“Shayla has never exhibited any hesitancy in speaking up on behalf of those she is working with to enhance issues of human rights or social justice.”

– Former supervisor at social work internship

Liberation Health framework (LHF) has become an integral perspective and modality in my practice as a social worker and music therapist. This framework recognizes that problems do not occur individually but as part of a larger societal and systematic issue. The world impacts us, and we impact the world!

Please view this video from Boston Liberation Health to learn more:
Introduction to the Liberation Health Model

In my final semester at BUSSW I had the privilege of doing an independent study with the co-creator of Liberation Health framework, Dr. Dawn Belkin Martinez.

Some of the components of my independent study included:

• Applying Liberation Health to one of my weekly music therapy groups: People with Parkinson’s Music Therapy support group.

• Presenting to the Lowy-GEM program (aging studies) seminar to social work students working with older adults. My hope in this presentation was to advocate and inspire students to engage in social justice work with older adults. In the final poll at the end of the presentation, several students noted they were excited and felt more confident to try Liberation Health with their clients. The presentation with de-identified information is included below.

  

  Click to download

• Additionally, I submitted an application to present at the New England Region Music Therapy conference. This proposal was accepted and I will be presenting in March 2026 with the goal of introducing this social work model (Liberation Health) to other music therapists.

I am also proud to be currently writing a chapter in the future second edition of
Social Justice in Clinical Practice: A Liberation Health Framework for Social Work .

I am deeply honored to share my interest in liberation work with older adults to a wider audience.

Special thanks to Dr. Dawn Belkin Martinez for her enthusiasm and encouragement. I look forward to continuing to learn from her and other Liberation Health comrades.

Competency Note: In using the Liberation Health Framework and Model I have demonstrated the following competencies:
2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic and Environmental Justice
3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Practice
4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities