About Us
Our Mission
MTAW works to support the aims and objectives of the American Music Therapy Association; to promote the growth of music therapy as a profession in the state of Washington; to provide a professional support group for music therapists in Washington; to encourage ongoing education of music therapy by providing speakers, workshops, and other special projects.
The Music Therapy Association of Washington exists to promote the evidence-based practice of music therapy and to provide support to students, interns, and professionals.
Our History
The initial documentation of music therapy in Washington state begins with a Seattle Times newspaper article, “Fun, games part of children’s therapy,” published on September 25th, 1977. It focused on the work of music therapist, Jennarose Rantz (pictured left), at Children’s Orthopedic (Now Seattle Children’s).
Over the next 20 years, music therapy developed in Washington State more slowly than its counterparts in the Midwest and East Coast. However, it continued to grow steadily. In 1989, the Washington Music Therapy Association held a conference in Seattle, and again, in 1991. Regionally, the University of Washington hosted the Western Region American Music Therapy Conference in 1995.
As the new millennium approached, Music Works Northwest began music therapy programming in Bellevue, WA. The development of music therapy grew rapidly over the early 2000s. As a result, the Washington State Music Therapy Taskforce (“The Taskforce”) formed and began the fight to gain licensure for music therapists.
In 2012, The Wilson Trust through the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) awarded a grant to establish the first music therapist dedicated for a cancer care unit. This grant continued to support the music therapy community in future years. In 2015, PNW Music Therapy began a contract with Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Center. After the grant funding ended, both Swedish facilities agreed to continue funding for their music therapy programs.
Through the persistent advocacy from the WA State Music Therapy Task Force and supporting community members, a bill was introduced in January 2023 (HB1247/SB5214) to license music therapists in Washington state. It passed through the House in February 2023 and the Senate in April 2023. SHB 1247 was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee on April 25, 2023. This bill creates a music therapy license within the Department of Health and establishes a Music Therapy Advisory Committee to assist the Department in matters concerning the license. To learn more about the WA State Music Therapy Task Force’s work and continued advocacy efforts, visit musictherapy4all.com.
Meet the Board
Elizabeth (she/her) grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri and received her bachelor's of music in Music Therapy from the University of Kansas. She finished her clinical internship at Bridgeway Academy in Columbus, Ohio where she worked with autistic students. Elizabeth moved to the Seattle area in 2019 and provides music therapy services through her private practice, Eastside Music Therapy, where she primarily works with Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals, and older adults in long-term care.
Elizabeth works from a neuro-affirmative lens and strives to create a therapeutic space where everyone can be comfortable in their own skin. She loves meeting her client’s where they are at, seeing and encouraging their interests and strengths, and creating authentic connections through the use of music. Elizabeth is excited to help foster a deeper sense of community amongst the music therapists in Washington and support them in whatever way she is able.
Gina (she/her) grew up in Bellingham, Washington. In her spare time, Gina enjoys all things Disney, spending time with her family, pets, and friends, trying new food, and exploring the beautiful PNW. She attended the University of Washington (UW) where she was a part of the Track and Field team as a shot put and discus thrower. While at US, she received an Early Childhood and Family Studies degree as well as an Individualized Studies degree in Disability Studies. Gina then continued her education at Seattle Pacific University where she received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy with an emphasis in Psychology. She completed her clinical internship at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT.
After her clinical internship, Gina moved home in hopes of finding work as a Music Therapist in Washington State. Gina now provides music therapy services in Mount Vernon, WA at Skagit Preschool and Resource CEnter (SPARC). Gina works with individuals with neuromuscular or developmental delays, disorders, or chronic medical conditions ranging in age from birth to five years old.
Gina approaches her music therapy practice through a family centered practice. She loves seeing parent-child and sibling relationships grow and flourish within group and in-home settings. She also loves seeing how supportive music therapy can be towards developmental growth. Gina looks forward to sharing music with children and families within Skagit County for many years to come.
Dianna Rose (she/her) is a board-certified music therapist with specialized training in neurologic music therapy, as well as a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Washington. She received her training at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA.
After more than 25 years working in radio, Dianna shifted her love of music to its application for therapeutic intentions and improved wellbeing. She sees mental health clients in her private practice, Sound Guidance: Expressive Arts Counseling & Music Therapy Services, works part-time in memory care at Aegis: Callahan House, and is contracted with The Friendship Circle which supports teens with IDD.
Natalie (she/her) is a board-certified music therapist who was born and raised in Kent, Washington. Her love of music began at a young age singing with her parents and playing piano with her grandfather. She received her degree in Music Therapy with an emphasis in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University. Natalie completed her clinical internship at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, where she worked with clients ranging in age from newborns to young adults and a variety of therapeutic goals. She returned to Washington state with a passion to expand accessible music therapy services in King County.
Vallerie is currently in her junior year of study at Seattle Pacific University, where she is working towards her degree in Music Therapy with an emphasis in Psychology.
Elizabeth VanSant, MT-BC
President
Vice-President
Gina Flint, MT-BC
Daniel Diaz, MT-BC
Treasurer
Dianna Rose, MT-BC, NMT, LMHC
Interim Treasurer
Natalie Shannon, MT-BC
Media Relations Coordinator
Vallerie Hardy
Student Liaison
Daniel Diaz (he/him) - Originally from New Jersey where he enjoyed touring and performing with rock bands, he eventually relocated to Seattle and found a new way to foster a love of music and human connection. He received his degree in Music Therapy with an emphasis in Special Education from Seattle Pacific University and completed his internship at The Center For Discovery in New York.
He currently works at Seattle Children's Alyssa Burnett Center, a center for lifelong learning and connection for adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is a magical place. Although Danny is no longer leading music groups and has transitioned into more of a leadership role as Operations Supervisor, he still maintains commitment to the field by supervising practicum students and is excited to now serve alongside other incredible local professionals as treasurer of MTAW.