GCSU Music Therapy students, alumni and faculty make their mark at the 2025 Southeastern Regional Music Therapy Conference

Georgia College & State University’s undergraduate and graduate programs had a strong presence at the 2025 Southeastern Regional American Music Therapy Conference with 41 students, alumni and faculty in attendance. The event highlighted the university’s ongoing contributions to the field of music therapy, with GCSU graduates and faculty presenting research, clinical applications and innovative programming.

Alumni and faculty delivered six concurrent presentations and one research poster session, underscoring the program’s emphasis on professional excellence and leadership. One of the most notable moments of the conference featured Bachelor of Music Therapy alumna, Katie Brashear Kleinschnitz (’21), who performed at the Opening Ceremony showcasing an original song that she and her patient created as part of the music therapy treatment process.

Several other alumni and faculty contributed to the conference’s educational sessions: 

• Gabby Banzon (BMT, ’14) and Jay Warren (MMT, ’20) co-presented "TECHNOOK Presents: How Do These Things Work?"
• Julia Hufford (BMT, ’22) and Katie Brashear Kleinschnitz (BMT, ’21) joined colleagues for "Medical Music Therapy: Program Development, Supervision and Innovation at UAB Medicine."
• Dr. Laurie Peebles (GCSU faculty) and Sara Carr (BMT, ’23, MMT, ’24) shared findings from "Amplifying Veteran Voices: A Community-Based Participatory Action Research Study."
• Katie Brashear Kleinschnitz (BMT, ’21) collaborated on "Harmonizing Care: The Benefits of Interdisciplinary Co-Treatment in Rehabilitation."
• Dr. Katie Whipple (GCSU faculty) presented her dissertation research, "Understanding the Pre-Internship Clinical Experiences of Undergraduate Music Therapy Students: A Qualitative Arts-Based Approach."
• Rachel Coon-Arnott (MMT, ’11), Kirby Carruth (BMT, ’11) and Zoe Reddick (MMT, ’23) discussed their work in "Fulton County Schools Show and Tell: Elementary Edition."
• Jay Warren (MMT, ’20) and Sara Carr (BMT, ’23, MMT, ’24) explored resilience in music therapy with "Growing into Resilience: The Importance of Practical Self-Care."
   

In addition to presenting and attending sessions, GCSU students and alumni gathered for a Student-Alumni Dinner, providing an opportunity to network, share experiences and strengthen professional relationships. Dr. Katie Whipple, undergraduate coordinator and president of the Music Therapy Association of Georgia, emphasized the significance of these professional connections, stating, “I truly value the opportunity to connect our students with alumni and other professionals. You could feel the excitement among the students at meeting alumni working in so many different settings from private practice and medical hospitals to school systems, and non-profit organizations.” 

GCSU graduates are shaping the future of music therapy in a wide range of professional settings. Alumni at the conference represented organizations across the southeast U.S. including: 

• Healthcare & Rehabilitation: UAB Medicine, Southwest Atlanta Hospital, Central State Hospital, Georgia Regional Hospital of Atlanta and Florida State Hospital.
• School-based Music Therapy: Fulton County Schools and Clayton County Public Schools.
• Private Practice: Aria Music Therapy, Triad Music Therapy, Charlie Health, East Tennessee Music Therapy, Perfect Harmony Health, Therabeat, Inc., Evolve Music Therapy Services and Resonating Rhythm.
• Specialized Services for Adults with Disabilities: The Life Enrichment Center, and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
   

With a strong showing at the conference, GCSU continues to establish itself as a leader in music therapy education and practice throughout the state. Dr. Laurie Peebles, GCSU’s graduate coordinator and a conference organizer, reflected on the conference, saying, “Attending the 2025 SER-AMTA Regional Music Therapy Conference was an incredible experience. I thoroughly enjoyed watching GCSU students connect with other professionals, gaining inspiration and insight into their future careers. I enjoyed hearing updates from our alumni about their clinical work with their clients and seeing many of our alumni present concurrent sessions to share their clinical experiences with other professionals."
 

GCSU music therapy students continue to gain leadership roles at the regional level from involvement in the regional conference. Isabella Waddell (BMT, second year) was elected as President-Elect of the Southeastern Region American Music Therapy Association for Students (SER-AMTAS), continuing the tradition of GCSU students serving in leadership positions within the organization. Further, Addy Wheeler (BMT, second year) is serving as the GCSU student representative on the MTAG Executive Board. Dr. Whipple noted the importance of student involvement in professional organizations, saying, “These kinds of experiences are crucial for undergraduate students because it gives them the opportunity to learn how professional organizations work and it inspires them to get involved and contribute to the profession.”