Courtney Whitmer is a board certified music therapist at University Hospitals of Cleveland. She received her undergraduate degree in Music Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. After graduation in 1998, she moved to Dallas, Texas to pursue her Masters and equivalency degree in Music Therapy at Southern Methodist University. She completed her thesis research on the Effects of Songwriting and Storytelling on Emotional Identification during Pediatric Hemodialysis. Upon completion of her thesis, Courtney moved back to Cleveland, Ohio to intern at University Hospitals of Cleveland.

Beginning January 7, 2002, Courtney was hired to initiate two research projects at the hospital. She currently provides music therapy interventions for children and families during their treatments at the Ireland Cancer Center Outpatient Oncology Clinic. She is also involved in a multi site Neonatal Intensive Care Unit study. This research project is measuring the effect music has on physiological variables, behavioral states levels and the length of hospital stay for preterm infants.

Courtney is a member of the American Music Therapy Association and the Ohio Association for Music Therapy. Courtney has enjoyed the move back to Cleveland where she can spend time with her family and friends. Courtney also sings lead vocals and plays keyboard and percussion in a local band.

Courtney can be reached at PJGFER@aol.com
Internship: July 2000 - January 2001

Courtney's Project:
Review of Literature: Music Therapy in Hospitals