resume

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

President of Allegheny County, Kane Hospital Employee Council

Pittsburgh PA | 2017 – 2018

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

I am a lifelong student of Carl Jung’s work. I have worked as an art therapist for over 15 years. I am a focused student, and excel at teaching at all levels and age groups. I have been active in research studies, in dream studies, teaching, and most recently death, dying, and the grieving process.

PRESENTATIONS

Active Imagination, Pittsburgh Jungian Psychology Meetup | March 2019

The Sacred Feminine–Journey to Feminine Power for Women and Men

A Jungian perspective, Pittsburgh Metaphysics Meetup | March 2019

The Dreamer’s Journey, AK Valley Spiritual Fair | April 2017

Integral Elements of Art Therapy within the Social Work Environment, The Children’s Foundation | April 2003

HONORS/AWARDS

Frank J. Luccino Distinguished Service Award/Exemplary Employee Award

Allegheny County | August 2017

– Recognition was in the category of creativity and innovation. Development of public art shows featuring resident art, successful leadership, successful motivation of patients entering into art programs, and dedication to a higher standard of patient care were also recognized by Allegheny County and executives.

Commendations for Excellence, Diversity 2000 | Multi-media Production, Parkland College, Champaign IL | April 1996

– Winner of the Bellwether Award Competition. This award recognizes creativity and effective communication within the educational multimedia spectrum.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Owner of StarNation Meetup
| 2018 – present

Owner of Pittsburgh Metaphysics Meetup

| 2016 – present

– Administration, and teaching classes in metaphysical topics, including dream study.

Dream Workshop | 1998-2004

– Founder and facilitator of Champaign-Urbana Dreamer’s Workshop. Used art, film and story as a vehicle to help foster empowerment, creativity, and community connection. Implemented Jungian inquiries and art explorations into dream studies, resulting in positive group cohesion, served as a social and educational outlet for community members. Urbana IL

Board Member for Channing Murray Foundation | 1999

– Voted church board member. Urbana IL

EDUCATION

MS, Art Therapy, Illinois State University | 2001 – 2003

– Merit-based scholarship

– Co-instructor, Graduate Seminar in Art, Center for Visual Arts, Illinois State University, Normal IL | Fall Semester 2002

– Graduate Teaching Assistant, Center for Visual Arts, Illinois State University, Normal IL, Fall Semester 2001

BFA, Eastern Michigan University | 1982-1986

– Fine arts double major in graphic design and textiles

CONTINUING EDUCATION

CARI (Classroom Assessment Research Initiative)

Classroom Research Project

Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Parkland College, Champaign IL, Class taught: Art Production | Spring Semester 1997

– Studied: Reasons students may not find tools and techniques taught in class to be useful in order to complete successfully those real world tasks within the graphic design industry. Studied also was the ability for students to learn at a deeper level which facilitates effective use of tools and techniques within the graphic design industry. Used as a research tool that I created, “The Categorizing Grid”. Formulated during my participation in research classes within the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Parkland College. My “Categorizing Grid” was published, and then used within the higher education and technical school arena.

Integrated Identities with Self-Portrait Collage and Dream Analysis: A Pilot Study

– Unpublished university research project studying levels of self-concept in the sexually traumatized individual. University of Illinois | 2004

WORK HISTORY/COUNSELING and THERAPY

Teacher/Spiritual Counselor

Intuit Now/OMawake LLC/Owner | 2010-present

Artist, art teacher, spiritual counseling, speaker/presenter on dreams, research, spiritual topics and self-empowerment, Pittsburgh, PA

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Creative Arts Therapist/Recreation Therapist

Allegheny County/Kane Hospital | April 2008-July 2018

Conducted individual and group therapies using cognitive behavioral and grief therapies in conjunction with art therapies for the alleviation of depression, dementia, grief, bipolar, and schizoaffective disorders for patients who experience extreme trauma due to catastrophic illness and injuries. Creative Arts activities included art, drama, and music therapies. Pittsburgh, PA

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Art Therapist/Community Organizer

Founder Pittsburgh arts program, Saturday Kids Love Art | May 2010 – September 2011

Fostered personal growth, self-esteem, and effective communication for children aged 5 to 14. Art Therapy was used in an open studio environment with emphasis on mastering art techniques and increasing positive self-concept. Pittsburgh PA

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Child and Family Therapist

Youth Villages | May 2006-August 2007

Child therapist for males 7 to 11 years old recovering from sexual and emotional abuse. Utilized individual and group therapies. Therapy utilized cognitive behavioral, family and art therapies. Use of art diagnostic measurement tools were utilized to study family dynamics and development of appropriate therapies. All therapy was of a multi-systemic approach. Group conferences were attended to discuss treatment planning and focus for patients. Setting was within a cottage campus environment. Memphis TN

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Child and Family Therapist

Youth Villages | November 2004-May 2006

Home-based family counselor utilizing multi-systemic counseling. therapies. Cognitive behavioral, family, play and art therapies were implemented. Diagnosis included bipolar, clinical depression, schizoaffective, personality, attachment reactive disorder, and autistic spectrum disorders. Use of art diagnostic measurement tools were utilized to study family dynamics and development of appropriate therapies. Group conferences were attended to discuss treatment planning and focus for patients. Nashville TN

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Adjunct Art Therapist

The Ranch | April 2005 – December 2005

Art therapy for adults in recovery from eating disorders, alcohol and substance abuse. Conducted group sessions focusing on underlying issues of addiction, and building resilience for patients to better cope with everyday life. Nunnally TN

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Art Therapy Consultant

The Child Institute | February 2004 – May 2004

Art therapy consultant to Liz Acevedo-Alstrum, LCPC. Art therapy work was utilized with the traumatized Hispanic population. The use of art diagnostic measurement tools were used to study family dynamics and development of appropriate therapies. Bloomington IL

World Peace