The Playroom is part of “Sophie’s Place,” a new therapeutic facility at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Miller Family Campus in Lehi. (Photo courtesy Intermountain Health)
A new music therapy room has opened at the Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital Miller Family Campus in Lehi. Members of the hospital staff, along with founders of the Forever Young Foundation, cut the ribbon June 23 for “Sophie’s Place.” The new facility is being called the nation’s first to combine music, art and dance/movement therapy for pediatric patients.
NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, founder of the Forever Young Foundation, was joined by his wife and foundation co-chair, Barb Young, at the event. “Sophie’s Place” was established by the Forever Young Foundation in loving memory of Utah singer and songwriter Sophie Barton, who was a volunteer at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City prior to her passing at age 17.
“Through Sophie’s Place, Sophie’s heart continues to beat on — bringing comfort, inspiration and healing to countless young patients,” said Young. “The frequency of physician-prescribed music therapy underscores just how vital this non-invasive, functional treatment is in transforming and improving the lives of the children we are privileged to serve.”
Afterward, patients and the community celebrated the grand opening with performances from kids, students and grown-ups, including 10-year-old Adele Storrs; David Osmond, lead singer of The Osmonds-Second Generation; EJ Michels, singer-songwriter and “The Voice” contestant; and Brigham Young University dancers Katie Williams and Jordan Halterman. The nation’s first Sophie’s Place opened in 2013 at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital’s Salt Lake Campus.
The newest Sophie’s Place expressive therapies room contains instruments including a piano, drums and guitars; microphones; a dedicated recording studio; and spaces for art and dance/movement therapies.
“What makes this location unique is its vibrant, multi-disciplinary approach to healing through self-expression, self-discovery and joy,” said Lisa Paletta, president of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, Miller Family Campus. “We’re thankful to the Barton family and Forever Young Foundation for supporting this important space for patient healing, inspired by Sophie’s beautiful legacy.”
In 2010, Sophie Barton passed away unexpectedly while hiking. Three years later, Sophie’s family partnered with Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital to ensure her vision to heal the world with music.
“It means so much more knowing this is Sophie’s Place, having grown up in the area,” said Anne-Marie Barton, Sophie’s mom. “Nothing means more than knowing the Primary Children’s Lehi location and Sophie’s Place are here to serve the children by bringing music for healing. Her soul is here in Utah, and this new location means she can inspire healing and love for all those who visit these special rooms.”
Expressive therapies use creative arts as therapeutic tools to facilitate growth and healing and address patient goals. Funded entirely througha philanthropy, these services are provided to patients and families at no cost.
The Miller Family Campus opened in February 2024 as part of Intermountain Health’s broader vision to build the nation’s model health system for children.