Andrea Dalton

After graduating from the UMKC Conservatory with a Master of Arts degree in Music Therapy, Andrea Dalton worked for nearly 12 years as a board-certified music therapist, primarily in inpatient mental health units serving some of the most vulnerable adults and children in the Kansas City area. Early in her career, she became interested in the powerful possibilities of transformation through the paradigm of trauma informed care. She took on the unique opportunity as a trauma informed care consultant in 2016, building on her undying fascination with the way the brain works, a critical appreciation for research, her creative spirit, and a strong commitment to make the world a better place for all people. As a certified leadership coach, Andrea holds the perspective that leadership is within each person, regardless of job title, and empowers those leaders in the practice of trauma informed caring. Andrea currently works at University Health as the director of the Center for Trauma Informed Innovation, partnering with leaders and organizations in developing trauma-informed, culturally-responsive programs, practices, and policies. With her colleagues in the Center, Andrea has worked with schools, healthcare providers, social service agencies, affordable housing providers, and organizations in the business sector, both in the Kansas City Metro, as well as across the country. She continues to serve the music therapy community as a faculty supervisor for Roman Music Therapy Services in Wakefield, MA, and recently completed her term as Vice President of the board of directors for the American Music Therapy Association. Andrea is also personally involved in service to various organizations, including her church and her children’s school district.