My main focus for the past eight years has been developing therapeutic relationships with children from many different walks of life. My concentration has been on those who have special needs and challenges ranging from SED, mental illness, learning disabilities, autism, and developmentally delayed adults.
Since I was a child, I have been drawn to expressive arts as quality time for myself. Here there were no rules but the size of the paper and medium that I used. Little did I know that it was an act of self-love…it was therapy for me. As a child, I didn’t have words for how art benefitted me. Now over 30 years later it has been recognized as a valuable therapy tool. After obtaining my M.A. in Psychology with an emphasis on Art Therapy, I put my passion into practice. I applied my education within school and residential environments with children and adults alike with different cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. I have managed several all-inclusive art therapy groups and found that “a little love goes a long way”.
I began working in a public preschool and then with more challenging children ages 5-17 who were in the foster care system. There I was a full-time residential home counselor. Next, I worked with families whose teenagers were in juvenile hall and needed to succeed through a state-mandated program. In addition to art therapy, I also provided life skills, social skills, emotional mentoring, safety, and accountability.
I welcome the opportunity to share what I have learned with you and your children.
* Outdoor sessions may be available upon request. *
My story
My own healing journey as a foster child and adoptee has given me the determination to discover traditional psychology and other healing modalities to create peace within myself. Using Somatic Awareness and other practices such as Yoga, Dance, and Meditation have given me the depth and healing I was seeking. Being in nature is where I use all my senses, come alive, and feel my connection to the harmony and cycle of life. Formal meditation practices have played a valuable role in my healing and spiritual development as a person and practitioner.
As a result of my education and rich professional and personal experiences, I have acquired a deep respect for each person’s healing journey, challenges, and unique needs. I look forward to empowering you in your healing and designing a therapeutic alliance that promotes what wellness looks like for you.