2026

03/20/2026

03/16/2026

03/11/2026

03/09/2026

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

03/03/2026

03/02/2026

02/25/2026

02/19/2026

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