Meet the AMTA National Office 

Full - Time Staff 

Judy Simpson, MT-BC, Director of Government Relations 

Judy (she/her) represents the music therapy profession with state and federal legislators, agencies, and coalitions. Since 2005, she has led AMTA’s national state recognition initiative in collaboration with the Certification Board for Music Therapists. Responsible for providing reimbursement guidance to AMTA members and music therapy consumers, Judy holds the professional designation of “Managed Healthcare Professional” from America’s Health Insurance Plans and is the co-author of “Music Therapy Reimbursement: Best Practices and Procedures.” Her clinical experience involved developing music therapy programs in hospital settings, including physical rehabilitation, oncology, labor and delivery, psychiatry, ICU, and general medicine.

Dianne Wawrzusin, MM, MT-BC, Executive Services Coordinator

Dianne (she/her) graduated from Anna Maria College with a music therapy degree in 1981 and received a Master’s in Music (Music Therapy) from the Catholic University of America in 1983. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings as a music therapist. Outside of AMTA, she keeps busy as an accompanist and a vocal soloist in local church congregations. Dianne’s responsibilities include the vast majority of office administrative functions, assisting the Chief Executive Officer, and providing additional staff assistant support as needed. She assists AMTA members over the phone and enjoys speaking with those who are considering entering the profession. She has a broad overview of the association working in both part-time and full time roles starting with NAMT in 1988!

Consultants 

Kimberly A. Bell, MT-BC, Information Specialist, Social Media and Government Relations Consultant

Kim (she/her) is a Board-Certified Music Therapist currently serving as Information Specialist, Social Media and Government Relations Consultant for AMTA. She has over 35 years of clinical experience in music therapy practicing in medical pediatrics, pediatric rehabilitation, and behavioral health. She has presented at the local, regional, and national level on a variety of topics including technology in music therapy, pediatric music therapy and student supervision. She has served AMTA in committee work and held various offices at the regional level for both the South Central and Southeastern Regions and represented AMTA on both regional and national committees.