AMTA Meets with NICoE Officials

On Tuesday, August 26, 2014, AMTA Executive Director, Dr. Andi Farbman, AMTA Director of Professional Programs, Jane Creagan, and AMTA Director of Government Relations, Judy Simpson met with Dr. Heechin Chae, the Director of the NICoE (National Intrepid Center of Excellence) Intrepid Spirit/TBI Clinic at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. This exciting meeting was a follow-up to communication initiated when Director Chae and Dr. Farbman met during the recent APA annual meeting in Washington, D.C.  After the APA panel presentation, which included Dr. Chae and AMTA member, Professor Ed Roth, Dr. Chae indicated his commitment to adding a music therapist staff position at the NICoE Clinic. 

As the first of nine Intrepid Spirit Centers planned nationwide at military bases and medical centers, the Fort Belvoir facility opened in September 2013 to treat service members diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and is funded by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.  AMTA is providing technical assistance, supportive research, and reimbursement guidance as the Center develops the logistics for this music therapy position.  This employment opportunity will make history as the first full-time music therapy position funded through the Department of Defense.

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