“Music is more than just an emotional outlet – it’s a bridge to communication, connection, and learning.” I’m not sure who said this, but it is a wonderful synopsis of why music is a powerful therapeutic tool. In this presentation, I (Kristin) will give a general overview of what music therapy is, including its origins and the state of the profession at present. Participants will learn about populations that music therapists provide service for and where you can find music therapists, focusing strongly on the autism community. We will look at the ways that music affects the brain in profound and lasting ways. This will be an interactive presentation – no musical experience or talent required but do expect to have fun – and questions and discussions are welcomed throughout the presentation. Kristin Kummer is the creator and director of Kids Create Collective and Growing Harmonies Music Therapy Services. She is a state-licensed, board-certified music therapist and has worked with individuals on the autism spectrum and various other diagnoses, ages 3 years old through adults, for over 16 years. She has combined music and theatre to create programs and curricula for children through adults to address the many challenges of being on the spectrum. In collaboration with the theatre department at the Ohio State University, she created and ran a drama and autism internship program for OSU theatre students. She is trained in augmentative and alternative communication systems, specifically LAMP – Language Acquisition Motor Planning – and the Hunter Heartbeat Method, a theatre-based intervention for individuals with autism. Kristin has collaborated with professionals across many disciplines, including speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, special education teachers, and behavior analysts, not to mention families and caregivers. She is a teacher of early childhood music and movement, storytelling, and creative writing.