FL Music Therapy Gov't Relations

FL Music Therapy Gov't Relations Official account for the Florida Music Therapy Task Force. Sharing about music therapy in Florida and legislative happenings from the Sunshine State!

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: REPRESENTATIVE WILL ROBINSON!Rep. Will Robinson represents District...
05/29/2026

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: REPRESENTATIVE WILL ROBINSON!

Rep. Will Robinson represents District 71 – Manatee County. Born and raised in Bradenton, Representative Robinson is deeply committed to serving his community and brings an extensive background in business and real estate law to his legislative work. Outside of his political duties, he actively serves on local boards and supports initiatives that strengthen Florida’s communities and business landscape.

Julie Cruz (music therapy student) shares: “It was my first time attending an event like this and it was an experience I am going to remember forever. Advocating for our profession is one of the biggest things we can do as students and it was so exciting to meet with legislators and hear their perspectives. Although I did not get to speak much, some legislators asked us about our roles as students in music therapy and it was great to see how much they seemed to care about what we were doing! A unique experience that I would love to do again.”

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

[ID: Picture of Florida Music Therapy Task Force members and student volunteers with Rep. Will Robinson of District 71 at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day on February 10, 2026 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL.]

INTRODUCING OUR MUSIC THERAPY COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: BIG BEND HOSPICE!Big Bend Hospice provides in-person, individualized ...
05/28/2026

INTRODUCING OUR MUSIC THERAPY COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: BIG BEND HOSPICE!

Big Bend Hospice provides in-person, individualized music therapy services in hospice care. They are based in Tallahassee, with a music therapy team consisting of 6 MT-BCs and 2 music therapy interns at a time.

Big Bend is a national roster internship site, currently accepting applications for January 2027 start dates - and beyond! They are also seeking an MT-BC for Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor counties.

Big Bend’s mission is to “inspire hope by positively impacting the way our community experiences serious illness or grief – one family at a time”.
Thank you Big Bend Hospice for all the incredible work you do for the FL Big Bend region!

[ID: graphic with white background featuring the Florida Music Therapy Task Force logo and the Big Bend Hospice logo. 2 pictures are shown: 1) collage of Big Bend Hospice music therapy team members, 2) start dates and location for the Big Bend music therapy internship]

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: REPRESENTATIVE LINDA CHANEY!Rep. Linda Chaney represents District 6...
05/21/2026

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: REPRESENTATIVE LINDA CHANEY!

Rep. Linda Chaney represents District 61 – Pinellas County. First elected to the Florida House in 2020, Representative Chaney has a deep background in business management, marketing, and community advocacy, having previously served as a St. Pete Beach City Commissioner. She is particularly passionate about healthcare access, coastal conservation, and supporting local businesses. Outside of her legislative duties, she is actively involved in numerous Pinellas County civic organizations and non-profits.

Myra Sexton (music therapy student) shares: “The Music Therapy Hill Day was a fun, educational, and demanding experience! One thing I learned how to do was tailor the language I used when advocating for music therapy to legislatures of different backgrounds and perspectives. Sometimes, I would take the humanities route by discussing how this field improves the lives of those receiving the services and the various therapeutic outcomes that using music leads to. Other times, I would discuss the fraud and harm that occurred throughout the state of Florida because of the lack of licensure. Overall, I learned so much that day by sitting in the same rooms as professional music therapists advocating for their field. I hope to keep learning so that I can continue advocacy efforts at the state legislative level!”

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

[ID: Picture of Florida Music Therapy Task Force members, student volunteers, and a service dog with Rep. Linda Chaney of District 61 at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day on February 10, 2026 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL.]

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: SENATOR KRISTEN ARRINGTON!Sen. Kristen Arrington represents Distric...
05/11/2026

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: SENATOR KRISTEN ARRINGTON!

Sen. Kristen Arrington represents District 25 - Osceola county and part of Orange County. Kristen has called Kissimmee her hometown since the age of three and is passionate about giving back to her community. Outside of her political work, she volunteers for local non-profits, including Meals on Wheels and causes supporting animal welfare.

Lauren (board-certified music therapist; FLMTTF Communications Team) shares: “It was wonderful meeting with Senator Arrington during our hill day this year. She provided us with important insight, advice, and encouragement. It was evident that Senator Arrington truly understands the value of our profession and the need for licensure in Florida. I am so grateful to Senator Arrington for her continued support!”

Thank you Sen. Kristen Arrington 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. Kristen Arrington of District 25 at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day on February 10, 2026 at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL.]

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: SENATOR CARLOS GUILLERMO SMITH!Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith repre...
05/02/2026

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY
LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: SENATOR CARLOS GUILLERMO SMITH!

Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith represents District 17, covering parts of Orange County. Known for his unwavering advocacy for healthcare access and equity, Senator Smith has long been a champion for Florida families and the services they rely on most.

Ashley Marie Lewis (board certified music therapist in Orlando) shares: “It was an absolute honor to meet with Senator Smith during our Hill Day. He listened intently and was fully present in our conversation, making it clear that he sees our work as deeply important for families in need of support and care.” 🎶

Senator Smith noted that ensuring licensure for music therapists is vital to maintaining safe, professional, and accessible services. His understanding of the field reinforces how essential these services are for the wellbeing of our communities.

Thank you, Senator Smith, for your advocacy and for supporting the expansion of access to music therapy across the Sunshine State! ☀️

[ID: Picture of Florida Music Therapy Task Force members with Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith of District 17 at Florida Music Therapy Hill Day on February 10, 2026, at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL.]

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: REPRESENTATIVE MICHELE RAYNER!Rep. Michele Rayner represents Distri...
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.]

FLORIDA MUSIC THERAPY HILL DAY LEGISLATOR SPOTLIGHT: REPRESENTATIVE TOBY OVERDORF!Rep. Toby Overdorf represents District...
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.]

INTRODUCING OUR MUSIC THERAPY COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: NICKLAUS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL!Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami se...
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.]

THANKS FOR JOINING US AT SER-AMTA CONFERENCE!Whether you joined in person or online, we are so grateful to have connecte...
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!

[ID: Caption in white and black text on yellow/orange ombre background]

MEET THE AMTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ASSOCIATE, AMANDA HENLEY!Amanda Henley, MM, MT-BC (she/her), is a board-certified mus...
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

🎶🎵🎼🦮

Address

Tallahassee, FL
32300–32399

Website

http://www.cbmt.org/

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