Inside Cohen House in Norwood, North Carolina, music is more than background noise — it’s a daily reminder of the remarkable talent of resident Elizabeth “Beth” McGowen. Blind since birth and living with an intellectual and developmental disability, Beth has never let those labels define her. Instead, she lets her music and determination speak for itself.
Beth is a gifted musician who plays both piano and pipe organ entirely by ear. She graduated from the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, where a dedicated music teacher first introduced her to piano. Since then, her love for music has only grown. She now records her church services to cassette tapes, listens to the songs each night and practices on her piano and keyboard at Cohen House — memorizing every note.
“She hears a song and she’s got it,” said Holly Murphy, a Direct Support Professional who has supported Beth for more than a decade. “She knows when she hits a wrong note and she’ll go back and fix it. She’s really determined.”
That determination is evident in how Beth shares her music with the world. She plays piano at her home church, First Lutheran Church in Albemarle, every other Sunday morning as the congregation arrives and settles in. She also plays the pipe organ during special visits throughout the week.
“What a blessing Beth is to our congregation!” said Pastor James. “Our church family is always delighted by her presence.”
Her music ministry doesn’t stop there. Beth volunteers twice a week at Spring Arbor Assisted Living of Albemarle, playing piano for residents and staff. The sounds of her playing echo warmly through the halls, creating moments of peace, connection and joy.
“Heavenly sounds — that is what you hear ring through the halls when Beth comes to play,” said Christy Crisco Morgan, Activity & Wellness Coordinator at Spring Arbor. “She greets everyone with a smile and a ‘hello.’ Her personality is bubbly, optimistic and contagious. It’s an honor to have Beth as both a volunteer and a friend.”
Beth has also shared her musical gifts in the past with Norwood Presbyterian Church, building lasting friendships through her performances. Though she has a beautiful voice, she humbly prefers to sing only during congregational hymns.
Back at Cohen House, Beth practices nightly, often playing for her housemates and staff. “It relaxes her,” Murphy said, “but it also brings happiness to everyone around her.”
In addition to her musical talents, Beth is known for her administrative skills. She serves as an assistant to Stephanie Haas, Monarch’s Long-Term Supports and Services Referral Coordinator, working from her office on Greenwood Street in Albemarle. With the assistance of staff, Beth listens to voicemails Stephanie receives and logs the messages on a spreadsheet. She also reaches out to individuals or their contacts on our residential waitlist, sending thoughtful emails to let them know they haven’t been forgotten — even when the wait for placement may take years. Each message she sends is carefully documented, showing not only her attention to detail but also her commitment to helping others.
Beth’s story is a beautiful reflection of the Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) 2025 theme: “Uniquely Gifted, Universally Connected.” Whether she’s at the piano, offering support to others or greeting someone with her signature smile, Beth shows that ability comes in many forms — and that disability is never the full story.
She’s just got a gift,” Murphy said. “And she uses it to bring people together.”