KATHRYN W. COCCIA, PHD, MT-BC
EDUCATION
PhD in Social Work (2025)
Saint Louis University
TokTogether: A Parasocial Approach to Addressing Ageism and Advancing Geriatric Workforce Development among University Health Students
(Dissertation Chair: Dr. Cara L. Wallace)
Master of Music in Music Therapy (2020)
Ohio University
Exploring the Music Therapist’s Role in Hospice Care for Individuals with Dementia (Masters (Project Chair: Dr. Laura S. Brown)
Music Therapy Bachelor’s Equivalency (2015)
Ohio University
Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (2012)
Millikin University
CERTIFICATIONS
Board Certified Music Therapist (2015-Present)
Certification Number 12203
The Certification Board for Music Therapists
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Graduate Research Assistant
Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO (2025-Present)
@HOME+: Help Online Modifying the Environment for Dementia Caregivers
Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Grant
PI: Allison Gibson, MSW, PhD
- Developing and designing distributable materials for caregivers in Canva
- Consulting on appropriate strategies for Dementia caregivers using music
- Helped with preparation of Institutional Review Board Protocol for research arm of project
Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO (2023-Present)
Effectiveness of a Collaborative Music Therapy and Social Work Telehealth Framework to Address the Well Being of Community Dwelling Older Adults
Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award Recipient 2022
PI: Allison Gibson, MSW, PhD
- Consulting as interdisciplinary expert in music therapy and social work
- Administering study measures, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
- Assisting in analysis and dissemination efforts
Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO (2021-Present)
The Social Context of Live Discharge from Hospice for Family Caregivers of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
National Institute of Nursing Research Grant: Award #3R21NR017978-01A1S1
PI: Cara Wallace, PhD, LMSW, APHSW-C
- Conducted qualitative interviews of ADRD caregivers impacted by live discharge from hospice
- Engaged in qualitative analysis of interviews with research team
- Acted as a team member in systematic review of literature on live discharge from hospice for ADRD patients
Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO (2020-Present)
The Impact of Live Discharge from Hospice for Patients and Caregivers
National Institute of Nursing Research Grant: Award # 1R21NR017978-01A1
PI: Cara Wallace, PhD, LMSW, APHSW-C
- Conducted survey data collection and qualitative interviews with patients and caregivers impacted by live discharge from hospice care
- Assisted in developing the data collection protocol manual
- Developed and implemented recruitment strategies
- Assisted in disseminating research outcomes and methodological considerations through manuscript contribution and conference presentations
Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO (2020-Present)
Reframing Hospice in Public Consciousness
Cambia Health Foundation Grant
PI: Cara Wallace, PhD, LMSW, APHSW-C
- Conducted literature review about public perceptions of hospice care
- Assisted in developing the Hospice Perceptions Instrument(HPI) for diverse patients and families
- Assisted in the factor analysis and validation process of the HPI
- Assisted in the dissemination of research outcomes in manuscript preparation and conference presentations
Research Consultant
Chiu, Yu-Ting (2024). Music Therapists’ Use of World Percussion Instruments in Music Therapy Practice in the United States. Molloy University, Department of Music, Master’s Thesis.
- Provided guidance on quantitative research methodology, statistics, and survey development
- Completed data cleaning using R software
- Conducted statistical analysis of survey data
- Reported descriptive and inferential statistics
Gallego, Juan Carlo (2024). Survey Exploring Changes in Music Therapists’ Theoretical Orientations in Hospice and Palliative Care. Molloy University, Department of Music, Master’s Thesis.
- Provided consultation on statistical methods
- Assisted with quantitative data cleaning and analysis
- Conducted and reported inferential statistics
Odasso-Weschenfelder, Ana (2024). Workplace Experiences of Neurodivergent Music Therapists. Molloy University, Department of Music, Master’s Thesis.
- Provided consultation regarding quantitative research methodology and statistics
- Completed data cleaning using R software
- Conducted and reported descriptive and inferential statistics
Kennard, Kristen (2021). Depression Screening and Referral in Patients with Hypertension. Arizona State University, Department of Clinical Behavioral Health, Doctoral Dissertation.
- Conducted data analysis utilizing Microsoft Excel
- Conducted and reported descriptive statistics, including visual charts
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Clinical Music Therapy Supervisor (2017-2021)
BJC Hospice
- Supervised music therapy interns and practicum students from Maryville University
- Developed teaching materials to build students’ knowledge about hospice music therapy
- Prepared mid-term and final evaluations of student progress
- Coordinated music-based community service projects
University Guest Lecturer
Saint Louis University School of Social Work (October 2024)
Understanding and Dismantling Ageism. Course: Dismantling Oppression: Exploring Equity and Inclusion
Saint Louis University: Albert Gnaegi Center for Healthcare Ethics (September 2024)
Hospice Music Therapy: Introduction and Ethical Considerations. Course: Ethics and Geriatric Care
Saint Louis University School of Social Work (March 2024)
Music Therapy in Bereavement. Course: Death and Dying
Florida Gulf Coast University: Bower School of Music (February 2024)
Music Therapy in Hospice Care. Course: Introduction to Music Therapy
Washington University: Brown School of Social Work (April 2023)
Dementia and End of Life Care. Course: Social Policy and Aging
Saint Louis University: Albert Gnaegi Center for Healthcare Ethics (November 2021)
Life at the Intersection of Stigma and Avoidance: A Dangerous Existence for Those Dying with Advanced Dementia. Course: Ethics and Geriatric Care
Washington University: School of Medicine (May 2018)
Music Therapy at BJC Hospice. Course: Music in Medicine.
University of Delaware: School of Nursing (May 2017)
The Role of Music Therapy in End-of-Life Care. Course: Spheres of Care Across the Lifespan
Ohio University: School of Music (April 2016)
Music Therapy and Eating Disorders. Course: Special Topics in Music Therapy
CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Hospice Music Therapist (2017-2021)
BJC Hospice: St Louis, MO
- Provided music therapy services to hospice patients and families across the St. Louis Region
- Facilitated music experiences for bereavement camps and retreats sponsored by BJC Hospice
- Developed and executed in-service and marketing presentations about music therapy
- Selected and performed music for BJC Hospice memorial services
Hospice Music Therapist (2017)
VITAS Healthcare: Newark, DE
- Provided music therapy services to hospice patients and families in their homes throughout the state of Delaware
- Provided Continuing Education and marketing presentations about hospice music therapy
Music Therapist (2015-2017)
The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt: Towson, MD
- Developed new music therapy program for patients at the inpatient and partial hospitalization levels of care, utilizing music interventions to facilitate healthy emotional expression, build clients’ positive self-image, and develop positive coping skills
- Developed music-based mindfulness program
- Wrote and received internal grant for music therapy supplies
Music Therapist (2016-2017)
Linwood School: Ellicott City, MD
- Provided group music therapy services to clients ages 4-21 with autism spectrum disorders
- Developed and executed treatment plans based on students’ IEP and classroom goals
- Planned and prepared holiday concert for family and friends
Music Therapy Intern (2015)
CarePartners Hospice: Asheville, NC
- Provided individualized music therapy services to hospice patients in their homes and in an inpatient hospice facility
- Facilitated weekly grief education class for adults and provided individual music therapy and grief counseling for school-aged youth who have experienced the death of a loved one
PUBLICATIONS
Wallace, C. L., Wladkowski, S. P., Al-Juboori, R., Wingo, A., Coccia, K. W., Hyde, R., & Hendricks-Ferguson, V. (2025). Benefits and Burdens of Research Participation: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review in Palliative and End-of-Life Care. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing, 27(5), E211-E224. https://doi.org/ 10.1097/njh.0000000000001140
Wallace, C. L., Subramaniam, D. S., Wray, R., Bullock, K., Dant, D., Coccia, K., … & Hendricks-Ferguson, V. L. (2025). Development of a Hospice Perceptions Instrument for Diverse Patients and Families: Establishing Content and Face Validity. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Fiala, M. A., Leblanc, M. R., Coccia, K. W., Bandaru, S., Silberstein, A. E., Coles, T., & Vij, R. (2024). Mixed-Methods study on the responsiveness of the comprehensive score for financial toxicity among people with multiple myeloma. JCO Oncology Practice, OP-23.
Coccia, K.W. (April 2024). The Use of Music in Palliative Care (Box in Ch. 3). In Donesky, D., Millic, M., Saks, N., & Wallace, C.L. (eds.), Intentionally Interprofessional Palliative Care. Oxford University Press.
Wladkowski, S. P., Wallace, C. L., Coccia, K., Hyde, R. C., Hinyard, L., & Washington, K. T. (2024). Live discharge of hospice patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: A systematic review. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, 41(2), 228-239. https://doi.org/10.1177/10499091231168401
Wallace, C.L., Coccia, K.W., Khoo, Y.M., & Bullock. K. (2023). The Meaning of Hospice Care: Perceptions of Hospice Patients and Caregivers. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 40(10). https://doi.org/10.1177/10499091221149702
PEER REVIEWED PRESENTATIONS
Coccia, K.W., Hendricks-Ferguson, V., Wladkowski, S., & Wallace, C.L. (November 2024). Secondary Emotional Distress: Supporting Your Research Team through the Qualitative Research Process, Gerontological Society of America, 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting, Seattle, WA.
Gibson, A., Coccia, K.W., Hasten, L.N. (November 2024). The Experiences of Disclosing Alzheimer’s Disease in the US Workplace, Gerontological Society of America, 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting, Seattle, WA.
Hinyard, L., Wladkowski, S.P., Hendricks-Ferguson, V., Al Juboori, R., Coccia, K.W., Bennett, A., & Wallace, C.L. (November 2024). Utility of the Care Transition Measure (CTM-15) and a Measure of Continuity of Care in Live Discharge. Presentation in “Live Discharge from Hospice as a Critical Care Transition: Measurement, Experiences, and Solutions” Symposium, Gerontological Society of America, 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting, Seattle, WA.
Washington, K.T., Wladkowski, S.P., Coccia, K.W., Berg-Weger, M., & Wallace, C.L. (November 2024). Experiences of Care Transitions from Hospice: ADRD Family Caregivers Social Contexts. Presentation in “Live Discharge from Hospice as a Critical Care Transition: Measurement, Experiences, and Solutions” Symposium, Gerontological Society of America, 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting, Seattle, WA.
Wallace, C.L., Subramaniam, D.S., Hendricks-Ferguson, V., Wray, R., Dant, D., Bullock, K., Bennett, A., Coccia, K.W., & White, P. (March 2023). Development of a Hospice Perceptions Instrument for Diverse Patients and Families. American Association for Hospice and Palliative Medicine 2023 Annual Assembly, Montreal, Canada.
Wallace, C.L., Washington, K.T., Coccia, K.W., Ferguson, V., Wingo, A., Hinyard, L., Berg-Weger, M., Wladkowski, S.P. (November 2022). Recruiting Patient-Caregiver Dyads in a Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities in Hospice and Palliative Research. Gerontological Society of America, 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting, Indianapolis, IN.
Coccia, K.W. (April 2022). Life at the intersection of stigma and avoidance: A dangerous existence for those dying with advanced dementia. Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network, 2022 General Assembly, Santa Fe, NM
Wallace, C.L., Wladkowski, S.P., Wingo, A., & Coccia, K.W. (April 2022). Where do we go from here? Improving Care Transitions Following Decertification from Hospice. Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network, 2022 General Assembly, Santa Fe, NM
Coccia, K.W. (January 2022). Advance care planning and hospice utilization for people with dementia: A report from the health and retirement study. SSWR 26th Annual Conference. Online.
Wladkowski, S.P., Coccia, K.W., Wingo, A., Al Juboori, R., & Wallace, C.L. (November 2021). What Happens When the Patient Doesn’t Die? Understanding Live Discharge from Hospice Care. Gerontological Society of America, 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting, Virtual.
Coccia, K.W. (November 2021). Advance care planning and hospice utilization for people with dementia: A report from the health and retirement survey. Gerontological Society of America 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting. Online.
Coccia, K.W. (October 2021). Oral research presentation: Exploring the music therapist’s role in hospice care for individuals with dementia.American Music Therapy Association 2021 National Conference, Virtual.
Coccia, K.W. and Dwiggins, A. (March 2021) Cadences for comfort: Music therapy in hospice and palliative care. Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network 2021 Virtual Summit, Virtual.
Coccia, K.W. (March 2020). Exploring the music therapist’s role in hospice care for individuals with dementia. Midwestern Region of the American Music Therapy Association Conference 2020 Conference, Virtual
Borzi, A., Coccia, K.W., Hefner, M., Sova, B. (March 2016). Building bridges: Advocacy and collaboration in interdisciplinary education.Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association 2016 Conference, Harrisburg, PA.
MEDIA FEATURES
Pierce, J.[interviewer] and Coccia, K.W. [interviewee](2021).Healing through music therapy. St. Louis Higher Education Channel. https://www.hecmedia.org/posts/healing-through-music-therapy
Fowler, N. (2020, March 25). Heart-wrenching joy: Music therapist sets hospice patients’ heartbeats to song. [Radio broadcast]. St. Louis Public Radio. https://news.stlpublicradio.org/health-science-environment/2020-03-25/heart-wrenching-joy-music-therapist-sets-hospice-patients-heartbeats-to-song
INVITED PRESENTATIONS
Music Therapy in Hospice and Palliative Care (December 2020)
Continuing Education presentation for Gateway End of Life Coalition, St. Louis, MO
Cadences for Comfort: Music Therapy in Hospice Care (October 2019)
Washington University Friedman Center for Aging
Music Therapy in Hospice Care (April 2017)
Continuing Education presentation for nurses and social workers in Delaware
Songwriting in End-of-Life Music Therapy (July 2015)
CarePartners Hospice, Asheville, NC
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Saint Louis University Social Work PhD Student Association (2021- 2023)
President 2021-2022; Vice President 2022-2023
Saint Louis University Graduate Student Association (2021-2022)
Social Work PhD department representative; DEI Committee Member
MEMBERSHIPS
Gerontological Society of America (2021-Present)
Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network (2020-Present)
American Music Therapy Association (2013-Present)
Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honors Fraternity (2012-Present)
Kathryn W.Coccia, PHD, MT-BC 