Guest: Arvis Jones

We are proud to replay our riveting interview with Arvis Jones from November 2012, as Arvis was just awarded WOMAN OF THE YEAR by Zeta Phi Beta, Lambda Pi Zeta South Bay Chapter.

Arvis was one of the first African American Music Therapist employed by Arts & Services for the Disabled. She was also the first Music Therapist at the Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic, working with children and youth of all ages who have emotional and environmental problems. She developed a program to address the needs of clients ages 2½ to 22 years.

Arvis has been the Assistant Director of The Center For Grief and Loss for Children, a program of Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services for 6 years, where she helps to provide a supportive environment for families who are experiencing some type of grief and loss. She is also the founder of the Center For Grief and Loss Children’s Choir.

Arvis provides grief and loss training for therapists, clinicians, teachers, after-school personnel, clergy, parents, and volunteers. Through a grant provided by the L. A. City Attorney’s Office, she has developed a grief and loss program for nine middle schools of LAUSD. She works with the L. A. Mayor’s Crises Response Team and the LAPD. Arvis has received numerous awards including, Woman of Distinction of Senate District 25, and Pioneer Woman of Council District 15.

She has presented at many conferences all across the U. S., including the Institute on Violence, and Trauma (IVAT) Conference.