Dr. Rebecca L. Wellman, PhD, LPMT, MT-BC is an accomplished music therapist, educator, author, advocate, and leader whose pioneering work in memory care, neurodegenerative conditions, and therapeutic education has shaped the field of music therapy and transformed lives across generations. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Wellman stands at the forefront of person-centered, integrative healthcare and caregiver support—championing innovative, research-informed approaches that blend clinical excellence with compassionate, community-focused care.

Currently serving as Volunteer Coordinator and Music Therapist with CompassionCare Hospice, Dr. Wellman brings warmth and purpose to end-of-life care by developing volunteer programs, overseeing community service initiatives, and delivering music therapy to patients and families navigating complex emotional and medical journeys. Her work extends from hospice care to memory support, neurorehabilitation, trauma recovery, early childhood development, and beyond.

As Director of Memory Care at Solera Senior Living – Lumina Las Vegas, Dr. Wellman redefined engagement and wellness programming by designing staff training, behavior tracking, and family-centered assessment tools that elevated standards of care. She fostered cross-sector partnerships with organizations like the Clark County Library District, Springs Preserve, and TheKey, and led community outreach through family events, newsletters, and social media—all grounded in inclusivity, dignity, and meaningful connection.

During her six-year tenure at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Dr. Wellman developed nationally recognized programs including Music Therapy Respite, the Intergenerational Interludes series (which earned the Cleveland Clinic’s Caregiver Catalyst Award), and the Dementia Friendly Concert Series. She established accredited internship programs, contributed to groundbreaking research, and helped secure over $1.5 million in funding to support music therapy access for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s Disease, and other complex neurological conditions.

A sought-after educator and mentor, Dr. Wellman has served on the faculties of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, and the University of Phoenix. She has designed and taught courses in aging, human services, wellness, psychology, and clinical music therapy, in addition to mentoring countless students and interns through clinical training and private supervision. She is also an Approved Provider of Continuing Education through the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

Dr. Wellman holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Capella University, a Master of Music in Music Therapy from Ohio University, and a BA in Music History and Theory from Hiram College. Her clinical training and research are rooted in developmental psychology, counseling, and intergenerational models of care. She is a Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, with additional credentials in grief counseling, NLP, sound healing, psychological first aid, and more.

She is the author of multiple caregiver guides, including Truthful Tips for Dementia Caregivers and Truthful Behavior Tips for Dementia Caregivers, and has published research in Music Therapy Perspectives, Neurotherapeutics, Music Medicine, and Parkinsonism and Related Disorders. As a journal reviewer, she supports academic rigor in publications related to integrative medicine, geriatrics, and allied health.

Dr. Wellman’s commitment to service is evident through her leadership roles within the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)—where she has served as Assembly Delegate, Awards Committee member, and National Chair of the Emergency/Disaster Response Task Force—and as Past President of the Western Region of AMTA. Her legislative advocacy helped advance music therapy recognition and licensure in Illinois. She is also a board member for Veterans LYFE Services, a grant writer for veteran and caregiver initiatives, and an active volunteer with Dementia Friendly Southern Nevada, the Parkinson’s Foundation, The Smith Center, and the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

Her work has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2025 Midnight Records Power of Music Award, Marquis Who’s Who in America (2024), the ARCH National Respite Network Rising Star Award, the Hearts of Gold Award for her service to Southern Nevada veterans, and the Illinois Association for Music Therapy Service to the Association Award.

At the heart of Dr. Rebecca Wellman’s career is a singular mission: to create spaces of healing, growth, and understanding through music, education, and advocacy. Her voice continues to echo not only in the lives she’s touched directly, but in the broader fields of healthcare and therapy, where her legacy is one of integrity, innovation, and unwavering compassion.