Our Team
The very heart of FAR is its dynamic therapy team and dedicated administrative staff.
“Being the President of FAR is an honor. I love to receive calls or emails from parents sharing success stories about their children. The stories almost always are a thank you to FAR’s therapists who made these breakthroughs possible. I am so proud and honored to be part of it all.”
Pamela has been in non-profit management for over 15 years and with FAR since 2012. As President, she is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of FAR with a focus on programs, organizational growth, grant writing and fundraising.
Pamela has received her Nonprofit Management Certificate from Oakland University, is Certified as a Protocol and Etiquette Consultant by the Protocol School of Washington, DC and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
She is the proud mother of Christian, her son.
Pamela has a strong commitment to the community and is involved with:
- Red Wing Alumni Association — Honorary Member
- Ted Lindsay Foundation For Autism — Advisory Board Member
- Cabaret313—Board Member
- Project Giving B.A.C.K (Building A Classroom In Kenya) — Board Member
“I have come to appreciate how much FAR gives to the special needs community. FAR therapists are incredibly gifted and their connections with our clients is so inspiring. I am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful organization and to work with such great team members.”
Barb has a BBA from Western Michigan University with a major in accounting and is a Licensed CPA in the State of Michigan. She has over 30 years of experience being a Director of Finance and Business Management. Barb is a member of the Michigan Association of CPA’s and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
“The connection and deep healing that takes place through the joy of pure embodied movement is profoundly human and essential. When you dance with me, you will then know my heart.”
Jessica Van Valkenburgh is a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist, Registered Yoga Instructor 500, Usui Reiki Master and Dance Specialist. She works with clients at FAR’s Birmingham location, as well as offsite school and group programs. Jessica is also the Director of Therapeutic Staff and Programs at FAR.
Jessica received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University. She then went on to dance professionally in a number of national dance and theatre productions.
A lifelong learner, she is also a Certified Body Confidence and Wellness Coach, A prenatal and adaptive Yoga Specialist, is authorized to teach Rhythm Works Integrative Dance, The Non-Linear Movement Method® (NLMM) and to facilitate The Wild Woman’s Circle™. Jessica has done extensive work with Trauma Informed teaching, and recently completed an Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certification. She plans to attend Duke University in the fall to achieve her Certificate of Non-profit Management.
Jessica is a member of the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA), The National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP).
Jessica is also a proud mother, and is passionate about the creative arts and the work she does every day to advocate for both FAR’s clients and staff.
“The arts help put into words the things we struggle to say. I’ve seen the profound impact of the creative arts therapies firsthand, and to be able to help FAR provide these services to others is truly an honor.”
Anna started volunteering at FAR in 2013 at the debut of Camp Sing Out. After obtaining her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto, she returned to FAR as a member of its administrative staff. She is excited to give back to the FAR community by cultivating FAR’s next generation of volunteers. In addition to overseeing volunteers and the main office, Anna is also FAR’s social media manager and enjoys growing FAR’s online presence.
“As a therapist, I want to support others in pursuing the highest quality of life. I believe this can start with participation in leisure and recreation-based activities. Through the use of physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and social-based modalities, I aim to help others pursue overall well-being.”
Madeline acquired her Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from Grand Valley State University. She has been practicing recreational therapy for the past four years.
“I am looking forward to working with all the incredibly talented people at FAR and to help carry on their mission of enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities, regardless of age, through the power of creative arts and recreational therapies.”
Deborah Booth Crouch has Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She has professional experience in retail management with Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue and experience in education at The Hockaday School, Dallas, Texas.
Deborah chaired the Peninsula Ball Foundation, Menlo Park, CA and chaired the Peninsula Debutante Ball, whose proceeds fund the College Bound Program for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula. Deborah also mentored students through BGCP and was selected to judge the Youth of the Year Events.
She also has done extensive fundraising for the Palo Alto Unified School District through the creation of the Media Arts Committee a 501(c)(3) which was put in place to equip an Ultramodern Media Arts Center on the High School campus ($1 million+).
“I decided to become a music therapist because I was inspired to combine my love for music with my desire to help people with disabilities. I believe that music therapy can help people unlock their potential and it’s incredible to watch clients grow through the therapy process.”
Cara is beginning her career at FAR. She provides Music therapy to clients both individual and groups as well as servicing offsite contracts. Cara graduated with her degree in Music Therapy from Eastern Michigan University in 2023.
“I love using the adaptable nature of music to help people reach their potential. By meeting someone where they are in a musical way, the music therapist can set up an environment that is supportive and nurturing. This creates a safe place to learn and grow.”
Elizabeth has practiced Music Therapy for over 20 years and serves FAR clients in Birmingham and offsite locations, providing private music therapy, group music therapy and adapted piano lessons.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Oakland University and a Bachelor of Music Therapy from Eastern Michigan University. Elizabeth is board certified.
Elizabeth is a member of the Michigan Music Therapists where she has held various offices and positions including newsletter editor, clinical training liaison and president. She is also a member of Great Lakes Region of the American Music Therapy Association and the American Music Therapy Association. Elizabeth has presented at several local, regional and national music therapy conferences as well as for other local conferences and workshops.
“Starting at an early age, music has been an important part of my life. I decided to become a music therapist because I was inspired to combine my love for music with my interest in helping others in my career. I love how each day I see my clients work towards their goals and express themselves through music.”
Corinn started her career at FAR in September 2024, and has been working as a music therapist since 2017. Throughout her career, Corinn has worked with clients of all ages, from school settings to older adults in hospice. She provides both individual music therapy sessions as well as servicing offsite contracts. Corinn graduated with her Masters in Music Therapy from Illinois State University.
“I believe music therapy provides an avenue for endless self-growth opportunities. I am continually amazed by the power of music to engage and motivate my clients and am humbled by the successes I observe within sessions. I am proud to say I work for FAR, an organization dedicated to providing such incredible opportunities”.
Susan has practiced Music Therapy for over 30 years and serves FAR Clients in Birmingham, and in Detroit at Orchestra Hall, providing private and group music therapy. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Music Therapy from Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Music Therapy from Western Michigan University.
Susan is a member of the AMERICAN MUSIC THERAPY ASSOCIATION and MICHIGAN MUSIC THERAPISTS
Susan is the recipient of a number of awards and honors, including
- Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Music Therapist, Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency, 1994
- Booker T. Washington Educator’s Achievement Award for Outstanding and Dedicated Service, Detroit Public Schools, 1995.
“I really believe in the power of music and music therapy. When a client is able to fully enter the music and have a truly authentic experience, even if only for a moment – that is something very beautiful, powerful and joyful.”
Patrick started as a Music Therapist at FAR in 2019. He serves FAR clients providing one-on-one and group Music Therapy at our Birmingham, Macomb and offsite locations.
Patrick has a B.A. in Music Education from Michigan State University and earned his Music Therapy Equivalency Distance (MTED) graduate degree from St. Mary of the Woods College.
“Music is a vital part of all our lives and as a therapeutic tool it promotes growth and influences positive change. Practicing at FAR and seeing firsthand the difference music therapy makes in the lives of others is a constant source of personal inspiration and professional fulfillment.”
With over 25 years of professional experience as a Board Certified Music Therapist, Patty joined the FAR team in 2008. She holds a BA in Music with a concentration in Music Therapy from Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She also holds degrees in Manual Communications and Deaf Studies from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio.
Patty is a member of various professional music therapy organizations including Michigan Music Therapists (MMT).
“I believe everybody has an innate connection to music in some shape or form that is personal to them. That is why I think Music Therapy is beneficial for just about anybody, as music can be adapted and individualized for each person. It is my goal to create a safe and welcoming environment where people can truly be themselves.”
Katelyn started at FAR after completing her Music Therapy internship there in June of 2024. She serves FAR clients at the Birmingham location, as well as offsite school contracts. Katelyn received her Bachelors of Music from Western Michigan University, where she majored in Music Therapy with a Psychology Minor.
“Music therapy provides an avenue for clients to learn, grow and express themselves, while having fun. Through music, I strive to create a positive and supportive environment to foster creativity and help others reach their full potential.”
Jordan is beginning her Music Therapy career at FAR and serves FAR clients at our Birmingham, Macomb, and offsite locations. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Western Michigan University. Jordan completed her Music Therapy internship at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
“Discovering our passions is what moves us through life and allows us to have meaningful connections and experiences. I am dedicated to caring about people, recognizing each person’s individuality, and helping them pursue their passions.”
Megan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Eastern Michigan University in 2018 and has been working in Recreation Therapy ever since. She is a member of the NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) and has been involved with MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) and VAD (Volunteers Assisting the Disabled) as a volunteer for over 10 years. She currently serves FAR clients primarily in the West Bloomfield and Walled Lake school districts.
“Work in our field can be both challenging and greatly satisfying! Working as an art therapist in schools, hospitals, and private practice has led me to believe that art heals and helps us center our thoughts and calm our emotions. Art reconnects us to our center and our world!”
Susan comes to FAR with over 30 years of experience as an art therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in K-12 Art Education from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and a Master’s in Art Therapy and Art Education from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Emily is originally from Rochester, New York, where she earned her master’s in Art therapy from Nazareth University. She has experience working with a wide variety of different populations, including adolescents and adults struggling with eating disorders and Alzheimer’s disease, along with working with individuals with anxiety and depression. Recently, she worked at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, where she set up the art therapy program and provided art therapy services to families and children. .
“ I use a strength-based, positive psychology approach and believe art-making creates opportunities for people to learn about themselves and to connect with others. I agree with Danny Gregory who says: “Art is here to make us feel better and be better. To remind us that we are not alone.”
Margaret comes to FAR with over 30 years of experience. She received her Masters of Education in Art Therapy from Wayne State University and her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography from Center for Creative Studies. She provides Art Therapy for FAR at Vista Maria and the West Bloomfield Transition Center.
Margaret participates as a presenter at local and national conferences, she is published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association and an active participant in juried art exhibitions. She is a member of the Michigan Association of Art Therapy and the American Art Therapy Association.