March 2026
March at NMTS: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month — a national movement that began in 1987 as a call for access, opportunity, and full inclusion in community life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, it is about more than awareness; it is about honoring lived experience, celebrating identity, and amplifying voices that have always been present and powerful.
Projects like the award-winning podcast Telling It Our Way, featuring stories written and performed by people with developmental disabilities, create space for those voices to be heard on their own terms — sharing real, complex, joyful, and challenging moments of life with honesty and pride. In the music world, bands like The AutistiX are redefining what it means to be performers, creating vibrant original music that reflects both the realities of navigating a world not built for everyone and the extraordinary creativity that comes from neurodivergent perspectives.
Through music therapy and adaptive music programs, people of all abilities gain new skills while also having a space to express who they are, build meaningful connections, and step forward as artists, collaborators, and leaders in our community.
At NMTS, awareness is turned into action — into opportunities to perform, to connect, to learn, and to be recognized as an essential part of our community. This is the spirit of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and it is the work we witness every day at NMTS.
— Manal Toppozada, Executive Director
Cue the Music… It’s Prom Night
You’re Invited!!!
Friday, March 27 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Get ready for one of the most anticipated Friday Fun Nights of the year — Prom at NMTS.
This special evening is open to people of all ages and abilities and is all about coming together as a community to dance, connect, and celebrate music.
Wear what makes you feel your best — from formal to funky, sequins to sneakers. There’s no right way to show up here — just bring yourself and your energy.
Request your favorite songs, dance however you like, and enjoy a night filled with movement, laughter, and community.
At the NMTS Prom, the dance floor belongs to everyone.
If you’re interested in volunteering for this event please contact Nohemy Velasco via email at nohemy@nmtsreno.org OR by calling 775.324.5521
Building the Future of NMTS→
Renovation work at the front of NMTS is moving right along! We’re grateful for your continued patience as we create a safer, more accessible, and more welcoming entrance for our community. Be sure to check out the photos to see the progress and where things stand today—exciting changes are taking shape!
Growing the Next Generation of Music Therapists
We’re excited to introduce Emma, NMTS’s current music therapy intern, who is completing her clinical training under the supervision of Lead Music Therapist Sam White.
Emma recently finished her undergraduate coursework in music therapy at the University of the Pacific, where she will graduate with a bachelor’s of music in music therapy and a minor in psychology. Before coming to NMTS, she spent five years teaching piano at Tamraloo Studios in Lincoln, California — an experience that helped shape her passion for using music as both an educational and therapeutic tool.
Meet our Intern: Emma→
Emma was drawn to NMTS for its strong community focus and the opportunity to work with a wide range of client populations. In her first month alone, Emma has been immersed in sessions, shadowing our music therapists and adaptive music teachers and gaining hands-on experience she plans to carry into her future career.
Music has been part of Emma’s life since she began piano at age five, and she sees it as a teacher, a source of connection, a form of expression, and a way to support others. Outside of NMTS, she enjoys crocheting, spending time with cats, and listening to her current favorite artists — Lorde and Will Wood.
We’re so glad to have Emma as part of the NMTS community.
NMTS is proud to be a training site for future music therapists through our Music Therapy Internship Program, which is affiliated with the University of the Pacific in California.
Our interns:
complete over 1,000 hours of clinical training
work directly alongside board-certified music therapists
support sessions across the lifespan and across program areas
gain experience in individualized and group settings
learn how music therapy serves medical, educational, and community environments
Interns are an essential part of the NMTS community — bringing creativity, dedication, and fresh perspective while developing the clinical skills that will shape their careers.
This program is one of the ways that we are growing the field, strengthening our community, and ensuring that music therapy reaches more people for years to come.
Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Events ♪ Upcoming Events ♫ Upcoming Events ♪ Upcoming Events ♬
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10:00 - 10:30 am at NMTS
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada brings its “Produce on Wheels” program to NMTS from 10:00 - 10:30 am on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
If you’re age 60 or older, come by and get some free produce!
(Clients must be 60 years or older, live in Nevada, have a valid ID and be willing to complete an intake form and survey.)
Get more information here
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5:30 - 6:30 PM at NMTS
Enjoy a calming sound bath designed to help you relax and reset through the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls, percussion, and chimes. These instruments encourage a meditative state that can release tension and promote a sense of calm. Ages 12+ welcome. Donations are accepted and walk-ins are welcome. Participants typically lie on the floor, so comfortable clothing, blankets, and mats are encouraged, though chairs will also be available.
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5:00 - 6:30 pm at NMTS
Join us at NMTS for our monthly Friday Fun Night, featuring NMTS Prom! Come dance, request your favorite songs, connect with community, express yourself, and have fun on the dance floor. Wear what makes you feel your best — from formal to funky — and celebrate a night of music, movement, and joy together. Free and open to all ages and abilities (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; pickup no later than 6:45 PM). $5 suggested donation.
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11:00 am at NMTS
Celebrate Earth Day with NMTS at our very first Block Party & Community Cleanup! Starting at 11 AM, we’ll come together to help clean up along Orovada Street, giving back to the neighborhood we’re proud to call home. After the cleanup, everyone is invited back to NMTS for a community barbecue and live music. Join us for a meaningful day of service, connection, and music as we care for our community and our planet together. 💚🌎🌻
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5:00 - 6:30 pm at NMTS
It’s time to shine! Join us at NMTS for Karaoke Night—an evening of music, confidence, and community. Whether you’re ready to grab the mic and sing your favorite song or prefer to cheer on friends from the audience, this night is all about self-expression and support in a welcoming space. The event ends at 6:30 p.m., with pick-up no later than 6:45 p.m. This event is open to all ages and all abilities. Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation to support NMTS.
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10:00 - 1:00 pm at NMTS
Join us for our annual NMTS Spring Recitals, where musicians, singers, songwriters, and dancers take the stage to share what they’ve been working on throughout the year. Each recital features an eclectic mix of talent — with some performers stepping into the spotlight for the first time and others returning with years of experience. In order to accommodate all of our performers, the recitals will take place 10:00–11:00 AM and 12:00–1:00 PM. Free to attend; donations appreciated.
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February Thank Yous
Thank you to our February donors:
River Bailey, Allie Cheney, City of Reno Arts and Culture, Corebridge, Tiffany Dunseath, Wendy Firestone, For the Song Charitable Fund, Michael Hix, Michael Lahnala, Joe Macaluso, Mary Ann McCauley, Lea Moser, Whitney Pomi, Q&D Construction, Reno Aces Foundation, Dena Sweigart, Manal Toppozada
The NMTS monthly Music Makers giving crew:
Danelle Archuleta-Moser, Susan Boner, Susan Boskoff, Dodie Bryant, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, Cheryl Eckert, Nate & Tashina Eng, Wendy & John Firestone, Mary Lee Fulkerson, CeCelia Gable, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Karen Golonka, Lindsey Gross-Tromerhauser, Carrie Harding, Beverly Hennen, Sharon Hickox & Jennifer Tibben, Daniel Hickox-Young, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob & Mel Minarik, Ana Johnson, Kay Ellen Kephart, Nadia Khan, Lucy Knight, Michael Lahnala, Brad Lund & Trudy Miller, Deanna Lyons, Melanie Mahan, Lynda Mahorter, Stephen Martin, Mary Ann McCauley, Olga Mesina, LuAnn Miller, Mary Miller, Sophie Moeller, Pauline Mooers, Miguel Morales, Lee Moran, Meghan Ochs, Lisa A Rizzoli, Cindy Sabatini, Jake & Rachel Steinman, Jeannie Steinman, Judith Stewart, Sarah & Nate Toney, Elizabeth Van Zijl, Ken & Doreen Vogel, Don & Lori Welsh, Gina Wertz, Dave Wilson, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, Tim Young & Jodie Barker
Thank you to our February volunteers:
River Bailey, Jeff Bloyd, Matthew Cotton, Cheryl Eckert, Matt Ennis, Mark Geeson, Mike Hix, Dennise Howard, Michael Lahnala, Tony Martin, Jasmin Morales, Lea Moser, Greg McNie, Mary Ann McCauley, Ashley Malek, Olga Mesina, Linda Newberg, Whitney Pomi, Pat Raigans, Patti Rodriguez, Stephanie Schoen, Becca Shipley, Bill Sutman, Pat Sutman, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Ken Vogel
Volunteer of the Month: Charlene Choate
Charlene (Char) has been a long-time supporter and dedicated volunteer at NMTS, generously sharing her time, talents, and heart with our community. Whether she’s welcoming guests with a warm smile at the front desk or singing out in the community with our choir groups, Char embodies the spirit of NMTS in action. Her enthusiasm, reliability, and genuine care for others make her a truly valued part of our community. We are deeply grateful for the many ways she supports our programs and helps create a welcoming space for everyone. Thank you, Char, for being such an important and inspiring part of the NMTS family!
