Wakefield Woman Spreading The Word About Therapy Drumming

Relatively few people are familiar with therapy drumming, but Wakefield resident Karina Fireheart has been working to change that. On Saturday, she'll be at the Wakefield Farmer's Market ( 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hall Park on North Ave. ) with a table talking about the nonprofit group Drums and Disabilities (DAD).

"(Drumming) is actually a therapy that reprograms the brain," said Fireheart, explaining that DAD was founded by Pat Gesualdo, who over the years managed to become symptom-free from dyslexia and cerebral palsy with great help from a therapy drumming regimen. The group's website says that therapy drumming can also be helpful for those Aspberger's, autism,  cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, ADHD, and other conditions.

Fireheart is not a drummer herself. However, she has played the trumpet and a little piano, and was also a professional dancer who appeared in musical theatre shows all over the United States and Europe before an injury helped cut that career short. "I've taken on bringing awareness of the benefits of drum therapy for those with disabilities," she added. Adults with occupational injuries and wounded veterans have also reportedly used drum therapy.

Right now, there are not any drum therapists in Massachusetts, and Fireheart is considering studying to become the first one. In theory, she says,  many types of professionals - including those in special needs education, music education, social work, and therapy - could use drum therapy in their work. "It's really for the lay person to learn and then help the kids," she said."It's not a very difficult thing to learn."

Along with the therapeutic benefits, Fireheart noted that drum therapy can improve a person's self esteem as they become more adept with the instrument.

"It just really struck me as something that was really inspiring and I'm always looking for things that make a difference people's lives and in the world," said Karina, who at some point in the future also intends to hold a drum and dance event in Wakefield.

Those wanting to learn more about drum therapy or the group Drums and Disabilities can email Karina at karinafireheart@mac.com.