Welcome to my blog! I'm Mary Barfield, and I'm a music therapist in St. Louis, Missouri. Here's a little about my background...
Growing up, I didn't even know music therapists existed! In high school, I went from wanting to be a pharmacist to wanting to double major in music and physical therapy before finding out that music therapy was even a career choice. My beloved Gramma read about it, and I found out that the organist at my church, Carna Manthey, was a music therapist! She took me under her wing, and I observed her doing an intergenerational group with preschool children and Alzheimer's patients at a local nursing home. I was hooked.
After high school, I attended Maryville University and earned a BSMT (Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy). I completed a partial internship at The Cleveland Music School Settlement and completed my internship with Harness the Power of Music, Inc., in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon completion of my internship and passing my board certification exam in 2003, I started my own business, MEK Music Therapy Services, LLC. I contracted with local school districts, families, and agencies. I enjoyed this business aspect of my career, and at one time I had three full time music therapist contractors with my business in addition to my full time caseload. During my time as a contractor, I was the president and vice-president of the St. Louis Music Therapy Association, and I continue to support this local organization. After a change with my main contract, I took a full time music therapist employee position at Special School District of St. Louis County, and I continue to happily work there. I currently do not see private clients, but may look into serving some private clients in the future.
In December 2008, I graduated from Maryville University with an MMT (Master of Music Therapy). And in December 2011, I graduated from Fontbonne University with an MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) in special education. In June 2015, I received my Missouri State Teaching Certificate endorsed for Special Education K-12 Mild/Moderate. Additionally, I was previously adjunct faculty at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park where I taught Introduction to Music Therapy. I also remain a guest lecturer and clinical supervisor at Maryville University.
I consider myself a music therapist welcoming individuals of all abilities. Interests include special education, families, neuroscience, counseling, and using a collaborative approach to music therapy. My philosophy is: each individual is a unique, exquisite example of humanity and should be treated as such with the highest level of dignity and respect.
Thank you for stopping by! Leave a comment or send me a message. :)
