Stephenie Sofield

Stephenie Sofield, MM, MT-BC (she/her), is Assistant Professor of Music Therapy and Director of the Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy program at Duquesne University's Mary Pappert School of Music. She is currently completing her PhD in the Creative Arts Therapies program at Drexel University, where her dissertation explores child-adult power dynamics through feminist arts-based research.

Education:

• Master of Music (M.M.), Ohio University
• Bachelor of Music (B.M.), University of North Texas

Her research and clinical work are grounded in feminist praxis, child liberation, and anti-oppressive frameworks. She specializes in supporting children and adolescents affected by complex trauma resulting from intimate partner violence or human trafficking. Her methodological interests include arts-based and collaborative research approaches that center co-constructed healing and egalitarian relationships.

Stephenie is an active leader in the music therapy community, having served as Government Relations Chair and Co-Chair of the Anti-Oppressive Accountability Ad-Hoc Committee for the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). She has presented widely on topics such as childhood trauma, liberatory practices, and music therapy for chronic pain.

Scientific Awards:

• MAR-AMTA 2023 Research Award
• Drexel University’s Global Engagement Funding Award
• Florence Tyson Grant to Study Music Psychotherapy

She is an advanced trainee in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) and has extensive experience as a board-certified music therapist. Her prior teaching roles include adjunct faculty positions at Molloy University and Drexel University. She is actively engaged in professional organizations such as the American Music Therapy Association, the Mayday Group, the Association for Music & Imagery, and the International Society for Music Educators. Her background in musical performance includes diverse ensemble experiences and over two decades as a marching percussion educator across scholastic, collegiate, and independent programs.