Congratulations to the 2025 Member Recognition and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025 Member Recognition and Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented by the AMTA Board of Directors at the Assembly of Delegates meeting on August 3, 2026. Each year, AMTA members submit nominations to recognize the outstanding contributions of members and advocates to the profession. The 2025 award recipients are listed below, with additional information available in the downloadable PDF.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual’s lifetime of commitment and dedication to the field of music therapy. This is the only award that is selected and bestowed exclusively by the AMTA Board of Directors and is the association's highest honor. For 2025, two awards were granted; Dr. Michele Forinash and posthumously to Dr. Kamile Geist.

Michele Forinash, DA, MT-BC, LMHC has demonstrated exceptional innovation, ethical and professional excellence, and a sustained vision for the future of the field. Her work has helped shape music therapy and the broader creative arts therapies with the development of research methodologies, educational frameworks and a deep focus on inclusive practices. Collectively, Dr. Forinash’s work represents a lasting legacy that profoundly advances the mission of AMTA and embodies the Honorary Lifetime Achievement award.

Kamile Geist, PhD, MT-BC, has led a distinguished career of leadership, scholarship, education, innovation, and service to the music therapy profession. With integrity, vision and strong leadership, she developed and strengthened music therapy programs preparing many future music therapists. Her contributions have had a lasting impact across the profession. Dr. Geist created a legacy that continues to advance the field, inspire others, and represents the Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award with the highest standards.

With deep sadness, Dr. Geist passed away February 12, 2025. This award was given posthumously.

Here is the full list of award recipients

• Lifetime Achievement: Michele Forinash, DA, MT-BC, LMHC and Kamile Geist, PhD, MT-BC
• Research/Publications: Eugenia Hernández Ruiz, PhD, MT-BC
• Advocate of Music Therapy Award: Chuck Wild
• Service Award: Amanda Brigham, MM, MT-BC - Colorado State Legislative Task Force
• Professional Practice Award: Elizabeth Herr Collier, MBA, MT-BC
• Award of Merit: Jennifer Geiger, EdD, MT-BC and Blythe LaGasse, PhD, MT-BC
• 2025 AMTA Presidential IMPACT Award: AMTA Competency Review Task Force
  • Laurie Keough, Co-Chair (Mid-Atlantic) 2018-2024
  • Piper Laird, Co-Chair (Western) 2018-2024
  • Kamile Geist, initial Co-Chair/Chair (Great Lakes) 2018-2020
  • Ed Kahler, initial co-chair (Western) 2018-2019
  • Jane Creagan, AMTA liaison 2018-2022
  • Della Molloy-Daugherty (South Western ) 2018-2024
  • Deanna Hanson-Abromeit (Mid-Western) 2018-2020
  • Jennifer Peyton (South Eastern) 2021-2024
  • Tracy Richardson (Great Lakes) 2018-2024
  • Vicki Vega (South Eastern) 2018-2024
  • Gary Verhagen (Mid-Atlantic) 2018-2024

For a full description of the work of Dr. Forinash and Dr. Geist, and an expanded list of all recipients and category descriptions, see the downloadable PDF. 

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