Bob marley once said, “one good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." that is one of the objectives of the music therapy program at university hospitals samaritan medical center (UHSMC).Cognitive learning center music therapy is an established health modality in which music is used within a therapeutic setting to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals, according to the american music therapy association (AMTA).Cognitive learning center

There are extensive amounts of research that show the benefits of music therapy. Music therapy improves pain management, supports positive heart health, enhances fetal development, and improves symptoms of depression to name a few.Cognitive learning center published in the journal of music therapy, researchers have found that music therapy also improves symptoms of autism. When music was used as an intervention for children and teens with autism, social behaviors, attention, focus, anxiety and body awareness, all improved.Cognitive learning center

The story behind developing a music therapy program in ashland hits very close to home for university hospital’s noah gangi . Noah’s 7 year old son, evan, and 5 year old daughter, adeline, both have cerebral palsy.Cognitive learning center they are non-verbal with mental and developmental delays. They are both very happy, fun-loving, tenacious and ornery kids who are not afraid to try anything.Cognitive learning center “the thing I admire is they do not let the diagnosis define them, especially in regards to what they can and cannot do,” states noah.

In october of 2017, noah was determined to find a program that could benefit not only his children, but other people within his community.Cognitive learning center he was put in contact with seneca block, expressive therapy program manager at university hospitals connor integrative health network. Seneca gave a presentation to UHSMC’s senior leadership on music therapy and the benefits to the community.Cognitive learning center

The samaritan hospital foundation became aware of noah’s program goal and expressed great interest. After finalizing details regarding inpatient, outpatient and community engagement services and recognizing the program’s true potential, the foundation committed to a grant to help support the early stages of the music therapy program.Cognitive learning center the support didn’t stop there. UH connor integrative health network agreed to match the foundation’s commitment, meaning the music therapy program was funded for 5 years!Cognitive learning center

In october 2018, angel foss was hired as the lead music therapist at UHSMC. Angel is a board certified music therapist, certified vibrational sound therapist, and certified drums alive® facilitator.Cognitive learning center she has 20+ years in the music field as a music therapist, performer, educator, songwriter, and recording artist. She has experience with individual, group, and community music therapy initiatives.Cognitive learning center her services touch all age groups and abilities, and address a variety of needs and diagnoses. She also has experience in program development and community engagement.Cognitive learning center

Angel has a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and business from heidelberg university. She received her master’s degree in nutrition and wellness from clayton college and her music therapy equivalency from baldwin wallace university.Cognitive learning center along with her degrees, she has completed 1200 hours of clinical training. Angel also holds the music therapist-board certified (MT-BC) credential, issued through the certification board for music therapists.Cognitive learning center

“so far I have been assessing needs and educating patients, the community, and UHSMC staff on the many benefits of music therapy. I have also spent time demonstrating and developing the services to be provided now and in the near future.Cognitive learning center staff at university hospitals samaritan have been very receptive to learning about this new complementary treatment modality, and also to incorporating music therapy as part of their total patient care plan.Cognitive learning center the university hospitals system-wide inpatient and outpatient music therapy program focuses on pain management, anxiety and stress reduction, among other needs.Cognitive learning center in addition, music therapy is being recognized as a beneficial component to community wellness,” states angel foss.

For noah gangi’s family, angel’s music therapy program has made quite an impact.Cognitive learning center “addie hasn’t participated in music therapy yet, but she loves music and singing. She can mimic sounds and song melodies that we sing to her.Cognitive learning center evan participated in music therapy when he was 2 years old and it was great to see an increase in his ability to mimic and pattern different rhythms and sounds.Cognitive learning center he loves guitar and drums. In general, music therapy has a calming effect, but also gives him a way to channel his emotions and express himself in another way.Cognitive learning center ” explains noah. “we see music therapy as another method to help evan and addie grow and continue to learn and develop. Music is a powerful way to help stimulate and unlock the brain; we are excited to see what else they can do.”

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Angel provides inpatient, outpatient, and community engagement music therapy sessions both one-on-one and in groups. Coming up, angel will be holding a session with catholic charities golden center group on june 11 th at 11:00 am and will be at the council on aging in ashland on august 1 st at 1:00 pm.Cognitive learning center you can get more information on either of these sessions by contacting the hosting agency or contacting angel foss at 419-289-0491 ext. 3038.Cognitive learning center

The music therapy program at university hospitals samaritan medical center aims to help people of all ages going through various struggles. Whether it’s an adult suffering from pain, a child with special needs wishing to express themselves, an addict on the road to recovery, or simply an employee needing a break, music therapy is adaptable to everyone.Cognitive learning center

To participate in a music therapy session such as drums alive!® or to inquire about other services, please call angel at 419-289-0419 extension 3038.Cognitive learning center all music therapy services are provided free of charge, courtesy of UH connor integrative health network and the samaritan hospital foundation.Cognitive learning center stevie wonder expresses it best, “music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand, with an equal opportunity for all to sing, dance and clap their hands.”