Challenge America at RISE26 Conference in Nashville
Challenge America was honored to participate in the RISE26 Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, this July, where we shared our work bringing music therapy to Veteran Treatment Courts across the country and connected with justice, treatment, and public health professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for Veterans and justice-involved individuals.
Challenge America Lead Music Therapist Kate Wasserman, MT-BC, presented on the healing power of music, highlighting the evidence-based impact of music therapy for Veterans participating in treatment courts.
Kate was joined by members of our team and an esteemed panel of treatment court partners, including Judge Dan Healy of the Solano County Superior Court; Judge William Wallace and Program Manager Brent Dorrough from Ellis County, TX; Nate Stumme, head of the Duluth Criminal Division in the St. Louis County Attorney's Office; Challenge America CEO Houston Cowan; and songwriter Austin Edwards. Together, they explored how creative arts therapies support recovery, build resilience, and promote long-term success for Veterans navigating the justice system.
Following the presentation, Challenge America Music Therapists Kate Wasserman and Susan Bock gave a 60-minute experiential workshop that gave participants the opportunity to experience music therapy firsthand and better understand how creative arts therapies foster healing, connection, and recovery.
In addition to presenting, the Challenge America team welcomed attendees at Booth #104, where we shared information about our music therapy programs and engaged in meaningful conversations with professionals seeking innovative approaches to treatment and recovery.
About the RISE Conference:
For more than two decades, the RISE Conference has brought together justice, treatment, and public health professionals committed to advancing evidence-based practices for individuals impacted by substance use, mental health, and trauma. RISE26 continued that tradition, providing a collaborative space to explore innovative strategies that strengthen both public safety and public health.
We are grateful to the RISE organizers, our treatment court partners, and everyone who attended our presentations and visited our booth. Thank you for helping us advance the conversation around the transformative role of music therapy in supporting Veterans and justice-involved individuals on their path to recovery.
