Missouri Rehabilitation Association recognizes valued and impactful community service

[St. Louis, MO, July 15, 2024] – Maryville University is pleased to announce that Kids Rock Cancer received the 2024 Community Service Award from the Missouri Rehabilitation Association.

The Missouri Rehabilitation Association holds an annual conference for certified rehabilitation counselors and vocational rehabilitation counselors. The conference is an opportunity to learn, engage, and celebrate the efforts of professionals and non-profits who support individuals with disabilities throughout Missouri.

The Community Service Award recognizes an individual or group outside of the rehabilitation community who chooses to walk a path of service to help better the lives of individuals with disabilities. Their work creates more diverse and inclusive communities for people with disabilities and their families.

“We are delighted to recognize Kids Rock Cancer with the 2024 Community Service Award,” said Dr. Michael Kiener, president of the Missouri Rehabilitation Association. “As a faculty member of Maryville University, I am well aware of the music therapy services provided by this stellar team, and especially the impact Kids Rock Cancer has on many families going through a very difficult time.”

Maryville’s Music Therapy is the first and the only accredited music therapy degree program in the St. Louis region. Kids Rock Cancer is now in its 15th year of offering services to the community.

Missouri Rehabilitation Association’s mission is to promote an environment in the state of Missouri which gives persons with disabilities a fair opportunity to achieve quality of life through support of appropriate legislation and adequate funding.

“We are truly honored to accept this award for Kids Rock Cancer,” said Crystal Weaver, MHA, LPC, CRC, MT-BC, director of music therapy for Maryville University’s Myrtle E. And Earl E. Walker College of Health Professions. “We are committed to using the power of music therapy as a therapeutic vehicle for self-expression and helping families in need of support.”

About Kids Rock Cancer

Kids Rock Cancer, a program of Maryville University, uses the power of music therapy to help families cope with a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis. The program provides certified music therapists to help children, siblings and parents use music and songwriting as a therapeutic vehicle for self-expression. A copy of their media kit can be found here.

About Maryville University

Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the fourth fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from all 50 states and 56 countries.