President
Mindy Jacobson-Levy
Mindy Jacobson-Levy, MCAT, ATR-BC, LPC, LPAT, PAATA HLM is a board certified, registered art psychotherapist, and licensed professional counselor specializing in complex trauma, eating disorders, and body image. She received the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association Honorary Life Member award in 1996, and the Innovative Applications of Art Therapy Award in 2015. Mindy has maintained private practices in Pennsylvania & New Jersey since 1980. She has been an art therapy supervisor for graduate students affiliated with Drexel University since 1980, serves as a consultant/supervisor for professional arts therapists, and is a mentor for Active Minds.
Publications include Finding Your Voice through Creativity: The Art and Journaling Workbook for Disordered Eating (Gϋrze Books, 2010), Guidelines for Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder in Adults (ISSTD, 2005 & 2011), Group Art Therapy with Multiple Personality Disorder Patients: A Viable Alternative to Isolation (Kluft, E., 1993), and several articles/conference audiotapes. She has presented her work nationally and internationally, and is on the faculty of the Expressive Therapies Summit NYC.
Mindy Jacobson-Levy
Mindy Jacobson-Levy, MCAT, ATR-BC, LPC, LPAT, PAATA HLM is a board certified, registered art psychotherapist, and licensed professional counselor specializing in complex trauma, eating disorders, and body image. She received the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association Honorary Life Member award in 1996, and the Innovative Applications of Art Therapy Award in 2015. Mindy has maintained private practices in Pennsylvania & New Jersey since 1980. She has been an art therapy supervisor for graduate students affiliated with Drexel University since 1980, serves as a consultant/supervisor for professional arts therapists, and is a mentor for Active Minds.
Publications include Finding Your Voice through Creativity: The Art and Journaling Workbook for Disordered Eating (Gϋrze Books, 2010), Guidelines for Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder in Adults (ISSTD, 2005 & 2011), Group Art Therapy with Multiple Personality Disorder Patients: A Viable Alternative to Isolation (Kluft, E., 1993), and several articles/conference audiotapes. She has presented her work nationally and internationally, and is on the faculty of the Expressive Therapies Summit NYC.
President-Elect- Open Position
Recording Secretary
Michelle Dean
Michelle L. Dean, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, CGP, HLM (DVATA) is a Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Group Psychotherapist. She received her BFA from The University of The Arts in Illustration and a concentration in Art Therapy and her Master’s degree in Creative Arts in Therapy – Art Therapy from Drexel University (previously Hahnemann University). She has been in practice for over 25 years and has expertise in treating individuals who struggle with addictions, eating disorders, relationship issues, and traumatic experiences. She co founded The Center for Psyche & the Arts, LLC (http://psychearts.org) with two locations in the Philadelphia area where she sees individuals, families, and groups, as well as facilitates continuing education and wellness programs for clinicians and the public.
In addition to her clinical practice, she is an artist, author, supervisor, educator, and consultant. She has numerous publications her credit, including the children’s book, Taking Weight Issues to School and Using Art Media in Psychotherapy: Bringing the Power of Creativity to Practice (Routledge), which won the 2015 Pearlie Roberson Award from The American Art Therapy Association. The Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association bestowed their highest honor, the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award, to Ms. Dean in 2012.
She has more than twenty years of teaching experience and is currently the Director of the undergraduate minor at The University of the Arts, is an adjunct at St. Joseph University and Marywood University, and is an internationally recognized educator and invited keynote speaker. Her Center is an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) where she provides educational programs for clinicians locally and from around the globe.
Education History:
University of The Arts 1992
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Illustration with a concentration in Art Therapy
Drexel University (previously Hahnemann University) 1996
Masters of Arts, Creative Arts in Therapy – Art Therapy
Website: (http://psychearts.org)
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleldean
Michelle L. Dean, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, CGP, Art Therapy in Action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=P7LgpKh3Qis
Michelle Dean
Michelle L. Dean, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, CGP, HLM (DVATA) is a Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Group Psychotherapist. She received her BFA from The University of The Arts in Illustration and a concentration in Art Therapy and her Master’s degree in Creative Arts in Therapy – Art Therapy from Drexel University (previously Hahnemann University). She has been in practice for over 25 years and has expertise in treating individuals who struggle with addictions, eating disorders, relationship issues, and traumatic experiences. She co founded The Center for Psyche & the Arts, LLC (http://psychearts.org) with two locations in the Philadelphia area where she sees individuals, families, and groups, as well as facilitates continuing education and wellness programs for clinicians and the public.
In addition to her clinical practice, she is an artist, author, supervisor, educator, and consultant. She has numerous publications her credit, including the children’s book, Taking Weight Issues to School and Using Art Media in Psychotherapy: Bringing the Power of Creativity to Practice (Routledge), which won the 2015 Pearlie Roberson Award from The American Art Therapy Association. The Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association bestowed their highest honor, the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award, to Ms. Dean in 2012.
She has more than twenty years of teaching experience and is currently the Director of the undergraduate minor at The University of the Arts, is an adjunct at St. Joseph University and Marywood University, and is an internationally recognized educator and invited keynote speaker. Her Center is an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) where she provides educational programs for clinicians locally and from around the globe.
Education History:
University of The Arts 1992
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Illustration with a concentration in Art Therapy
Drexel University (previously Hahnemann University) 1996
Masters of Arts, Creative Arts in Therapy – Art Therapy
Website: (http://psychearts.org)
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleldean
Michelle L. Dean, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, CGP, Art Therapy in Action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=P7LgpKh3Qis
Corresponding Secretary
Ashley Caldero
Ashley Caldaro, MA, ATR-P obtained her bachelor’s from Marywood University in 2018, and more recently received her Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling at Drexel University in 2020. Ashley has begun her career at one of the nations oldest private psychiatric hospitals, Friends Hospital in northeast Philadelphia. Ashley works with adults in both group and individual settings, and is passionate about group therapy. Prior to grad school, Ashley worked on a memory care unit. In her personal artwork, Ashley’s mediums of choice are clay and oil paint.
Ashley Caldero
Ashley Caldaro, MA, ATR-P obtained her bachelor’s from Marywood University in 2018, and more recently received her Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling at Drexel University in 2020. Ashley has begun her career at one of the nations oldest private psychiatric hospitals, Friends Hospital in northeast Philadelphia. Ashley works with adults in both group and individual settings, and is passionate about group therapy. Prior to grad school, Ashley worked on a memory care unit. In her personal artwork, Ashley’s mediums of choice are clay and oil paint.
Membership Chair
Kate Gibson
Kate Gibson, ATR-BC, LPC received her bachelors degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA double majoring in Psychology and Studio Art. She went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. Kate currently works at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as the senior art therapist where she treats patients and family members coping with medical illness and treatment, new diagnoses, and hospitalization. In addition to individual and family treatment, Kate developed various open art studio programs as well as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit parent support group. Kate also opened her practice Draw It Out LLC in 2016 working with children, adolescents, and adults. Kate has 11 years of experience working in community, educational, and outpatient mental health settings and specializes in the treatment of Autism, developmental and learning disabilities, Anxiety and Trauma in children, adolescents, and adults.
Kate Gibson
Kate Gibson, ATR-BC, LPC received her bachelors degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA double majoring in Psychology and Studio Art. She went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. Kate currently works at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as the senior art therapist where she treats patients and family members coping with medical illness and treatment, new diagnoses, and hospitalization. In addition to individual and family treatment, Kate developed various open art studio programs as well as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit parent support group. Kate also opened her practice Draw It Out LLC in 2016 working with children, adolescents, and adults. Kate has 11 years of experience working in community, educational, and outpatient mental health settings and specializes in the treatment of Autism, developmental and learning disabilities, Anxiety and Trauma in children, adolescents, and adults.
Treasurer
Adele Minton
Adele Minton, MCAT, ATR-BC, LPC attended Kutztown State College (now Kutztown University) and received a BS in Art Education. She taught elementary school art for a few years before discovering the field of art therapy. She attended Hahnemann University (now Drexel University). She received a Masters of Creative Arts in Therapy (MCAT) with a concentration in art therapy. She has worked in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric facilities as well as with residents of a nursing home. Since 1991 she has been employed at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, NJ where she works as an art therapist and a variety of other capacities. Three-quarters of the beds on this unit are for those patients who have been committed. Many are diagnosed with serious mental illness. In the community she facilitates Flying Solo, a support group for individuals facing the challenges of separation and divorce. In addition, Adele has taught at Holy Family University in their graduate art therapy program. Early in her career Adele She has previously served on the DVATA board as Recording Secretary, President-Elect and President. Adele Minton, MCAT, ATR-BC, LPC attended Kutztown State College (now Kutztown University) and received a BS in Art Education. She taught elementary school art for a few years before discovering the field of art therapy. She attended Hahnemann University (now Drexel University). She received a Masters of Creative Arts in Therapy (MCAT) with a concentration in art therapy. She has worked in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric facilities as well as with residents of a nursing home. Since 1991 she has been employed at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, NJ where she works as an art therapist and a variety of other capacities. Three-quarters of the beds on this unit are for those patients who have been committed. Many are diagnosed with serious mental illness. In the community she facilitates Flying Solo, a support group for individuals facing the challenges of separation and divorce. In addition, Adele has taught at Holy Family University in their graduate art therapy program. Early in her career Adele She has previously served on the DVATA board as Recording Secretary, President-Elect and President.
Adele Minton
Adele Minton, MCAT, ATR-BC, LPC attended Kutztown State College (now Kutztown University) and received a BS in Art Education. She taught elementary school art for a few years before discovering the field of art therapy. She attended Hahnemann University (now Drexel University). She received a Masters of Creative Arts in Therapy (MCAT) with a concentration in art therapy. She has worked in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric facilities as well as with residents of a nursing home. Since 1991 she has been employed at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, NJ where she works as an art therapist and a variety of other capacities. Three-quarters of the beds on this unit are for those patients who have been committed. Many are diagnosed with serious mental illness. In the community she facilitates Flying Solo, a support group for individuals facing the challenges of separation and divorce. In addition, Adele has taught at Holy Family University in their graduate art therapy program. Early in her career Adele She has previously served on the DVATA board as Recording Secretary, President-Elect and President. Adele Minton, MCAT, ATR-BC, LPC attended Kutztown State College (now Kutztown University) and received a BS in Art Education. She taught elementary school art for a few years before discovering the field of art therapy. She attended Hahnemann University (now Drexel University). She received a Masters of Creative Arts in Therapy (MCAT) with a concentration in art therapy. She has worked in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric facilities as well as with residents of a nursing home. Since 1991 she has been employed at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, NJ where she works as an art therapist and a variety of other capacities. Three-quarters of the beds on this unit are for those patients who have been committed. Many are diagnosed with serious mental illness. In the community she facilitates Flying Solo, a support group for individuals facing the challenges of separation and divorce. In addition, Adele has taught at Holy Family University in their graduate art therapy program. Early in her career Adele She has previously served on the DVATA board as Recording Secretary, President-Elect and President.
Governmental Affairs Chair
Kachina Mooney
Kachina Mooney, MA, ATR-BC (she/her/ella) is a Registered Art Therapist and soon-to-be Licensed Professional Counselor who practices in the greater Pittsburgh region. Kachina attended Slippery Rock University for her undergraduate degree in Fine Art, followed by her work at Seton Hill University, in Greensburg, PA, where she earned an M.A. in Art Therapy with a Specialization in Counseling. Since completing her master’s degree, Kachina has been working with immigrant children from Central/South America and Afghanistan who have been displaced or who are immigrating to the United States to seek safety and a positive future. Kachina has also worked at Center for Victims, the largest victim’s services agency in Western PA, helping to maneuver the effects of trauma with women and children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and those who were homicide survivors. When she’s not working, Kachina is engaged in her community through local political and LGBTQ+ involvement, and she enjoys exploring her roots and spirituality through local Jewish organizations. Kachina is supported in her endeavors by her partner and three cats who make life infinitely more enjoyable.
Kachina Mooney
Kachina Mooney, MA, ATR-BC (she/her/ella) is a Registered Art Therapist and soon-to-be Licensed Professional Counselor who practices in the greater Pittsburgh region. Kachina attended Slippery Rock University for her undergraduate degree in Fine Art, followed by her work at Seton Hill University, in Greensburg, PA, where she earned an M.A. in Art Therapy with a Specialization in Counseling. Since completing her master’s degree, Kachina has been working with immigrant children from Central/South America and Afghanistan who have been displaced or who are immigrating to the United States to seek safety and a positive future. Kachina has also worked at Center for Victims, the largest victim’s services agency in Western PA, helping to maneuver the effects of trauma with women and children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and those who were homicide survivors. When she’s not working, Kachina is engaged in her community through local political and LGBTQ+ involvement, and she enjoys exploring her roots and spirituality through local Jewish organizations. Kachina is supported in her endeavors by her partner and three cats who make life infinitely more enjoyable.
Governmental Affairs Chair Alternate
Elizabeth Micciulla
Elizabeth Micciulla, MA, NCC, ATR-P, CAADC attended Caldwell University where she obtained her B.A. in Art and Psychology in 2018. In 2021, Liz then went on to earn her M.A. in Counseling, specializing in Art Therapy. Since completing her M.A., she has started her career with Livengrin Foundation as an outpatient counselor and art therapist in their Northeast Philadelphia location. In this position, Liz works with adults who are diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders in group, as well as individual settings. In her free time, Liz enjoys spending time with her family, two cats, learning piano, and exploring acrylic and oil paint mediums.
Elizabeth Micciulla
Elizabeth Micciulla, MA, NCC, ATR-P, CAADC attended Caldwell University where she obtained her B.A. in Art and Psychology in 2018. In 2021, Liz then went on to earn her M.A. in Counseling, specializing in Art Therapy. Since completing her M.A., she has started her career with Livengrin Foundation as an outpatient counselor and art therapist in their Northeast Philadelphia location. In this position, Liz works with adults who are diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders in group, as well as individual settings. In her free time, Liz enjoys spending time with her family, two cats, learning piano, and exploring acrylic and oil paint mediums.
Events Co-Chair
Chris Zweifel
Chris Zweifel, MA is working towards becoming a Registered, Board-Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art Therapy from Cedar Crest College. Since then, she has been contracting as an Outpatient Clinical Therapist for two nonprofit organizations. In her practice, she incorporates ecotherapy and eco-art therapy ideas as treatment modalities.
Humanistic therapy, existential therapy, ecotherapy, and relational aesthetics influence Chris' thinking as an emerging art therapist. She aims to help people lessen distressing symptoms by doing art in, with and about nature and is laying the groundwork to engage in environmental art therapy with survivors of natural disasters. Her desire is to beautify public spaces and to help rebuild communities. When she is not working, you can find her hiking or running on trails.
Chris Zweifel
Chris Zweifel, MA is working towards becoming a Registered, Board-Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art Therapy from Cedar Crest College. Since then, she has been contracting as an Outpatient Clinical Therapist for two nonprofit organizations. In her practice, she incorporates ecotherapy and eco-art therapy ideas as treatment modalities.
Humanistic therapy, existential therapy, ecotherapy, and relational aesthetics influence Chris' thinking as an emerging art therapist. She aims to help people lessen distressing symptoms by doing art in, with and about nature and is laying the groundwork to engage in environmental art therapy with survivors of natural disasters. Her desire is to beautify public spaces and to help rebuild communities. When she is not working, you can find her hiking or running on trails.
Events Co-Chair- Open Position
Jobs Research Co-Chair
Asli Arslanbek
My name is Asli Arslanbek. I am from Turkey, and I came to the United States as an
international student in 2015, to start my studies in art Therapy at New York University. I am in
my second year in the Art Therapy Ph.D. program at Drexel University, Creative Arts Therapies
department, and my current schedule allows me to engage in volunteer activities where I can
give back to the community. My research interests and clinical experiences revolve around art therapy with forcibly
displaced persons, including refugees, asylum seekers, and other people who have fled their home country due to war, famine and fear of prosecution. I have worked with Syrian children and women in Turkey over the past 4 years, before I came to the United States. I am interested in indigenous and traditional art forms and the implications of such
practices in art therapy. Recently, Dr. Girija Kaimal and myself co-wrote a mini review called, Indigenous and Traditional Visual Artistic Practices: Implications for Art Therapy Clinical Practice and Research. I am also interested in learning about mechanisms of change, and neural mechanisms behind how and why art therapy works.
Asli Arslanbek
My name is Asli Arslanbek. I am from Turkey, and I came to the United States as an
international student in 2015, to start my studies in art Therapy at New York University. I am in
my second year in the Art Therapy Ph.D. program at Drexel University, Creative Arts Therapies
department, and my current schedule allows me to engage in volunteer activities where I can
give back to the community. My research interests and clinical experiences revolve around art therapy with forcibly
displaced persons, including refugees, asylum seekers, and other people who have fled their home country due to war, famine and fear of prosecution. I have worked with Syrian children and women in Turkey over the past 4 years, before I came to the United States. I am interested in indigenous and traditional art forms and the implications of such
practices in art therapy. Recently, Dr. Girija Kaimal and myself co-wrote a mini review called, Indigenous and Traditional Visual Artistic Practices: Implications for Art Therapy Clinical Practice and Research. I am also interested in learning about mechanisms of change, and neural mechanisms behind how and why art therapy works.
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Newsletter Chair
Lisa Ann Buettner Lisa Ann Buettner, MA (she/her) is an Art Therapist working towards becoming a Registered, Board-Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. Lisa studied Graphic Design and minored in Psychology at California University of Pennsylvania and worked for four years in the Graphic Design field before deciding to return to school to pursue Art Therapy. In 2020, she obtained her Masters in Art Therapy with a Specialization in Counseling from Seton Hill University. Lisa worked as a Family Based Therapist for three years until fully transitioning to her current position as Art Therapist at Infinite Lifestyle Solutions (ILS), a non-profit in the Northside community of Pittsburgh that uses restorative practices to provide trauma-informed, anti-violence programming. Lisa is also the Program Coordinator for the Saving Our Sons And Daughters (SOS&D) program at ILS which involves developing the art-based curriculum. Lisa has engaged in ongoing training around complex trauma and is active in exploring ways art therapy in the community and school settings can help bridge the gap between communities and formal mental health supports. When not working, Lisa enjoys making art, reading, yoga, snowboarding, spending time with nature, and being with family, friends and her dog. Lisa also enjoys live painting and engaging with the local music and art community of Pittsburgh, which is what inspired her to pursue art therapy as her career. |
Public Relations Co-Chair
Laura Bauder, ATR-BC, LPC, CAADC
Laura is a board-certified art therapist, licensed professional counselor, and holds a certification as an alcohol and drug counselor. Laura is the co-owner and art therapist at Pennsylvania Holistic Healing (paholistichealing.org). She is also the Internship Coordinator at Cedar Crest College where she teaches in the graduate and undergraduate art therapy programs. Laura also provides ATR supervision and is a certified SoulCollage® facilitator. Laura’s personal art focuses on fiber and mixed media arts. When she is not making art or working she can be found kayaking, hiking, or snuggling her two dogs.
Laura Bauder, ATR-BC, LPC, CAADC
Laura is a board-certified art therapist, licensed professional counselor, and holds a certification as an alcohol and drug counselor. Laura is the co-owner and art therapist at Pennsylvania Holistic Healing (paholistichealing.org). She is also the Internship Coordinator at Cedar Crest College where she teaches in the graduate and undergraduate art therapy programs. Laura also provides ATR supervision and is a certified SoulCollage® facilitator. Laura’s personal art focuses on fiber and mixed media arts. When she is not making art or working she can be found kayaking, hiking, or snuggling her two dogs.
Public Relations Co-Chair
Open Position
Archivist
Kristen Rashid
Kristen Rashid is a registered and board certified art therapist, holding a Masters Degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Drexel University. She has experience providing art therapy services for children and youth of all ages in a variety of outpatient and school-based settings, and for adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She meets clients where they are developmentally and emotionally, and facilitates their engagement in the creative process of making art as a way to express and understand their feelings, and develop and practice coping and problem solving skills. Through this process, she supports her clients in navigating through a range of issues including anxiety, adjustments, grief/loss, behavior difficulties, depression, and anger. She offers art therapy for individual children and their families, for adults, and for small groups, as well as clinical supervision for student art therapists. She currently sees clients in the Rittenhouse Square location of Parent to Child, and leads art therapy groups at Casa del Carmen Preschool and Southwark K-8 School through Spark School-Based Art Therapy, an outreach of Parent to Child.
Kristen is a member of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association (PAATA). She serves as the Archivist on the PAATA Board of Directors.
Kristen also holds a BFA from The University of the Arts with a degree in Graphic Design and Book Arts, and has taught bookmaking workshops and classes for children and adults. Her bookmaking experience has influenced her work as an art therapist as she has guided clients to explore the narratives and symbolism in the images they create, and to tell stories through sequences of images that help bring about healthy change in their emotional landscapes.
Kristen Rashid
Kristen Rashid is a registered and board certified art therapist, holding a Masters Degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Drexel University. She has experience providing art therapy services for children and youth of all ages in a variety of outpatient and school-based settings, and for adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She meets clients where they are developmentally and emotionally, and facilitates their engagement in the creative process of making art as a way to express and understand their feelings, and develop and practice coping and problem solving skills. Through this process, she supports her clients in navigating through a range of issues including anxiety, adjustments, grief/loss, behavior difficulties, depression, and anger. She offers art therapy for individual children and their families, for adults, and for small groups, as well as clinical supervision for student art therapists. She currently sees clients in the Rittenhouse Square location of Parent to Child, and leads art therapy groups at Casa del Carmen Preschool and Southwark K-8 School through Spark School-Based Art Therapy, an outreach of Parent to Child.
Kristen is a member of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association (PAATA). She serves as the Archivist on the PAATA Board of Directors.
Kristen also holds a BFA from The University of the Arts with a degree in Graphic Design and Book Arts, and has taught bookmaking workshops and classes for children and adults. Her bookmaking experience has influenced her work as an art therapist as she has guided clients to explore the narratives and symbolism in the images they create, and to tell stories through sequences of images that help bring about healthy change in their emotional landscapes.
Student Representatives
Temple University
Jules DeFonso
Jules DeFonso is a current senior at Temple University studying Art Therapy and Community Arts. Her interest in Art Therapy began by volunteering with Opening Minds through Art, a program designed to allow self-expression and social engagement for people with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia through art making. She received her certificate in Community Arts through working on Heat Response, a Philadelphia community arts project to bring awareness and relief to the disproportionate effect of climate disruption in urban areas. She continues her passion of helping others through her position as Vice President of Delta Phi Epsilon's Programming, leading their philanthropic efforts and community service coordination. Jules hopes to continue her Art Therapy studies after her graduation this spring.
Jules DeFonso
Jules DeFonso is a current senior at Temple University studying Art Therapy and Community Arts. Her interest in Art Therapy began by volunteering with Opening Minds through Art, a program designed to allow self-expression and social engagement for people with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia through art making. She received her certificate in Community Arts through working on Heat Response, a Philadelphia community arts project to bring awareness and relief to the disproportionate effect of climate disruption in urban areas. She continues her passion of helping others through her position as Vice President of Delta Phi Epsilon's Programming, leading their philanthropic efforts and community service coordination. Jules hopes to continue her Art Therapy studies after her graduation this spring.
Cedar Crest College
Irene Silva
First year, low residency graduate student with the Art Therapy program at Cedar Crest College. My mission as a student representative is to bring connections, information, networks, and insights to the art therapy students at Cedar Crest College. Given this fortunate opportunity, I would like to spread the great impact that the art therapy field has to offer in the mental health space for all populations. In addition to being a student representative with PAATA and a full-time student at Cedar Crest College, I am a full-time social worker with the nonprofit, “Turning Points for Children”, in the city of Philadelphia. I work as a Strengthening Families Coordinator as part of the prevention team. Every day I am reminded of the needs for creative mental health resources in youth, diverse urban communities, public school systems, mentally divergent people, and the aftereffects of the covid pandemic. Together, I believe art therapy can make a powerful impact for diverse populations. I intend on supporting current and future art therapists in any ways I can, to support the mental health needs of our future.
Irene Silva
First year, low residency graduate student with the Art Therapy program at Cedar Crest College. My mission as a student representative is to bring connections, information, networks, and insights to the art therapy students at Cedar Crest College. Given this fortunate opportunity, I would like to spread the great impact that the art therapy field has to offer in the mental health space for all populations. In addition to being a student representative with PAATA and a full-time student at Cedar Crest College, I am a full-time social worker with the nonprofit, “Turning Points for Children”, in the city of Philadelphia. I work as a Strengthening Families Coordinator as part of the prevention team. Every day I am reminded of the needs for creative mental health resources in youth, diverse urban communities, public school systems, mentally divergent people, and the aftereffects of the covid pandemic. Together, I believe art therapy can make a powerful impact for diverse populations. I intend on supporting current and future art therapists in any ways I can, to support the mental health needs of our future.
Edinboro University
Rebecca Held
Hello! I am Rebecca, a graduate student at Edinboro University. I graduated with my B.S. in Psychology from Robert Morris University in 2019. I previously worked as a Registered Behavior Technician in Virginia, but moved to Pennsylvania to attend school and work as a graduate assistant for the Edinboro Art Therapy department. I have wanted to be an art therapist since I was in 10th grade, so I am very excited to be involved in PAATA. Also, I have 5 siblings and a dog named Persephone
Rebecca Held
Hello! I am Rebecca, a graduate student at Edinboro University. I graduated with my B.S. in Psychology from Robert Morris University in 2019. I previously worked as a Registered Behavior Technician in Virginia, but moved to Pennsylvania to attend school and work as a graduate assistant for the Edinboro Art Therapy department. I have wanted to be an art therapist since I was in 10th grade, so I am very excited to be involved in PAATA. Also, I have 5 siblings and a dog named Persephone
Seton Hill University
Lisa D Ash
Lisa is an artist and a retired Pittsburgh Public School teacher. Lisa received her bachelors from the University of PIttsburgh in 1999 graduating magna cumme laude with a double major in Sociology and Africana Studies. She went on to acquire her Masters in the Art of Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh in 2000, and taught in the Pittsburgh Public School system for ten years. She also has an associates degree in visual communications from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Lisa is currently pursuing her second Masters in Art Therapy at Seton Hill University. She is passionate about art and its ability to facilitate healing in people’s lives. Lisa is committed to removing the stigma that seeking mental health care has in the African American Community, and promoting it as a part of overall health care, balance, and well being. In addition to her studies, Lisa maintains Layd Visions Art, an art studio at Radiant Hall West in McKees Rocks, PA.
Lisa D Ash
Lisa is an artist and a retired Pittsburgh Public School teacher. Lisa received her bachelors from the University of PIttsburgh in 1999 graduating magna cumme laude with a double major in Sociology and Africana Studies. She went on to acquire her Masters in the Art of Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh in 2000, and taught in the Pittsburgh Public School system for ten years. She also has an associates degree in visual communications from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Lisa is currently pursuing her second Masters in Art Therapy at Seton Hill University. She is passionate about art and its ability to facilitate healing in people’s lives. Lisa is committed to removing the stigma that seeking mental health care has in the African American Community, and promoting it as a part of overall health care, balance, and well being. In addition to her studies, Lisa maintains Layd Visions Art, an art studio at Radiant Hall West in McKees Rocks, PA.
Mercyhurst University
Mackenzie Willbanks
Mackenzie Willbanks is from Philadelphia and is the PAATA student representative for Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. She is currently a third-year undergraduate student and is planning on graduating the fall of 2022. Her major is art therapy with minors in psychology and arts administration. She is also the current treasurer of Mercyhurst’s art therapy club. She has chosen this career path because of her passion for helping others and art.
Mackenzie Willbanks
Mackenzie Willbanks is from Philadelphia and is the PAATA student representative for Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. She is currently a third-year undergraduate student and is planning on graduating the fall of 2022. Her major is art therapy with minors in psychology and arts administration. She is also the current treasurer of Mercyhurst’s art therapy club. She has chosen this career path because of her passion for helping others and art.