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“I have been an activity director for almost 20 years, and have had the opportunity to work with various music therapists throughout my career. I have seen firsthand the positive benefits of a music therapy program in the long-term healthcare setting. It is a versatile therapy that can be used in many different forms to best meet the needs of the residents, such as small groups, one on one, intergenerational groups, music and movement, rehabilitation, and comfort care settings.”-Cindy Henderson Activity Director at Heritage of Soda, 2024

“I have seen music therapy work wonders in the life of patients and family members.  Music has a way to reach patients that words or touch cannot convey…a patient with dementia might not talk at all but play their favorite music they start smiling and singing, or a patient restless and agitated that is near death and nurses have tried all the medications and all comfort measures and they remain restless and agitated.  Music therapy comes in and it’s a miracle, the patient calms and the anxiety the family is experiencing watching their loved one die in such an agitated dissipates.  Heather has written songs for patients about their life for family members to cherish after their loved one is gone…There is just something about music that is so beneficial to the body, mind, and spirit connection. “–Lisa M. Previous Logan Office Director at Rocky Mountain Hospice.

“Our 21 year old son has benefited greatly from music therapy, especially from the sessions he has had with Heather Overly, our gifted therapist. I have watched first hand how she has worked her magic increasing his limited abilities with music, singing, rhythm, and speech. She demonstrates kindness and compassion toward him which excites him to look forward to each weekly experience. We are grateful parents to have music therapy and Heather in our son and our families lives.”—T. Holbrook 2020

“I have read that if a person has these three things they are likely to live a happy life: 1) something to do; 2) someone to love; and 3) something to look forward to. As I have spent the past many months taking care of my mother in my home while she has been on hospice, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how music therapy fulfills all three ideals. My mother’s countenance is visible lifted when she participates with Heather. When she first began making visits in our home, my mother was able to come into the living room and sing and use simple rhythm instruments, it was so wonderful to watch! Now after about ten months, she is bedridden but still loves to see Heather come through her door. Her body does not allow her to do anything but answer simple questions and sing a few of the lyrics that she can recall but the expression in her eyes as she listens and watches Heather, convey the love she feels for her and she is so uplifted. Music Therapy is simply magic and it has made an immense quality of life difference for my mother, I am deeply grateful for this program. Indeed my mother has had something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to in Music Therapy.” (November 2018-Daughter of Hospice Client)

“We definitely see a wonderful value in music therapy for our baby!!! It has helped him to actually enjoy therapy. He gets excited when I even just say Ms. Heather is coming over to play today!! Not only does it motivate him to work hard. Music therapy helps him to use all his senses. It is non verbal so he can communicate through music whether he’s cooing, babbling, eyes twinkling, kicking, or we help him play a instrument to the music. He can communicate in His own very special and perfect way!!! Music also speaks to all parts of your brain. So with his brain malformation music is key and beneficial for learning and development!! Not to mention he loves almost every minute of therapy.”–H. Pedersen (February 2016)

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Heather. She has been putting a lot of effort in helping our 3 year old Autistic son with her music therapy. She is incredibly patient, extremely meticulous, very empathetic and loving. She has been able to calm my hyper active son (with soothing music) at the same time, create interest in music. She has been using music to help him adjust to new environments and transition from one activity to another. Heather also changes her approach constantly to make things interesting for my son. My son doesn’t sit in one place for more than 2 minutes, but when Heather arrives he becomes so interested, sits in one place and enjoys the session a lot. He loves being with her and looks forward to her class every week. We are so glad to have found a therapist like Ms. Heather.”  Parent of 3 year old (March 2014)