Abigail Ritter, M.S., Mt-Bc Email & Phone Number

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Remote

Currently serving as a mentor as part of a year-long program teaching survival, leadership, and independent living skills to teenage girls with disabilities. Promoted independence and learning opportunities for campers during week-long summer camp experience through survival skill lessons and other camping activities. Currently guiding an eighteen-year-old student with multiple disabilities in creating a video and text-based guide for Disabled high school students on hurricane preparation.

Remote

Connected with Disabled youth around rural America through remote programming, needs assessment, and peer support. Developed and facilitated the first annual APRIL "Lead On" Collaborative, a leadership program for young people with disabilities designed to bring them to the "next step" of leadership development. Provided support to the Youth Steering Committee, a group of Disabled youth who plan and execute the annual APRIL Youth Conference. Developed and ran a monthly peer support program for Disabled youth and young adults to connect about issues they face.

Worcester, Massachusetts, United States

Provided Zoom-based and in-person remote day services to adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and other related disorders. Implemented personalized services based on evaluations from clinicians and information from individualized day service support plans. Connected participants and their families/caregivers to agency and community-based resources. Developed and presented in-services re: best practices for providing Zoom-based services.

Worcester, Ma

Provided music therapy services in adult day programs to individuals with developmental and other disabilities, including but not limited to intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, major and minor neurocognitive disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Sessions included music making through singing, movement, playing, and re-creating in group and individual settings. Led adapted musical ensembles including vocal and adaptive technology choirs, and organized concerts for clients to perform for their family, friends, and communities. Collaborated with direct support professionals and other clinicians (PT, OT, SLP) to create and implement individualized goals and objectives based on specific needs.

Remote

Worked closely with communications and customer service director to provide remote and onsite customer service to attendees at fan conventions (LeakyCon and BroadwayCon) located throughout the United States and Ireland. Maintained accessibility information for attendees and communicated information to operations team to coordinate onsite accommodations. Managed an active inbox and provided troubleshooting for registration issues. Addressed attendee concerns to provide best convention experience possible.

Syracuse, New York Area

Led group and individual sessions with adult and pediatric patients on an in-patient psychiatric unit, various medical-surgical units (including patients utilizing palliative care services), and in the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). Utilized both improvisation and song-based sessions to promote pain reduction, development of coping skills, creative self-expression, reminiscence, and overall normalization of hospital experience.

Binghamton, Ny

Led group and individual music therapy sessions for individuals between the ages of 5 and 21 with developmental disabilities. Sessions simulated general music classes, addressing pre-academic and academic skills, encouraging positive, appropriate social interaction, fine and gross motor skills, and attending skills. Included leading music ensembles such as chorus, hand bell choir, and “kitchen band.”

Master’S Degree, Creative Arts Therapy, Music Therapy Specialization, 3.98

Activities and Societies: Graduate Assistant for Undergraduate Music Therapy Department

Bachelor’S Degree, Music Therapy/Therapist, Summa Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: Treasurer of American Music Therapy Association for Students - Nazareth Chapter, Chapter Representative.