Meet The Zehren Family

PHOTOS BY BUONANNO PHOTOGRAPHY

ZACH, LINDSAY, ZOEY AND FRANKIE

After living on the West Coast and enjoying the sunshine, I brought my family back home to Indiana when we found out we were expecting our second daughter. We moved across the country during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a few months later, Frankie was born with a myriad of health complications. She could not see, was not responding to sound, and could not be comforted, especially when eating. The pain from her mystery disease was so immense that her development was affected.

In early April of 2021, Frankie had surgery to place a gastrostomy tube since she could not eat successfully. The same techniques I would use with my music therapy clients to develop.

One day, it was like the lights came on for her, and she could see. She started responding to sounds and hitting developmental milestones that were initially behind.

Research and experience teach us that music can alleviate pain, alter neural pathways, stimulate expression, improve mood, and, in some cases, heal. Yet that does not compare to the lived experience of how music can give a family the priceless gift of a truly joyful moment together.

Frankie has taught me that the normal, day-to-day, dancingin the-living-room moments are the profound moments in life, and sharing that with others has become my passion in life.

The reason for our existence is to experience the notes in the symphony of our lives.

That’s why I joined Resounding Joy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that enhances the human experience through therapeutic applications of music. Our team of board-certified music therapists (MT-BC) empower individuals and groups in our community to use music to reach their goals.

At Resounding Joy, we believe that everyone deserves access to support, but we also know that there can be many barriers to finding something that works. That’s why we provide support regardless of circumstance through our four programs.

The Sounds of Healing program uses music therapy to improve the cognitive, physical, psychological, and social well-being of children facing severe, complex, chronic, or disruptive healthcare issues in a variety of settings. Our goal is to create positive experiences that contribute to the overall quality of life and progression of health for children receiving medical care as well as their families.

Sounds of Legacy brings the familiarity of favorite songs to seniors enrolled in adult daycare programs, assisted living facilities, memorycare facilities, and living in the community. Our goals are to improve mood and quality of life, provide opportunities for socialization, promote memory and reminiscence, and empower individuals to tell their story and leave their legacy through songwriting and music making.

The Sounds of Service program uses music therapy and recreational music to address stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and physical injury. Our goal is to empower individuals to use the music they already listen to, and love, to improve overall wellness. Music therapists work to educate individuals and groups on how the body responds to stress and how music can be used to shut off the fight/flight response when it is not needed.

Sounds of Community provides music programs that promote health and happiness to individuals, groups, and communities. This includes our volunteers, staff wellness, drum circles, music lessons, events, and so much more.

Each program is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals and groups in our community. Whether you are a child facing chronic illness, a senior in an assisted living facility, or just looking for a way to connect with others through music, we are here to help.

Our team of board-certified music therapists works with each client to customize a support plan that meets their individual goals and needs. We believe that everyone deserves access to support, regardless of circumstance, and we are committed to making our services as accessible and affordable as possible.

Resounding Joy Indiana is thrilled to offer music therapy for individuals ages 0-22 who qualify for an HCBS Waiver, thanks to a grant-funded opportunity from BDDS. Participation is voluntary, for a limited time, and does not impact any other services your child is receiving. We are offering individual music therapy sessions, group music therapy sessions, and telehealth options to meet the unique needs of each individual and family we support.

If you’re ready for you or your child to feel seen, heard, and connected, we invite you to join us in the Resounding Joy band!

Resounding Joy Indiana 317-207-0423

lzehren@resoundingjoyinc.org resoundingjoyinc.org/indiana