Music

Mrs. Alison Wendel Bennett loves being a part of the Hartvigsen School faculty, overseeing Hartvigsen’s music program.  A Board Certified Music Therapist (NOCA/NCCA), Alison graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a BS in Music Therapy.  Alison also holds a Music Educator License from the Utah State Office of Education, and the title of State Certified Music Therapist through the State of Utah Department of Commerce. While Alison’s background spans populations from: Medical, Juvenile Justice, Alzheimer’s, and Hospice; the last thirteen years of her life have been devoted to serving those with developmental disabilities. She feels blessed to be part of such a devoted, supportive, and talented team.  Prior to Hartvigsen, Alison worked for eleven years at the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC).  This wonderful ICF-MR facility housed around 220 adults with special needs. Alison has received recognition for her service throughout the years. In 2000, the Mental Retardation Association of Utah (MRAU) featured her in the President’s Message of their newsletter for her work with the individuals at USDC.  August 6, 2001 she received the Jerold C. Smedley Award by the Division of Services for People with Disabilities.  In 2003 she was nominated for Outstanding State of Utah Employee. March 30, 2005, while volunteering as part of the Utah State University and Primary Children’s Hospital’s (PCH) Music Therapy Pilot Program, Mrs. Wendel Bennett’s work was featured on the front page of IHC Today – Primary Children’s Medical Center Edition*. PCH also recorded her work as part of the DVD sent to potential donors for a full time Music Therapy position. The position was subsequently funded.  In August of 2007 Mrs. Wendel Bennett was nominated for the State of Utah’s Executive Director’s Award and was highlighted on KSL’s Doug Wright show as the Public Employee Salute recipient.  In November of 2012, the Parent Counsel for USDC awarded her the “Lasting Influence for Empowerment” award. Believing professional involvement and service is crucial, Alison Wendel Bennett, MT-BC has served in many leadership positions. She recently completed terms as the National Student Affairs Advisory Board Chair for the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and the Western Region Chapter of AMTA (WRAMTA) Parliamentarian.  In addition Mrs. Wendel Bennett served two terms as the WRAMTA Secretary.  On the state level she served two terms as the Vice President of Utah Association for Music Therapists.  As Secretary Mrs. Wendel Bennett has mentored students for 14 years as both a National Roster and University Affiliated Internship Director.  Her past interns now work all over the United States, Canada, and Greece.