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Ways to Spend Holiday Break
There's a certain electricity in the air, now that the holiday season is upon us and winter is creeping in. Today in Springfield, that air is freezing cold, gusting, and carrying snow showers, but electric nonetheless. Most kids are counting down the days until their...
Red, Yellow, and Green
Teaching functional skills and real-world concepts are high on my list of priorities, since the ultimate goal for my students is independence. The Hope Institute uses a Skills Assessment to determine whether or not each student is reaching goals such as dressing,...
Friday Fave: Springfield’s Own Magazine
The Hope Institute has been featured in several local publications recently, and I feel honored that our music therapy program has been mentioned in a few of those articles. Today's cover story in Springfield's Own Magazine highlights many aspects of Hope, including...
Green Money
With the holidays just around the corner, buying gifts for friends and family is on just about everyone's to-do list. Many of you probably include your children in this activity, and they may even use some of their own money to purchase presents. Although the concept...
On the Radio
My experience as being a part of the WDBR Cares for Kids Radiothon was amazing from start to finish, but I'd have to say that the best moment of all was when they announced the total amount raised for the Children's Miracle Network: $92, 365. Incredible, right? I just...
Recap: National Conference
Has it really been two whole weeks since I returned from the AMTA conference in San Diego? According to my calendar, it has, but it feels like just yesterday. My first national conference was an experience I won't soon forget, and I'm already thinking ahead to next...
A Day For Giving Thanks
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I'm thrilled to be writing my second "I'm thankful for..." post (you can read last year's here) and it seems that this year, the list has grown. It has been a truly amazing year full of new experiences, opportunities, friends, and...
Listen & Learn: Thanksgiving
Okay, everyone...the final countdown has begun! We are only three days away from Thanksgiving, and if your students are anything like mine, they are probably getting restless in anticipation of the holiday and having a mini-break. Maybe you are even experiencing some...
Up and Down
You've probably noticed that something has been missing from this blog lately: songs! Yes, the very reason many of you visit Listen & Learn in the first place...so thanks for sticking around despite the lack of new tunes over the last couple of weeks. But that is...