I have a master’s degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy at the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) approved Adler Graduate School in Minnesota in 2018. After turning 50 years old, I decided to focus on expressive art therapy. I began my academic career in 2010 gaining my bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and then went on to graduate school.   

I have worked with urban American Indian adolescents for the last 25 years. My work included utilizing theater as a gang intervention, creating a Native American Doula program for adolescents and adults, facilitating culturally focused parenting and adolescent groups, and therapeutic arts with individuals and groups. I continue to serve the Native American population in the Foston/McIntosh area of Minnesota.

I utilize expressive art therapies and talk therapies within an integrated approach to address issues such as trauma, depression, and anxiety. I believe that art therapy is not about creating masterpieces. Art therapy is a tool to make the invisible, visible. One of my unique strengths is using movement while creating an expression of art, such as being outdoors while painting large pieces. I believe that this approach allows for progress to occur in a different way; one without words as well as moving while creating. 

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To learn more about what an art therapy appointment might be like click here.