Presenting District: Hillsboro Area
Presenter: Emily Ross, BME, MCP

Program Description: Does it seem like you are seeing more tears in the piano studio than you used to, or students just completely shutting down? You are not alone. Understanding anxiety on a neurological and on a cultural level can help you navigate these tricky waters. Anxiety is a particularly hairy concept as it is both a general descriptor and a diagnosis. Because we have all felt it, it can be uncomfortable to talk about. Emily Ross, board-certified music therapist, has your back. This workshop will focus on clarifying definitions and the cultural context of anxiety. It will also cover newer terminology such as Trauma-Informed Care and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Finally, Emily will present concrete strategies to support a student without crossing into a therapist role.

Presenter Bio: Emily Ross holds a Bachelor of Music Education from University of Colorado and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in music therapy from Naropa University. Her teaching experience includes public school band and general music (7 yrs), English as a Foreign Language (2 yrs) and university courses in music therapy and psychology (15 yrs). Additionally, Emily has taught private lessons in guitar, and French horn, and trained and supervised practicum students in the field.  She is the owner of HoofnHorn Music Therapy Studio, hnhmusictherapy.com, where she specializes in connecting with those with learning differences including autism, ADHD, and developmental delay. She also offers trainings throughout Oregon and SW Washington. Information about trainings and workshops for music therapists, teachers and parents can be found at EmilyRossTrainer.com. Emily played French horn in the Portland Wind Symphony for 18 years and is now enjoying learning Celtic harp and singing in the Portland Community Choir.