Trainers

HealthRHYTHMS Adolescent Protocol Facilitation Training Team

This innovative new training is being taught by three HealthRHYTHMS Endorsed Facilitators who were involved in the research and development of the HealthRHYTHMS Adolescent Protocol.

Barry Bittman, MD is a neurologist, author, international speaker, award-winning producer/director and inventor. As CEO and Medical Director of the Mind-Body Wellness Center, a comprehensive, interdisciplinary outpatient medical facility in Meadville, PA., Dr. Bittman has pioneered a new paradigm for treating the “whole person.”

Based on his conviction that Recreational Music-making is an effective therapeutic strategy in conventional medical settings, Dr. Bittman led a team of researchers who investigated the biological effects of the HealthRHYTHMS group drumming protocol he co-developed.

 

Margaret Sowry (center) - Margaret Sowry is an assistant to Dr. Bittman as well as the Manager and Recreational Music-making Research Coordinator for the Mind-Body Wellness Center and a HealthRHYTHMS Endorsed Facilitator. She has been an integral member of Dr.Bittman's research team since 2000 and was directly involved in the development of the Adolescent Protocol.

Margaret believes that the fundamental essence of Health Rhythms is to honor every individual, recognizing their value, their beauty and their uniqueness.  Everyone has a story and all the stories are invaluable lessons; while the act of sharing them is the foundational step of healing.

George Trauner (right)- is the Director of Operations at Bethesda Children’s Home. George earned a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from MercyHurst College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation from Slippery Rock University. George has been employed at Bethesda Children’s Home for 15 years.  As a HealthRHYTHMS Endorsed Facilitator, George conducts HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming sessions with staff groups at Bethesda Children’s Home.

Larry Dickson (left)- is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) practicing at the Mind Body Wellness Center, with national certification as a counselor (NCC) and international certifications as a Co-Occurring Disorders Professional Diplomate (CCDP) and a Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP).  Additionally he holds certification from the American Psychotherapy Association as a Certified Relationship Specialist (CRS) and holds an elementary education teaching certificate in Pennsylvania. Larry earned a M.A. Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2003 and a B.A. in elementary education, early childhood and child development from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1980. He has worked in the mental health field for many years providing treatment to children, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations and his specialties include but are not limited to the treatment of depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, relationship issues, parenting, child and adolescent disorders, addictions, and co-occurring disorders.

Larry is a HealthRHYTHMS Endorsed Facilitator and was part of the research team that developed the Adolescent Health Rhythms Protocol.