2020 SERAMTA Advocacy Award: Congrats Ms. Duncan!

Ms. Diane Duncan, Special Educator received the 2020 Southeastern Region of the American Music Therapy Association Advocacy Award - it was recommended by Melissa Reinhardt, MSEd, MT-BC, Music Therapist on Staff at Piedmont Music Therapy, LLC. Photo taken by Katie Goodwin, Preschool Director at St. John's United Methodist Church - Rock Hill, SC.

At last week's southeastern regional conference of the American Music Therapy Association in LaGrange, Georgia, we were delighted to learn that a nomination for the annual Advocacy Award was awarded to one of the educators that we collaborate with. Miss Diane Duncan, Special Educator at St. John's United Methodist Church Preschool in Rock Hill, SC has been a constant advocate for music therapy over the past 5 years, beginning with her willing to have group music therapy services as a part of her special needs classroom resources at SJUMC Preschool under the leadership of Katie Goodwin, SJUMC Preschool Director. During music therapy sessions, Ms. Duncan and her aide are a constant support with their students providing assistance in any way that allows the student to be successful.  Ms. Duncan is a true  example of how music therapists and special education teachers can work together!  Additionally, she acknowledges the value of music therapy in early intervention and has shared this with her student's parents which has led to numerous referrals for individual music therapy services.  Ms. Duncan's willingness to be a model during and outside of music therapy sessions displays a true advocate of music therapy. Help to congratulate Ms. Duncan and exceptional instruction and collaborative efforts provided by staff at SJUMC in Rock Hill - York County, South Carolina.

---