January

2024

Hello –

Last year, we witnessed the power of community and the strength that lies within each of us. Together, we have adapted to new circumstances and continued to make a positive impact on the lives of our participants and families. And with your support NMTS was able to move into our new home, expand our programs, reach more individuals, and create a safe and inclusive space for everyone. 

As we look ahead to the new year, we at NMTS are filled with optimism and excitement. We have big goals for the coming year, and we know that with your support, we can achieve them. Together, we will continue to break down barriers, promote inclusion, advocate for access, and empower individuals to reach their full potential.

On behalf of the entire NMTS staff and board, I wish you a happy 2024. May your year be filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We are truly grateful for you.

Manal Toppozada, Executive Director and Founder

Jerry Smith Auditorium Dedication

Note-Able Music Therapy Services was honored to have held its dedication ceremony for the Jerry Smith Auditorium on Wednesday Dec. 13th. As the President, Foundation Manager, and Director of the Nell J. Redfield Foundation, Jerry was instrumental in helping NMTS attract funding for expanded capacity and additional programs. He passed away in early 2023. In naming the auditorium after him, we are delighted to honor Jerry's memory and unwavering commitment to our community.

Manal and four partners stand in front of the Jerry Smith Auditorium sign, posing and smiling
The auditorium at NMTS is decorated with tables that are covered in yellow table cloths. Christmas lights adorn the pillars in the room and are draped across the ceiling. The stage is set up with a NMTS backdrop and a mic, a decorated christmas tree
A speaker at the dedication event stands on the stage in front of a microphone, making a heartfelt speech.
A close-up picture of of champagne classes filled with golden champagne. The sit on a tray in front of a pillar that is wrapped in gold Christmas lights. In the background, a decorated Christmas tree sits on the stage.
A large group of people sit in the decorated auditorium at tables wrapped in yellow table clothes. They hold their full champagne glasses up in a gesture of toast, facing the front of the room.
A extreme close up shot Jerry Smith Auditorium lettering on the wall.
The Note-Ables band plays on the stage in the auditorium.

2023: A Look Back

  • Students in brightly colored blue, pink, and yellow shirts stand in a line facing the camera. Their arms are flayed to the sides of themselves. One student has his head tucked into his elbow, eyes squeezed shut, and a bright smile on his face.

    Artown

  • Students in green shirts are lined up next to each other. All of them are facing the camera and moving their arms in front of them, dancing.

    Born To Dance

  • Teacher Elizabeth Lenz sits in front of a student, guiding him as he sings. Both hold microphones and both have mirroring arms stretched out to the side of them, dancing to the song.

    Spring Recital

  • A large group of people, ages 8 and up, dance together, facing the camera. Some have their hands up raised to the sky. Some have smiles on their faces, mid laugh.

    Buddy Walk

  • A close up picture of a student with her hands raised up above her head, hands overlapping to look like a butterfly. She is looking off camera with a slight smile on her face. Two other students dance in the background, not in focus in the camera.

    Dog Days of Summer

  • A large group dances in the Jerry Smith Auditorium. They are all wearing halloween costumes ranging from a firefighter to a burger! The room is packed with laughing faces.

    Halloween Party

  • Students are lined up facing the crowd. They are performing a holiday song in sign-language. They are wearing holiday colors and clothing (red, white, and green).

    Holiday Party

Pictures with Santa!

If you took a picture with Santa at our Holiday party in December, click the link below to be directed to a Google Drive folder so you can download it. All photos are edited and downloadable. If you are having any trouble or have any questions about the photos, please email Imani at imani@nmtsreno.org.

Elizabeth Lenz poses with Santa in front of a decorated Christmas tree. She is open mouth smiling with her hands stretched above and below her.

New 2024 Partnerships

  • New Start Recovery Solutions provides holistic addiction recovery services – including Conscious Recovery – for achieving long term sobriety and a return to wellness. NMTS is providing weekly music therapy groups at their Reno location.

  • Summerset Senior Living Communities strive to provide the best senior living experience in the region. NMTS will offer music therapy groups twice a month for seniors in memory care.

December Thank Yous

Thank you to our December donors: A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, Anonymous Friend, Linda Brown, James Cavanaugh and Julia Ratti,, Sarah Deardorff, Frankie Sue Del Papa, John and Wendy Firestone, Sara Fujii, Debbie and Richard Ganchan, Peggy and Tom Hall, Daniel Hickox-Young, Michael Hillman, Sandy Jacob and Mel Minarik, David and Jaclyn Knaub, Brad Lund and Trudy Miller, Mary Miller, Sophie Moeller, Judith Monson, Jeanine and Pauline Mooers, Donna Munson, Daniel O'Bryan, Nancy Oesterle, William N. Pennington Foundation, Heidemarie Rochlin, Squeeze In, Ken and Doreen Vogel, Jack and Judith White, Ruth and Donald Williams, Jonathan Wilson, and Dave & Connie Wilson

Extra thanks to our monthly giving crew: Barb Anderson, Shannon Beets, Susan Boner, Dodie Bryant, Michelle Burke, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, Cheryl Eckert, MaryLee Fulkerson, CeCe Gable, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Mary Jo Gieseke, Don Goldmann, Karen Golonka, Carrie Harding, Beverly Hennen, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob and Mel Minarik, Ana Johnson, Nadia Khan, Lucille Knight, Michael Lahnala, Deanna Lyons, Pam Macy, Lynda Mahorter, LuAnn Miller, Jeanine and Pauline Mooers, Meghan Ochs, Rikki Powers, Lisa Rizzoli, Jake and Rachel Steinman, Jeannie Steinman, Judith Stewart, Sharon Hickox and Jennie Tibben, Sarah and Nate Toney, Ken and Doreen Vogel, Jonathan Wilson, Tim Young and Jodie Barker, and Sandra Young

Thank you volunteers:  Kendra Bertschy, Jeff Bloyd, Christine, Cheryl Eckert, Angie Fisher, Mark Geeson, Andy Hughes, Aaron Kirkpatrick, Michael Lahnala, Laura Matushek, Greg McNie, Diana Medina, Sophie Moeller, Rafael Mojica, Jeanine Mooers, Miguel Moreales, Jordan Nakao, Pat Ragains, Patti Rodriguez, Becca Shipley, Jake Steinman, Dave Stockman, Ken Vogel, Ethan Ware, Tembra Wright-Hay

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