Josie Abbenante, ATR-BC, LPAT, has taught and practiced art therapy for over 30 years. She added the practice of sandplay to her work 20 years ago. Josie directed art therapy programs at the University of New Mexico and Seton Hill College. She has taught at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Naropa University, Vermont College, and Mount Mary College. In recent years, she was the coordinator and taught in the summer graduate creative arts therapy program at Pratt Institute. Josie has presented nationally and internationally on a variety of topics including: archetypal art therapy, sandplay and art therapy, art therapy and Deaf culture, and the language of aesthetics and metaphor.

Gail Abrams, MA, CMA, RYT-200, RSME, was professor of dance/movement studies at Scripps College. Certified in Laban Movement Analysis/Bartenieff Fundamentals, Integrative Yoga Therapy, Acupressure, Reiki, and RhythmWorks Integrative Dance, she has also trained in Breema Bodywork and Hanna Somatics. With a MA (Dance) from The American University, Gail danced professionally and was a freelance choreographer/performer. She has published articles on dancers’ experiences with pregnancy and childbirth, dance education, and somatics of yoga. Conference presentations include Symposium of Dance Science, Not Just Any Body Global Conference, and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Currently, Gail teaches yoga at CSU San Bernardino.

Kathleen (Kay) Adams, LPC, is founder/director of the Center for Journal Therapy and its online professional training division, the Therapeutic Writing Institute. She is the author of nine books on journal writing for personal growth and in clinical practice, including the Journal to the Self and Expressive Writing: Foundations of Practice. Kay is known globally for her visionary leadership in standards-based practice of journal therapy.

Kamran Afary, PhD-RDT, is assistant professor of intersectional identities and relationships at Cal State LA. He received his PhD in performance studies and his drama therapy work includes working with students, adult ADHDs, and prisoners. Kamran is currently completing a co-authored book on performances about Iranian diaspora identities. He also co-wrote a chapter with Pam Dunne on Narradrama for the forthcoming third edition of Current Approaches in Drama Therapy.

Mary L. Affee, LCSW, RPT-S, CHC, is a licensed clinical social worker, a registered play therapist supervisor, and a certified holistic health coach. She earned her first master's from Fordham University and is a frequent guest speaker for the MSW graduate program on play therapy. Mary has spent more than 12 years in public education as a school social worker. She is the owner and clinical director at Horizon Integrated Wellness Group, PLLC, a private practice that specializes in expressive therapies for children, teens, families, and adults. www.horizonintegratedwellnessgroup.com

Gabriela Alejos, MSW, is a certified facilitator for the Strategies for Enhancing Early Developmental Success (SEEDS) program and a family trainer at the UCLA/VA Veteran Family Wellness Center. As a SEEDS facilitator, she works closely with early childhood professionals to facilitate a trauma-informed professional development program. Gabriela also works closely with veterans and their families, with an emphasis on working with veterans with young children ages 3-5.

Ronald A. Alexander, PhD, MFT, SEP, is a psychotherapist, leadership coach, and clinical trainer in the fields of somatic trauma healing therapies, mindfulness meditation, transformational leadership, and core creativity. As the Executive Director of the OpenMind Training® Institute, he draws upon his background in holistic health, behavioral medicine, positive and self psychology, Gestalt, somatic experiencing, Eriksonian mind-body healing, and Eastern wisdom traditions. Ronald is the author of Wise Mind, Open Mind that provides practical and innovative applications plus two meditation CDs. He has been conducting workshops and professional clinical trainings since 1972. www.ronaldalexander.com

Jennifer Allen, MS, ATR-BC, LMFT, is an art therapist certified in psychedelic therapy and research, and is also trained in ketamine-assisted therapy. She facilitates a variety of workshops that use her Art for Access process, and has taught at Esalen and other locations in California. Jennifer has worked with her dreams and creative process since 1980, and has been in a private psychotherapy practice for nearly two decades. A student/practitioner of shamanism (Andean cosmology) since 2013, Jennifer is the author of Bone Knowing: A True Story of Coming to Life in the Face of Impending Loss and Cinnamon Roll Sunday: A Children’s Story of Anticipatory Grief. www.boneknowing.com

Nicole Allen, MS, LPC, RPT, NCC, is a certified Expressive Arts Therapist and Dancing Mindfulness facilitator. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of North Texas. Nicole has seven years of experience serving underrepresented populations through community advocacy efforts and various trauma-informed clinical approaches, including expressive arts therapy, play therapy, and EMDR therapy. She utilizes Dancing Mindfulness in her clinical practice and supervision with counselor trainees.

Susan Ainlay Anand, MA, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPAT, graduated from the NYU art therapy program, where she was trained by Edith Kramer. She has worked with children and adults in inpatient/outpatient settings for over 30 years. As a psychiatry instructor at the Univ. of MS Medical Center, Susan provides art therapy and teaches psychiatry residents about the use of art therapy with medically ill/psychiatric patients. She facilitates group art therapy for cancer patients with the Creative Healing Studio and Art in Mind, and for people with memory loss at the Museum of Art in Jackson, MS. Susan conducts training workshops in the U.S. and India.

Paula Artac, DMin, ATR-BC, is a professional watercolor artist, board certified art therapist, liturgical art designer, illuminator, and author. She directs and teaches in the expressive arts therapy concentration at the Ottawa Univ.-Phoenix. Paula is a published author on the topic of art therapy, spirituality, and healing. She is the founder of the nonprofit, 2 Dots and A Line, creator of the Two Dots and a Line Personal Symbol Development art therapy process, and originator of the Art Spa concept. Paula has presented at conferences and workshops since 2000, and works with Barrow Neurological Outpatient Center and Treasure House to establish and facilitate expressive arts therapy groups.

Paige Asawa, PhD, MFT, ATR-BC, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered art therapist, and director/faculty of the Helen B. Landgarten Art Therapy Clinic at Loyola Marymount Univ. She teaches the family art therapy courses at LMU. Paige mentors graduate student research projects and the clinical/research fellowships. She has developed seven art therapy programs that provide services for a range of populations from pregnant and parenting teens to homeless women veterans.

Leslie Baker, MFT, NCC, RPT-S, a national board certified counselor and registered play therapist-supervisor has over 28 years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is the CEO of the Therapy2Thrive® Ruby Hill Marriage & Family Counseling Center, in Pleasanton, California. Co-owner of Academy for Play Therapy Training, Inc.™, which provides training for clinicians, Leslie is the author of Healing Feelings: A Healing Story for Children Coping With Grown-up’s Mental Illness and co-author of Snug and Rug and the 'No Good Very Bad Thing': A Story of Coping, Calming and Courage for Children. She speaks internationally.

Bradford Bancroft, RDT, LMFT, has been working in creative arts therapy for over 20 years. As a registered drama therapist, he began his work with the STOP GAP Company and then began his own private practice, which he calls "Rehearse for Life." Bradford works at the Veterans Administration doing "karaoke therapy," in the PTSD ward. He has worked in battered women’s shelters, drug/alcohol rehab facilities, hospitals, schools, and prisons. Bradford is on the board of many non-profits and is currently helping Diana Feldman bring ENACT to Los Angeles.

Elizabeth Baring, MS, ATR-BC, NCPsyA, LCAT, LP, is a licensed psychoanalyst, a licensed creative art therapist, sandplay practitioner, and a Focusing oriented therapist. For 20 years she has had a private practice in NYC, working with children and adults by combining sandplay, creative arts therapy, and focusing with traditional psychotherapy. Elizabeth worked at Mt. Sinai, Silver Hill, and Stamford hospitals. She is on faculty and a supervisor at Training and Research in Intersubjective Self Psychology.

Linda Elaine Bath, PhD, LMFT, CST-T, is a psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist and certified teaching member of the International Society of Sandplay Therapists. She is a founding member of Sandplay Therapists of America. In her private practice treatment of children and adults, Linda combines her primary research on Eastern practices and the embodied Jungian psychological depth experience found in Sandplay Therapy.

Mark Beauregard, RDT-BCT, LCAT, specializes in gender and sexuality affirming therapy, receiving postgraduate certification through the Psychotherapy Center for Gender and Sexuality. He presents frequently on gender and sexual diversity, in addition to providing years of direct service to LGBTQ people and their families. Mark is senior drama therapist and supervisor of LGBTQ Services for NY Creative Arts Therapists, PLLC in Brooklyn and has a private practice in Manhattan.

Celia Bockhoff, MSW, LCSW, SEP, has over 30 years of experience as a somatic and vocal psychotherapist and workshop leader. Post-graduate training has included Ericksonian Hypnotherapy and Generative Change, and certification as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She received teacher certification from Shawna Carol in the ground-breaking vocal approach “SpiritSong,” and studies “The Naked Voice” with Chloe Goodchild. Celia has woven together new healing approaches to psyche, body and voice with her creations of “Essential Voice Psychotherapy”™, and “Seven Notes to Freedom” ™. She offers psychotherapy, mentoring and workshops in Boulder, CO, and online. www.celiabockhoff.com.

Dawn Burau, ATR, SpEd, LMHC, has her master’s in counseling and expressive therapies from Lesley. As a therapeutic teacher at the Community Therapeutic Day School, she worked with children with neurological, behavioral, emotional, and learning disabilities. Dawn has presented on special education, use of arts in the school setting, and interpreting/applying neuropsychological assessments. She co-authored Integrating Neuropsychological and Psychological Evaluations: Assessing and Helping the Whole Child with Daniel Reinstein. They are writing their second book, Applying the Results of Neuropsychological and Psychological Assessments: A Manual for Teachers and Specialists.

Lorraine Campanelli, BS, MS, MSW, has postgraduate certificates in spiritual direction, health care management, and health care ministry leadership. She works at Cabrini of Westchester (COW), where she is the director of Cabrini Immigrant Services. Lorraine was the director of social services, and a unit social worker for COW. She also was the social worker for the Msgr. Terrance Attridge Adult Day Health Center at COW. Lorraine has taught on elementary and college levels, including St. John's University. Lorraine serves on advisory boards for social work schools and on various community boards.

Robert Carroll, MD, is a poet and psychiatrist. He is in the private practice in Westwood, CA, and he is on the clinical faculty at UCLA. Robert's recent publications include his book of poetry, Amazing Change: The Wisdom that Illness, Death, and Dying Provide, "Finding the Words to Say It: The Healing Power of Poetry," in eCAM, “In Sickness and in Health,” a chapter in Countertransference and Couples Therapy, and “Wisdom Poetry Trialogue,” with Jack Coulehan and Kykosa Kajangu, in the Journal of Poetry Therapy. Robert served as Vice President for Institutional Liaison for The National Association for Poetry Therapy for four years and was a Board member of NAPT for those four years.

Kathy Cass, MA, BC-DMT, NCC, C-IAYT, CAHC, AYT, is a board certified dance/movement therapist, nationally certified counselor, certified yoga therapist, ayurvedic health counselor and ayurvedic yoga therapist with over 30 years of instructional and clinical experience. She is an adjunct professor at El Camino Community College and Santa Monica College Emeritus Division.  Kathy is advisor/core faculty for the UCLArts and Healing Social Emotional Arts Certificate program and faculty member of the Southern California Drama Therapy Center.  Co-author of the manual, Dance For All, Kathy maintains a private ayurvedic yoga therapy practice in Santa Monica.  

Vivian Chavez, MPH, DrPH, is a college professor, social justice artist, and yoga/meditation teacher. Much of her work focuses on facilitating conversations about power and privilege and how these operate in our lives. Vivian uses community building, storytelling, creativity, and movement to teach health and wellness. She has her master's and doctorate from the Univ. of CA, Berkeley, with research in “Violence in the Lives of Young Women in Urban Environments.” Vivian is an author of books and articles about prevention, youth media, community-based research, and cultural humility. She has presented her work in Cuba, Peru, and Argentina, studied in India, and lectured throughout the U.S.

Deirdre M. Cogan, ATR-BC, LPC, ATCS, CTP, has worked for the DC Dept. of Behavioral Health for 25 years, implementing community-based and inpatient arts-based programs. She is currently the director of creative arts therapies at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where she oversees the creative arts therapy clinical and training programs. Deirdre's research interests are in designing programs that address recovery challenges facing forensically-committed women who face barriers due to poverty, gender-inequality, and cultural stigma.

Barry M. Cohen, MA, ATR-BC, developed the Diagnostic Drawing Series, a standardized art assessment in use worldwide, in 1982. He is the author/co-author of numerous journal articles and chapters, and co-authored/co-edited three books, including the workbook Managing Traumatic Stress Through Art. Barry founded the Eastern Regional Conference on Trauma and Dissociation in 1989, co-founded an inpatient dissociative disorders unit in Washington, DC, in 1991, and was recruited to manage the 2006 and 2007 American Art Therapy Association conferences. The executive director of Expressive Media since 2008, he founded the Expressive Therapies Summit: NYC in 2010, co-founded the Mid-Atlantic Play Therapy Training Institute with Eliana Gil in 2013, and, with Ping Ho, the Expressive Therapies Summit: Los Angeles in 2017.

Mary Ruth Cross, MS, MFT, NCC, RPT-S, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a National Board Certified Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, with over 25 years of experience as a dedicated clinician and counselor educator. She is the director and owner of Treehouse Counseling Services in San Ramon, CA, and co-owner of Academy for Play Therapy Training, a program that helps mental health professionals attain the necessary education to become registered play therapists. Co-author of Snug and Rug and The No Good Very Bad Thing, a book about trauma for young people, Mary Ruth has been a counselor educator at University of Phoenix as well as John F. Kennedy University.

Erica K. M. Curtis, LMFT, ATR-BC, is a board-certified art therapist and licensed marriage and family therapist. She has a therapy practice, teaches for UCLArts and Healing, and was a lecturer in the department of MFT (with specialized training in clinical art therapy) at Loyola Marymount for a decade. Erica provides parenting advice at kidsinthehouse.com, where she talks about art’s potential to enrich children’s lives. She is a past Board member of the AATA, past-president of the Southern CA Art Therapy Assn, and speaks regularly about arts-based approaches to health, wellness, and parenting. Erica is the author of The Innovative Parent: Connection, Emotional Health, and Academic Success through the Arts, co-written with Ping Ho, Founder of UCLArts and Healing.

Aimee Levine Dickman, OTR/L, SEP, is an occupational therapist/somatic experiencing practitioner at Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital UCLA and the Camden Center. She is working on her certificate in sensory integration from USC. Aimee has presented on trauma informed care and sensory tools for self-regulation. She was a Broadway dancer, a bodyworker, and a yoga instructor. Aimee has a master’s in occupational therapy at USC, a certification in somatic experiencing, and completed somatic experiencing touch skills.

Helen G. Dolas, MS, MT-BC, has a bachelor's in music therapy and a master's in special education from CA State Univ., Long Beach. She founded Able ARTS Work (formerly Arts & Services for Disabled) serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 35 years. Helen has been the clinical training director of her internship program since 1984. As an adjunct professor at California State Univ. Northridge music therapy department, she established several new music therapy clinical training sites. Helen is partnering with two music therapists to establish the International Foundation for the Healing Arts to promote the development of music therapy services.

April Duncan, MSW, LCSW, RPT, is a licensed clinical social worker and a registered play therapist. She obtained her bachelor’s from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2006) and her master's in social work from St. Louis University (2012). After four years as the program director of a therapeutic preschool, April began her own private practice, with an emphasis on early intervention for African American children and families. She is also the owner and co-founder of the St. Louis Play Therapy Institute, providing play therapy trainings for educational and mental health professionals.

Pam Dunne, PhD, RDT/BCT, serves as a clinical psychologist, registered drama therapist board certified trainer, Professor Emerita-CA State University Los Angeles, and the executive director of the Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles (DTILA) and the Creative Therapies Center (CTC). With over a dozen books, films, articles, and book chapters, she developed Narradrama, which integrates drama, therapy, narrative, and the creative arts. Pam operates a private practice and training program at DTILA and CTC. In its 13th year, through DTILA, she conducts training and workshops all over Western and Eastern Europe, from Croatia to Scotland to Stockholm. Pam is past president of the North American Drama Therapy Assn and founding member of the Board of Examiners.

Antoinette Eimers, PsyD, MFT, CST-T, is a certified teaching member in the Sandplay Therapists of America and the International Society of Sandplay Therapy, as well as a member of the Sandplay Community of the Greater Los Angeles Area. She is a graduate of Trinity College of Graduate Studies, where she earned her doctorate in psychology, a master's in counseling psychology, and a master's in pastoral counseling. Antoinette currently serves on the STA Board as the treasurer. She has presented internationally on sandplay, and has published in the Journal of Sandplay Therapy. Antoinette has a private practice, where she specializes in sandplay.

Cheri Epstein, MA, NCC, ATR-BC, LPAT, has been a board-certified art therapist since 1995, after graduating from Marylhurst University. She had a private art therapy practice, following eight years working with traumatized children in community mental health. Prior to practicing as an art therapist, Cheri was a jewelry artist for two decades. She is currently an adjunct instructor at Prescott College, teaching graduate students in the expressive art therapy program. Cheri offers a variety of creativity workshops through OLLI and Community Education at Yavapai College, and is a trained SoulCollage® facilitator.

Christine Evans, PhD, REAT, is a psychologist and expressive arts therapist. She has taught person-centered expressive arts at various graduate schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and Hong Kong. Christine is a cis-gendered, able-bodied, heterosexual, white woman committed to facilitating and joining in circles with others who are waking up to their own unearned white privilege, its roots, its impact, its complexity for the purpose of making changes to benefit all. As a community arts facilitator, she encourages expression during stressful and divided times in our cultural landscape. Christine draws courage, resilience, and insight from mindfulness meditation, art-making, authentic movement, and a commitment to life-long learning in community.

Patrick Faggianelli, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who holds a black belt in Aikido and has had many years of Tai Chi practice. He utilizes his dissertation research, which focuses on the use of Eastern psychological and spiritual practices in terms of applicability to psychological process, particularly in relation to the therapeutic relationship.

Jennifer Farley, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, is a shamanic healer and dance/movement psychotherapist in private practice. She is also a teacher at the Monterey Bay Meditation Studio where she offers classes, workshops, and retreats focused on exploring embodied shamanic practice and ritual. Jennifer has been initiated into the Waskar and Inkari Andean mystical traditions, and embraces these traditions as the foundation to her work as a healer. She is excited to witness the weaving of ancient healing practices intersecting with the most cutting edge advances in science and psychology.

Rosine Ferber, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC, received her doctorate from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. She also has her master's in art therapy. For many years Rosine worked in the Community Health Awareness Council, counseling children and families. She provides clinical supervision for art therapy and MFT interns. Rosine's supervision work has always been art-based and includes journal writing, mask-making, doll-making, and puppet-making. She is also a mixed media and textile artist. rosineart.com, Artshacksiliconvalley.com

John Fitzgerald is the manager of recreational music activities for Remo, Inc., a freelance percussionist, and graduate of Village Music Circle, HealthRHYTHMS, and Beat the Odds facilitator trainings. He is a graduate of the Newfield Network’s coaching and Strozzi Institute’s leadership in action programs. John has developed programs for the Mark Taper Forum and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Assn, and composed/performed for many films and theatrical productions. He has designed and delivered programs for Kaiser Permanente Hospitals and USC.

Michael A. Franklin, PhD, ATR-BC, is the co-chair of the transpersonal art therapy program at Naropa University. Prior to this appointment, he practiced as a clinician and directed the art therapy programs at the College of St. Teresa and Bowling Green State University. Michael is an international lecturer, workshop leader and active researcher publishing over 30 papers on numerous subjects. His current work as an artist and writer integrates the relationships between art therapy, social engagement, yoga philosophy, and meditation. This work culminated in Art as Contemplative Practice: Expressive Pathways to the Self, published by SUNY Press.

Lorraine R. Freedle, PhD, ABPdN, CST-T, is a pediatric neuropsychologist, international sandplay therapy teacher, and trainer in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. She is the clinical director of Pacific Quest, a holistic outdoor behavioral health program in Hilo, Hawaii, where she also maintains a private practice. Lorraine is on faculty at Southwestern College, has published journal articles and book chapters, and has researched sandplay therapy with adults with traumatic brain injury and youth with co-occurring trauma and addiction. She currently serves as research editor for the Journal of Sandplay Therapy.

Kimberly Freesh, GSY3, CYT, CYTT, is a Gentle Somatic Yoga® instructor, yoga therapist, and teacher in the Viniyoga tradition. With 20 years experience, Kimberly has offered gentle and chair yoga classes at Northridge Hospital, Annie's Yoga Studio, the YMCA, and at Bridges Academy. A ballroom and freeform dancer, she opened Out Back Yoga Integrative Healing Arts Center in 2007, where she encourages others to move in healthy and creative ways that work with—rather than against—their true nature.

Elnur "El" Gajiev, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, poet, and educator. He specializes in working with individuals, families, and communities in need through the use of creative therapies and holistic practices. El serves on the faculty at the University of Hawai'i, as well as the board of the Hawai'i Psychological Association, and is one of the key pioneers of spoken word poetry therapy—a therapeutic modality incorporating the elements of spoken word poetry for a broad array of clinical and nonclinical contexts. Additionally, he provides coaching and consultation to social enterprises regarding the integration of creativity and sustainability into organizational cultures.

Kate Richards Geller, MA, MT-BC, LCAT, received a master’s in music therapy from NYU. Her training includes medical music therapy in pediatrics, neurology, oncology, along with voicework and improvisation. Kate has worked in medical settings, schools, and community centers, providing services to individuals and groups, with the primary goal of improving the quality of life through live, interactive music making. Her program, Sing for Yourself, demonstrates how a regular singing practice can create meaningful and lasting change in individuals and communities.

Lani A. Gerity, DA, ATR, holds a doctorate from NYU in art therapy. She has been practicing art therapy since 1980, with an emphasis on dissociative identity disorder and puppet-making. Lani is the author of Creativity and the Dissociative Patient, and editor of Edith Kramer's collection of papers, Art as Therapy, along with various journal articles and chapters in other books. She is completing a book on the Edith Kramer legacy.

Karen Howard, RMT, CEAP, is a registered music therapist and founder of Music & Expressive Therapy Associates, which uses expressive and creative arts to strengthen life skills and functioning. She works with a wide range of populations, including those with special needs (i.e. autism) and those in drug rehab treatment centers. Karen was part of the HBO documentary, "Autism: The Musical," which featured her song, "Everyday Miracles." She has collaborated on over 20 original musicals for children and teens on the autism spectrum. Karen has degrees in music therapy, piano performance, psychology, and teaching. She is certified as an Autism movement therapy provider and has an advanced certification as an expressive arts practitioner.

Joanne Ginter, MA, is a psychologist with graduate degrees in psychology and religious studies. She integrates play therapy, hypnosis, and cultural healing practices into her work. Joanne is on faculty at CityU Seattle, Calgary campus, teaching master’s students. She is an approved supervisor for provisional psychologists in Alberta. Joanne is a member of the Canadian Psychological Assn and the American Psychological Assn (Assoc.). She is currently working with a First Nations community and promoting her workshops on developing intercultural resiliency that parallels her book The Fifth Position: A Guide for Developing Intercultural Resiliency and Pluralism.

Eva C. Glaser, MA, BC-DMT, LPC, is a board-certified dance/movement therapist, a rostered therapist in Child Parent Psychotherapy, and a licensed professional counselor. Her career has focused on working in the realm of community mental health and educational settings. Eva's clinical focus combines dance/movement therapy with supporting and enhancing the relationships of young children and their caregivers through the model of Child Parent Psychotherapy.

Adrienne Glasser, RDMT, LCSW, IFS coach, is the creator of Present Moment Transformational Workshops and founder of Present Moment Psychotherapy and Coaching. Both practices combine IFS parts-work and meditation with the creative arts. Her work is devoted to making creative parts-work, IFS, and meditation practices available to everyone, but particularly artists, families, and those impacted by addictions. Adrienne also helps healers to find their inner creative SELF. www.adrienne.glasser.com

Richard Gold, MA, is the founder/executive director of the Pongo Poetry Project and creator of the Pongo Teen Writing Method. Pongo establishes writing programs within sites such as detention centers and homeless shelters, and guides teens to process traumatic events while giving them a voice and showing them how to "own" their stories by connecting with others and themselves. His book is titled, Writing with At-Risk Youth: The Pongo Teen Writing Method. www.pongoteenwriting.org.

David S. Gordon, PhD, is a clinical psychologist. An associate clinical professor in psychiatry at UCLA, he supervises residents, teaches a class in guided imagery techniques, and consults in the School of Medicine. David has been a member of the teaching faculty of the S. California Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and has presented for the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He teaches workshops for clinicians of all levels in clinical hypnosis. A board member of the Los Angeles Society for Clinical Psychologists for many years, David also served as its president.

Paulette Greenhouse is a writer and creative enthusiast. After receiving a BA in journalism from San Francisco State, she continued at SFSU by receiving a multimedia certificate. Paulette got involved with 916 Ink in 2013, when she began volunteering. As 916 Ink’s program manager, she oversees 15+ concurrent writing programs each semester. Paulette's other responsibilities include grant writing, social media marketing, event planning, and facilitating workshops. She is certified in the Amherst and Artist’s Method, which involves creative writing facilitation. Paulette has also trained in trauma informed care, the psychology of creativity and problem solving, and youth engagement in the arts.

Julyssa Guevara, ACSW, is a psychiatric social worker for the Los Angeles Dept. of Mental Health-Juvenile Justice program. She uses CBT, DBT, and expressive art therapies with incarcerated youth between the ages of 15-18. Julyssa created and implemented art therapy groups to help students utilize a prosocial coping mechanism to heal from their traumas and reconnect with their cultural heritage. She is a doctoral student at Claremont in the School of Educational Studies, in the Urban Leadership program. Her research focuses on the impacts traumatic experiences have on Central American immigrant students as a result of the migration cycle. Julyssa is the co-founder of the podcast, Voices of the First Gen.

Ruth Guttfreund, MA, RATH, born in El Salvador to European Jewish migrants, trained in special education in Jerusalem, in art and art therapy in England. She received her master's in the psychology of therapy and counseling from Antioch University. Ruth's experience in England and Israel has been very widespread: psychiatric frameworks, women´s centers, private work (workshops and individual), women´s refuge, schools with children coping with learning difficulties, and clinical frameworks. Since 2003, in El Salvador she has been involved in social intervention and violence prevention projects, in teaching, facilitating workshops for private and non-profit organizations and introducing art therapy techniques to teachers for self-care and for use in the classroom.

Tresha Faye Haefner, MA, holds a master's in humanistic psychology with a specialization in creativity studies from Saybrook University. She is founder of The Poetry Salon, and has taught poetry to groups of all ages. Tresha has facilitated creative writing facilitator training programs for various non-profits who work with persons experiencing homelessness, as well as with medical students through USC's Art Rx program. She is the author of Method and Mystery: A Research-Based Guide to Teaching Poetry and Take This Longing. Tresha's poetry appears in many publications, including Amarillo Bay, Blue Mesa Review, Chiron Review, Poet Lore, and Rattle.

Bonnie Harnden, MA, RDT, is a professor in the creative arts therapies program at Concordia University in Canada. Her research focuses on performance, trauma, and the nervous system, and she is currently adapting a play to film based on her work in acute emergency settings with traumatized children and their families. Bonnie holds a research grant from the Canadian Institute of Health Research and the Quebec Ministry of Economics and Innovation.

Annette Hatala, OTL/OTD, is a former homeschooler and occupational therapist since 2006. She has worked with various populations from children to adults in mental health and physical disabilities settings. Annette's specialties include nature based therapies and as a Watsu practitioner, a water based modality. She shares her knowledge through teaching at Stanbridge University and taking interns for the nonprofit she founded, Life’s Toolbox, with the motto of “gaining life skills one activity at a time.”

Aleta Hayes, MFA, is a singer, dancer, actor, choreographer, and lecturer in contemporary dance and performance at Stanford Univ. She has a master's in dance/choreography from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and a bachelor's in drama, dance, and the visual arts from Stanford. Aleta has taught at Wesleyan, Swarthmore, Rutgers, and Princeton, where she developed courses that combined cultural and performance history, theory, and performance. She created "The Wedding Project," a performance piece illustrating the evolution of American social dance through the narrative of African American wedding traditions. Recently, Aleta developed Liquid Flow, a movement philosophy, improvisational technique class, and compositional workshop. dancersgroup.org/author/aletahayes/

Cristina Hernandez hails from the Dominican Republic and was raised in the South Bronx. She has been with Enact for over 15 years and has taught in all five boroughs of New York City. Cristina is currently a site director in a middle school in the Bronx.

Esther B. Hess, PhD, is a developmental psychologist and executive director of a multidisciplinary treatment facility, the Center for the Developing Mind, which specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of developmental and regulatory disorders, like autism spectrum disorders. She is a national and international speaker on DIR/Floor Time, a developmental/relational treatment approach of ASD and sensory processing disorder in children, adolescents, and young adults. www.centerforthedevelopingmind.com

Gilah Yelin Hirsch, BA, MFA, is a multidisciplinary artist, whose art, films, papers, and books have been exhibited and published internationally. Her numerous grants include the US National Endowment for the Arts; the Rockefeller Foundation, Bellagio, Italy; and the Tyrone Guthrie Center for the Arts, Ireland, Gilah was one of the founders of the Feminist Art Movement in California in the early '70s and in the early '80s worked in psychoneuroimmunology, focusing on the power of art to heal. She holds the position of professor of art at California State University Dominguez Hills, Los Angeles. www.gilah.com

Ping Ho, MA, MPH,is Founding Director of UCLArts & Healing ‒ an organizational member of the UCLA Health Integrative Medicine Collaborative, of which Ping is a Steering Committee Member. She has a BA in psychology with honors from Stanford, an MA in counseling psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MPH in community health sciences from UCLA School of Public Health. Ping developed the Certificate Program in Social Emotional Arts (SEA), the SEA on a Shoestring training program, and the Beat the Odds® drumming program for social-emotional skill building. She is co-author of The Innovative Parent: Raising Connected, Happy, Successful Kids through Art (Ohio University/Swallow Press, 2019). Ping also co-chairs, with Barry Cohen, the annual Expressive Therapies Summit: Los Angeles. uclartsandhealing.org.

Jenny Hoit, LMFT, ATR, has been involved in the LA community mental health sector for 11 years in various roles from therapist to educator and administrator. Her current focus is to help prepare and support community healers in their challenging and chaotic roles by offering spaces to explore, question, and create possibilities out of problems around complex issues, such as trauma, resiliency, cultural diversity, equity, teamwork, supervision/leadership, and communication. Jenny also continues her own clinical practice, integrating art, mindfulness, and somatic work.

Jeffrey Jamerson, MA, PhD(c), has over 20 years of experience in the public sector. He has served at-risk youth in various capacities, most recently as the Vice President of programs and services at Aviva Family and Children Services in Los Angeles. Hoping to create a shift in how therapy is conducted with foster children, he has integrated narrative and expressive arts modalities with digital media art, which he calls Expressive Remix Therapy.

Patricia Jauchler, MS, MA, RDT/BCT, is a registered drama therapist and board-certified trainer, trained death midwife, and ordained interfaith minister. She is the founder/director of On Bright Wings Death Midwifery Services for Aging and End-of-Life Guidance, Education, and Support. Trisha blends drama therapy, music, art methods, and death midwifery techniques for personal growth, emotional expression, and skills training. She has over 25 years' experience leading educational, therapeutic, spiritual, and creative groups. Trisha is an adjunct professor at the Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles, and has taught at CA State Univ. Los Angeles, and through UCLA Extension's Pathway program.

Kathryn Johnson, PhD, ATR, is an art therapist and licensed psychologist with over 20 years' experience working in psychiatric and medical facilities. She is a psychologist at the Everett Clinic, where she provides therapy, psychological evaluation, and neuropsychological testing. Kathryn is medical director of psychosocial services at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership. An adjunct faculty member with Antioch Univ.-Seattle, she is a Diagnostic Drawing Series teaching associate, providing training and overseeing research.

Gabrielle Kaufman, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, NCC, is a dance/movement therapist and licensed professional clinical counselor. She is the director of training for Maternal Mental Health NOW, on the faculty of the UCLArts and Healing Social and Emotional Arts program, 2020 Mom, and serves as Los Angeles coordinator for Postpartum Support International. Gabrielle has a bilingual private practice, using both movement and verbal interventions. She has published numerous articles on parenting, dance/movement therapy, postpartum depression, and edited the book, Bringing Light to Motherhood.

Cynthia Holloway Kelvin, PsyD, RDT, is a clinical psychologist, drama therapist, and performance consultant. She has worked with adults and adolescents at various stages of healing and recovery in community mental health, and in-patient residential settings, since 2009. Cynthia is the founder of The Evolving Stage, offering creative performance workshops for healing and personal growth, along with performance psychology consultation for business professionals and performers seeking to overcome challenges in presentation and performance.

Kellee Kemp, LMFT, is the director of the Yetunde Price Resource Center, dedicated to empowering communities of color. She is a double alum of Loyola Marymount University, where she obtained her BA in urban studies and a master's in marriage and family therapy, with a specialization in art therapy. A first-generation American, she has always felt it was her duty to support the work being done by communities of color. Kellee also maintains a private practice in Los Angeles.

Carry Kim, CYT, CMT, MFA, is a lineage holder of Yoga of Joy, a system of esoteric, Himalayan, and Primordial yoga derived from Himalayan Master Yuan Miao. She is a certified yoga therapist (Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, India), Ayurvedic and therapeutic nutrition educator (AYPTI), certified breathwork facilitator (D. Elliott), certified Shiatsu therapist, and Taoist tonic herbalist. Carry serves as a caregiver in elder home care and hospice. She has served people of all ages with holistic healing modalities. Her work is informed by holding death as the "first awareness," and experience studying shamanic, spiritual, and primordial approaches to healing and liberating the gross and subtle levels of the body.

Neal King, LCSW, has a master's in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker with training in hypnotherapy, sandtray therapy, and EMDR. He is founder of King Motivates, where he developed programs including weight loss and smoke cessation. Neal uses comedy improv in his practice to treat social anxiety disorder, finding that group cohesiveness and gentle improv direction assists clients to feel at ease in what usually would be highly anxiety-provoking situations.

Berti Klein, MA, MCAT, MSS, NCC, BC-DMT, is a SpiritMovingBody mentor. She has spent over 45 years studying, facilitating, and teaching dance movement therapy, authentic movement, somatic psychology, BodyMindCentering, counseling, bodywork, meditation, and the body-mind-emotion-spirit relationship. Berti has worked in various facilities, supervised students, and has a private practice. She has taught courses at Yale, Univ. of Santa Monica, Hahnemann Medical (now a part of Drexel), and the National Univ. of Mexico. Berti facilitates workshops, trainings, classes, and seminars throughout the U.S., Europe, and Latin America.

Peggy Kolodny, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, earned her master’s in art therapy from GWU in 1982. Specializing in trauma-focused art therapy in private practice, she is adjunct faculty for University of Maryland School of Social Work; the workshop faculties of the Ferentz Institute: Trauma Certificate Program and Chesapeake Professional Seminars. Past positions include Vice President of the Maryland Chapter of American Professional Society on Abuse of Children; Chairperson of Central Maryland Sexual Abuse Treatment Task Force; President of Maryland Art Therapy Association. Past faculties include Goucher College and Maryland Institute, College of Art.

Sarah Kremer, ATR-BC, LPCC, PhD(c), has a master’s in art therapy from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is adjunct faculty in art therapy psychology at Notre Dame de Namur Univ. and is currently completing a doctorate in art therapy there. As director at Acknowledge Alliance, Sarah oversees services provided to 20+ schools and organizations and works with partnering agencies to advance prevention-focused mental health and social-emotional learning across the entire school community. She has worked with adolescents in mental health and community settings for the past 27 years. Sarah currently serves on the advisory board for First Exposures, a nonprofit photography-based youth mentoring program.

Sarah Laing, MAAT, ATR, is the executive director of Open Studio Project Inc. The mission is to empower people to utilize the arts for personal growth. She is an artist, art therapist, and community leader and has been working with OSP since 2000. Over the years, Sarah initiated youth programs, numerous partnerships, and the founding of their gallery. She has worked in the art education field, working as a teaching artist in schools, managing public art projects, and served on numerous boards including Chicago Public Art Group, Young Evanston Artists, and with Chicago public schools through Ingenuity Inc. Sarah is currently heavily involved in an evolving social-emotional learning arts curriculum for PreK and K-8.

Jamie Lynn Langley, LCSW, RPT-S, specializes in treating children and their families who have experienced abuse, loss, trauma, abandonment, divorce, and other clinical issues primarily using play therapy. She transitioned to her private practice in late 2016 after working in community mental health for over 27 years. Jamie helped co-found the Tennessee Assn. for Play Therapy and serves as its president. She is an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State Univ. and Lipscomb Univ. Jamie is a frequent presenter and has written articles on play therapy, more recently on NaturePlay therapy, as well as a book chapter in the third edition of Game Play.

Marcia B Leventhal, PhD, CMA, BC-DMT, is founding director of the dance/movement therapy program at NYU, co-founded the Dance Therapy Institute of Princeton, IDTIA (Australia), directed education and training for 18 years, and founded dance therapy programs in Sweden, Argentina, Greece, Japan, and Roehampton University, UK. She co-founded the International Institute for Advanced Training in Dance Movement Therapy, in Athens, China, Istanbul, and San Francisco. Marcia is editor of two books and author of numerous articles. She co-edited the ADTA Journal for five years and served on the board. In 2019, Marcia was awarded the lifetime achievement award of the ADTA.

Jennie Linthorst, MA, CAPF, is a poet, expressive writing teacher, and founder of LifeSPEAKS Poetry Therapy. She is on the faculty of UCLA Arts & Healing, and has taught expressive writing workshops at UC Irvine Ext, the University of Santa Monica, the National Association for Poetry Therapy, and the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Jennie facilitates ongoing adult writing groups and original curriculum for private clients. She has a bachelor's in psychology from Skidmore College, certification as a certified applied poetry facilitator, and a master's in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica. Jennie has written two books of poetry: Silver Girl and Autism Disrupted: A Mother’s Journey of Hope.

Victoria Lloyd, MEd, is a graduate student, pursuing her MPH in community health sciences, and an MSW in family and child wellbeing, at UCLA. She has a master’s in education from Southern Methodist Univ. As a UCLA Population Health Advocacy Fellow, she worked with The L.A. Trust for Children's Health, where she served as a Champions for Change Health Educator. Victoria supported the implementation of LAUSD’s Blueprint for Wellness and organized legislative visits with L.A. County congress members concerning School Based Health and Title X Funding. She works at UCLA’s Nathanson Family Resilience Center for the Strategies for Enhancing Early Developmental Success program.

Zelda Lockhart, MA, PhD, holds a PhD in expressive arts therapies, a master's in literature, and a certificate in film from the New York Film Academy. She is a registered expressive arts consultant and educator. Zelda's research and the workshops she facilitates focus on creating and consuming personal experience-based literature for emotional, psychological, and social transformation, particularly for people of color, LGBT populations, and financially disenfranchised people. Her latest book is The Soul of the Full-Length Manuscript: Turning Life’s Wounds into the Gift of Literary Fiction, Memoir, or Poetry. Zelda is also author of Fifth Born, Cold Running Creek and Fifth Born II: The Hundredth Turtle. www.zeldalockhart.com

Kristin Long, RDT, BCT, LCAT, LP, is a drama therapist and psychoanalyst with a private practice in New York City. As a graduate of the Institute for Expressive Analysis in 2010, she currently serves on the board as Public Relations Chair. Kristin also teaches and supervises at the postgraduate Institute. She has taught expressive therapy with children at New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Kristin completed EMDR training through the Parnell Institute and has a specific interest in the transmission of intergenerational trauma.

Darcy Lubbers, PhD, MFT, ATR-BC, maintains a private practice in marriage and family therapy, clinical art therapy, and somatic psychology in Santa Monica, CA. Drawing on 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, her work is integrative and holistic. Darcy's publishing credits include Adult Art Psychotherapy: Issues and Applications, with Helen Landgarten. She has received training in somatic experiencing, focusing-oriented therapy, equine therapy, structural bodywork (Hellerwork), psycho-immunology, clinical hypnosis, meditation, movement awareness, yoga therapy, Ayurveda, and mind body medicine.

Marshall Lyles, RPT-S, LPC-S, LMFT-S, EMDRIA-approved consultant, has over 15 years of practice in family and play therapy in a variety of mental health settings. With extensive international speaking and training experience in experiential approaches to treating attachment trauma, he particularly enjoys discussing the use of sandtray therapy within a trauma-informed context. Presently, Marshall conducts supervision and consultation sessions with counseling professionals. He is EMDR-certified and applies this, and other trauma approaches, with diverse populations. Marshall is nearing the completion of his PhD in marriage and family therapy.

Denise Malis, PhD, MFA, ATR-BC, LMHC, holds a PhD in expressive therapies and is an assistant professor in art therapy at Lesley. As a licensed mental health counselor and board-certified art therapist, she has practiced, instructed, and supervised art therapists for over 25 years. Denise has published and presented on the Art Mentoring program, a group that she developed and maintained for a 10-year period. This program allowed adults with mental health disabilities to be active artists in the Somerville, MA community.

Elizabeth Malone Alteet, MFA, RDT, is a drama therapist and theater maker working in prisons and jails in Southern California. Her past and present work includes creating devised therapeutic theater with youth and older adults in Palestine, drama therapy with at-risk youth in educational and clinical settings, leading drama therapy groups at Reasons Eating Disorder Center, and, most currently, working as a teaching artist and drama therapist with theater companies and educational institutions inside prisons and jails. As an actor and writer, Elizabeth co-created "Women in Blue," a play about incarcerated mothers in the South.

Sandra Marinella, MA, MEd, is a writing teacher and author, and has taught students at all levels and presented writing and story-sharing workshops. Her articles have appeared in The English Journal, The Arizona English Bulletin, Seventeen, Survivor’s Review, Well Being Journal, and Psychology Today’s blog. Sandra's own diagnosis of breast cancer inspired her to teach writing to cancer patients and veterans at the Veterans Hospital and Mayo Integrative Medicine and Health Clinic. She wrote her recent book, The Story You Need to Tell—Writing to Heal from Trauma, Illness, or Loss. Sandra speaks and teaches at conferences and community venues across the country. www.storyyoutell.com

Devlyn McCreight, LPC, NCC, is a therapist in private practice. Since discovering the Graphic Medicine Community in 2017, he has published and presented at professional conferences about the intersection of comics and clinical mental health work. Devlyn's most recent presentation was entitled, “The Case for Graphic Mental Health: The Unique Benefits and Challenges of Utilizing Comics in Clinical Mental Health Care,” at the 2019 Graphic Medicine Conference in Brighton, England. He also presented at the 2019 Creativity in Counseling conference on “Comics as Clinical Bibliotherapy."

Marilyn McLaughlin, MFA, RSMT, is an arts and wellness educator, somatic/expressive movement specialist, fitness specialist, and a Unified Mindfulness Level2 Coach. She has a BFA in dance from the Univ. of Utah and an MFA in acting and performance from UCLA. Marilyn's postgraduate work has included Laban Movement Analysis, St. John Neuromuscular Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Fall Risk Reduction, Senior Fitness Interactive Group Drum Facilitation, and Mindfulness. She is the creator of All Bodies Dance, Drumming Into Stillness, and Rhythmic Play for Memory and Mobility: Enhancing Quality of Life, in collaboration with UCLA Arts and Healing.

Rebekah Messenger, MMT, LPC, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist and licensed professional counselor at St. Elizabeths Hospital. For nine years she has served as a music therapist across populations, including persons with special needs, youth with behavioral, emotional, and educational needs, adults receiving psychiatric services, forensic treatment, and end-of-life care. Rebekah is a certified as Pranakriya yoga teacher and a Reiki practitioner.

Laura Miera, MA, ATR, has taught and practiced art therapy for 25 years. She is the program manager of Homeboy Industries’ Art Heals, a community open studio program at their downtown headquarters. Laura joined Father Gregory Boyle’s work at Dolores Mission in 1990 and went on to receive her master's in clinical art therapy at Loyola Marymount. In recent years, she’s collaborated with arts teams at both Kidspace Museum for Children and Hillsides Home for Children, and piloted an integrative arts program for families at The Glendale Public Library. Laura has presented nationally on a variety of topics and is writing a book on the creative arts and justice-involved families.

Joshua Miller is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in creating immersive music for meditation and relaxation. He has studied with the world's top sound healers, incorporating ancient wisdom from India, Cuba, Indonesia, Poland, and Africa.

Deanna Minich, PhD, FACN, CNS, CN, IFMCP, is a holistically-minded health educator and author with more than 20 years' experience in nutrition, mind-body-spirit health, medical science, and functional medicine. She holds master’s and doctorate degrees in nutrition and medical sciences and has lectured throughout the world on health topics, teaching patients, and health professionals. Deanna is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition, a certified nutrition specialist, a certified functional medicine practitioner, and a registered yoga teacher. She teaches for the Institute for Functional Medicine and for the graduate program in functional medicine at the Univ. of Western States. Deanna has published six books on health and wellness, and over 30 scientific publications.

Edna Miron-Wapner, MA, CAGS, has a master's in education from the University of Toronto, and certification in expressive arts therapy from the European Graduate School in Switzerland. The creator of Expressive Kavannah, a spiritual intermodal model to explore identity through the arts, she is the founder of two studios in Jerusalem: a children's multimodal center and an adult expressive arts center. This year, she authored Expressive Kavannah: Creativity, Meaning & Healing, a synthesis of expressive arts therapy and Kabbalah, which is a practical guide to her work. Edna is also an artist, and has exhibited her work internationally over the last 40 years. www.ednamironwapner.com.

Asia Moore, MSW, has a master's in social work, with a clinical emphasis on families and children from USC. In addition to the dual degree in psychology and legal studies from Scripps College, Asia is currently pursuing doctoral study at Claremont Graduate University in positive developmental psychology and evaluation. She has spent the last few years working as a community college counselor and faculty member to further the interdisciplinary application and integration of expressive approaches in engaging and advocating for at-risk youth and vulnerable populations. Asia's research explores the multi-systemic implications of writing-based interventions and the role of cultural responsiveness in ensuring quality interventions and programming.

Malissa Morrell, MA, ATR-BC, MFT, is an art therapist with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of populations and settings. In addition to her clinical work, she also teaches at the University of Utah and Westminster College in Salt Lake City, and serves on the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education.

Nyei Murez, MA, is the founder of Creation in Flow, hosting a weekly program for creative writers. As the scribe for author Carlos Castaneda, she knows how to support authors in organizing and transmitting sacred wisdom, and to illuminate the universal in their personal stories. Nyei holds a master’s degree in English/Creative Writing from Boston University and is a certified Breathwork facilitator and a teacher trainer of Tensegrity® and Theater of Infinity® facilitators. She is an internationally known speaker, workshop leader, musician, and music director for nearly 30 years.

Ava Nahas is an Egyptian-Lebanese born percussionist who plays a wide range of world drums as well as drumset. She performs in the U.S. and abroad with several distinguished ensembles and has enjoyed being a NAMM artist for A.T.V. for the last two years. Ava founded the Ava Nahas World Percussion Ensemble, which has won much acclaim for its groundbreaking artistry, and is an educator in her field.

Stephanie Nash, MFA, has an MFA from the Yale School of Drama, and a BA in psychology from Duke University. A working actress in NYC and LA for 30+ years, she is also an acting teacher, associate professor at the Art Center College of Design, and has taught expressive movement at USC. Steph founded Mindfulness Arts (a non-profit) and currently offers coaching, courses, and speaking through Strategic Mindfulness—emphasizing stress reduction, enhanced productivity, and rewiring eating issues. Presently a senior mindfulness teacher for Shinzen Young, whose innovative system, Unified Mindfulness, has been studied by Harvard Medical School and others, she also trains meditation teachers..

Donna Newman-Bluestein, BC-DMT, CMA, LMHC, is a board-certified DMT therapist, licensed mental health counselor, certified movement analyst, educator, dancer, and writer. Her work focuses on mental illness, chronic pain, coronary artery disease, and dementia. Donna has developed: Octaband®, a sensory prop to stimulate connection through movement for people with dementia; The Dance of Interaction: Embodied Relationships in Dementia Care, a dual-level training curriculum in nonverbal communication; and a Quality of Life Movement Assessment for Persons with Advanced Dementia.

Ann Noriel is president and co-founder of Southland Sings. She has worked as a teaching artist since 2001, teaching music and songwriting to students. Ann works with children with psychological, behavioral, and emotional problems; youth on probation; and homeless, foster, and incarcerated youth. She has also performed principal singing roles with San Jose Ballet and Opera Pacific, singing on their main stage as well as performing leading roles in "Cinderella," "Cosi Fan Tutte," "Guys and Dolls," and "Oklahoma!" with the Overture Company. Ann has done several concerts and productions with Los Angeles Opera’s community programs; her most recent project was the lead role in the world premiere of "The Letter."

Scott Palyo, MD, is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in private practice in Greenwich Village. He is an assistant professor at NY Medical College and a clinical instructor at Langone NYU School of Medicine. Scott is also the medical director at Safe Horizon Counseling Center, the only facility in New York focusing on the treatment of victims of crimes. He attended Emory University and University of Texas, and completed his residencies at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Scott completed a congressional fellowship working with Senator Debbie Stabenow and is involved with multiple medical associations.

Erin Partridge, PhD, ATR-BC, is an artist and board-certified, registered art therapist. She graduated in the first cohort of the NDNU art therapy PhD program in 2016. Erin teaches art therapy at NDNU, guest lectures in art and counseling programs, mentors students, and facilitates conference workshops. She has worked in community, pediatric, forensic, and geriatric settings, and she is published in the areas of art therapy, elder care, and technology. Erin's current research focuses on elder care, incorporating the lived experience, and focuses on participatory, ethnographic, and art-based approaches.

Jon Pearson is an internationally-known speaker, learning skills consultant, and author and frequent keynote speaker. He has worked with more than a thousand schools and a million students, teachers, parents, and administrators around the world. He received a BA in philosophy from the University of California, an MA in the creative arts interdisciplinary from California State University in San Francisco, and a multiple subject teaching credential from California State University in LA. Jon lives in Los Angeles and has taught courses in multiple intelligences and gifted education at the University of California at Riverside.

Paula Perlman, LMFT, BC-DMT, CLMA, certified SP, teaches creative movement with inner-city children and with children at a child-initiated, conflict resolution-based progressive private school. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, Paula focuses on trauma and facilitates retreats for adults in creative process, creative movement, and Authentic Movement. She was a teaching faculty member for the Center for Movement Education and Research, an alternate route program in dance therapy. Paula has master's degrees in dance movement therapy and creativity, change, and leadership. She is certified in Laban Movement Analysis and Sensorimotor (Level III).

Anne Pesacov, PhD, LCSW, LMFT, is co-founder of the Planet Earth Relationship Counseling Center and co-creator of Puppet Assisted Relationship Therapy. She co-authored Puppet Assisted Relationship Therapy: A Manual for Teaching Social Skills to Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and Related Disorders, and created the Puppets from the Planet Earth. Anne maintains a private practice, where she provides counseling and evaluations for ASD, individual, group, marital and family therapy. divorce and family mediation, hypnotherapy, and Trauma Incidence Reduction therapy. She has trained in psychodrama, Gestalt, family sculpting, CBT, play therapy, NLP, and Eriksonian hypnotherapy. Anne continues to supervise interns in clinical social work and MFT.

Amy Pfenning, MPS, ATR, CZT, has a master's in art therapy from Pratt Institute. She works at Coalinga State Hospital, a treatment facility for sexually violent predators. Amy manages the hospital's Art Center, and provides art therapy supervision. She has presented at various conferences including the American Art Therapy Assn, the CA Coalition on Sexual Offending, the Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma, and the Forensic Mental Health Association of California. She is a Certified Zentangle Teacher.

Anna Pirkl, MA, MFT, ATR, LAADAC, is a licensed marital and family therapist, licensed advanced alcohol and drug counselor, and ATTA registered art therapist. Her transition from corporate business executive into the field of helping professionals began in 2005 as a volunteer for Free Arts for Abused Children. Anna specializes in recovery from addiction, complex trauma, and anxiety disorders. She likes to use therapeutic tools from cognitive behavioral, educational, and psychodynamic. Anna has worked with adolescents at Central Juvenile Hall, sober living populations, and the elderly and disabled at BCHD.

Michelle M. Pliske, MSW, RPT-S, LCSW, is the founder of Firefly Counseling Services, a clinic designed to meet the needs of children through expressive therapies. She is an assistant professor of social work and policy and holds graduate certificates in EMDR, animal assisted therapy, trauma informed care, adoption/foster care, and children’s yoga.

John Pollard is an accredited integrative psychotherapist and counselling psychologist in training, currently working in private practice in central London, UK. He has been delivering talks about sequential art in mental health since 2012 in training institutions and conferences, including a panel discussion entitled "The Case For 'Graphic Psychology:' The Unique Benefits and Challenges of Utilizing Comics in Clinical Mental Health Care" with Devlyn McCreight at the Graphic Medicine Conference in July 2019. John’s current research project explores the use of sequential art in psychotherapy and psychology, which represents the final stage of his doctoral training as a counselling psychologist.

Dee Preston-Dillon, MA, PhD, founder of the Center for Culture and Sandplay, has committed four decades to clinician education and the projective process of sand therapy. Her research into cross-cultural, indigenous aspects of Jungian Sandplay anchored her development of Narrative Sand Therapy©. Dee has presented on symbols in sand including theory, ethics, and clinical practice. Her current study maps an existential landscape in sand therapy. In collaboration with College Park Youth Services, Dee designed a certificate program in sand therapy that supports clinician immersion in sand scenes and case exploration to deepen insights and extend therapists’ capacity to resonate with client representations in sand.

Martha Rand, LCSW, SSW, CGP, ACSW, is a therapist, supervisor, coach, teacher, and provides professional development to social workers and educators. Currently a school social worker, she has over 18 years of experience in clinical social work in inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitals as well as in her own private practice. Martha's current interest is in integrating digital media with therapy and counseling to support awareness and promote positive behavioral change.

Lisa Rasmussen, MFA, has over 16 years' experience in transformative art teaching and in the creation of transformative art programs with diverse populations. She has worked with a wide spectrum of populations, including the under-served elder communities, emotionally traumatized children, and women’s groups. Lisa has an MFA in arts and consciousness from JFK University. With her organization, Artemis Sacred Journeys, she leads women on empowerment art, yoga, and sacred site retreats to Greece and Hawaii. Lisa co-created the new arts and healing practice called YogART. She is co-founding director of the non-profit Art is Moving and Art Break Day.

Anna Reyner, MA, ATR, LMFT, has conducted over 800 national and international hands-on art workshops and is a registered art therapist and licensed marriage and family therapist. She holds a master’s in expressive art therapy from the University of Louisville and a bachelor’s in art and psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University. In creating art activities, Anna draws upon her experiences as an art therapist, art teacher, Peace Corps volunteer, youth program director, and teacher trainer.

Ruth Xilomen Rios, MFA, ATR-BC, LMFT, is an artist, licensed marriage and family therapist and board-certified art therapist, who specializes in working with trauma, children, and immigrant communities. She works with the Share and Care program through Cedars-Sinai's Psychological Trauma Center and provides supervision as part-time faculty at Loyola Marymount University, where she also serves as chair of LMU's Active Cultural Explorations Committee. Ruth sits on the Art Therapy Credentials Board as board director.

Pamela C. Robertson, PsyD, LCSW, has been helping people achieve their potential for over 21 years. She specializes in the treatment and supervision of substance abuse and dependence, functional family therapy, art therapy, and spiritual/existential issues both in managed care and private practice. Pamela has spent the last 18 years providing leadership, supervision, and training at Stars Behavioral Health Group to support the needs of children and families who have experienced complex developmental trauma.

Mary Kate Roohan, MA, LCAT, RDT, is a licensed creative arts therapist providing treatment to individuals with a range of mental health challenges, including substance use, schizophrenia-spectrum, and mood disorders. She established the Creative Arts Therapy department at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Mary Kate has facilitated workshops and presented on a number of topics including action-based dialectical behavior therapy. She is pursuing her doctorate in applied clinical psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles.

Ellen H Saul, MS, LP, CST-T, is a licensed psychologist and certified sandplay therapist/teacher. She has over 30 years' experience in mental health agency and private practice settings. Ellen specializes in Kalffian sandplay therapy, attachment work, and trauma. She is a somatic experiencing practitioner and is trained in level one EMDR. Ellen has studied with Agnes Bayley and incorporates “In Touch Again” attachment repair strategies in her work. She has presented internationally and written for the Journal of Sandplay Therapy. Ellen serves on the board of directors for Sandplay Therapists of America.

Myriam Savage, PhD, RDT-BCT, a registered drama therapist, is the SoCal Chapter president of the NADTA. She created drama therapy programs in acute psychiatric inpatient units and has worked with developmentally delayed youth and addicted adolescents. Myriam works in residential facilities with adolescent girls, lectures, publishes, and facilitates experiential symposiums. A faculty member of the UCLArts and Healing, her research interests are in arts-based interventions with digital media, foster youth, and homeless women. Myriam completed a two-year program with women on skid row for a documentary called "Game Girls."

Ericha Scott, ICAADC, ATR-BC, REAT, has been a professional in the fields of addiction and trauma for 34 years. An internationally certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor, a board-certified registered art therapist, and registered expressive arts therapist, Ericha was the lead co-author for two chapters in the book Integrative Addiction Recovery, which was recognized as an Andrew Weil, MD library series book in 2018. Her chapter entitled, "Integrating the Creative Arts into Trauma and Addiction Treatment," was translated and published in the Czech Republic. Ericha's research regarding trauma, dissociation, and self-mutilation was published by the Journal of the Arts in Psychotherapy. www.drerichascott.com

Suzanne Silverstein, MA, ATR, is a registered art therapist and founding director of Cedars-Sinai's Psychological Trauma Center, a community benefit program. In 2001 the Share and Care program was honored by the City of Los Angeles for its significant contribution to the mental health of Los Angeles area school children. In 2006 AATA presented her with the Distinguished Service Award.

Gina Simonelli, MA, LMHC, studied expressive arts therapy at Lesley University. She has worked in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities with older adults, inpatient psychiatric treatment with dual-diagnosed adults and adolescents, residential treatment with children, and community outreach with individuals experiencing homelessness. Gina specializes in the integration of the arts with trauma informed practices to enhance social and emotional wellness across the lifespan. She currently works with ALMA, as well as in trauma and addiction treatment in Los Angeles.

Rachael Anne Singer, MS, R-DMT, works with autism spectrum disorder clients and their families using the DIR-Floortime model at Real Connections, a nonprofit. She received her MS in dance/movement therapy from Sarah Lawrence College in 2014. Rachael supervises developmental specialists and coaches parents in the DIR-Floortime model. She has guest lectured at Loyola Marymount College in the communication department and has presented at multiple conferences around Los Angeles. Rachael currently leads therapeutic dance for children with special needs at Friendship Circle in LA, and at Rachael’s Moving HeARTS, her own business, where she works with children and families using therapeutic arts and play.

Ellen Speert, ATR-BC, REAT, is director of the CA Center for Creative Renewal, a therapeutic retreat center specializing in creativity, women’s issues, loss, and spirituality. She is past president of the San Diego Art Therapy Assn and active with the American Art Therapy Assn and the International Expressive Arts Therapy Assn. For over 35 years, Ellen has been in art therapy, conducting workshops and publishing journal articles. She has designed and directed postgraduate art therapy programs at UCSD and National Univ., and provides training/supervision to therapists throughout the U.S. and in Europe, Asia, and South America. Ellen is also an exhibiting artist.

Kate Stanley, MMT, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist practicing in Washington, D.C. She works with adults who have serious mental illness, many of whom are also being assessed for competency to stand trial. Kate received her MMT from Temple University in December 2019. For her final project, she developed an intervention manual for adjudicative competency restoration using music therapy. Her other clinical interests are the use of music and storytelling for psychiatric insight, gender responsive cross-modal work for complex trauma, and music technology’s role in treatment for individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system.

Dimitra Stavrou, LPC, RDT, is a psychologist specializing in drama therapy in Greece. Her post-graduate specialization was in ethnographic research and in performance art. Dimitra trained in Bhutto, Circus-pantomime, primitive expression, Theatre of the Oppressed, and the Terzopoulos method. She has worked at prisons, organizations about drug-addiction, schools, and with artists and refugees. Dimitra's interest concerns the research and use of different mediums for facilitating change (therapy, training, education, social attitudes). In 2016, with her colleague F. Trigazi, presented a new drama therapy model, the Developmental Ritualistic Model of Interconnectedness, or Interconnected Drama Therapy. Dimitra is teaching drama therapy in Greece and France.

Fred Sugerman is a movement artist, educator, and founder of medicine dance. He has an inquiring mind, fierce spirit, and curious body informed by mindfulness, traditional theater, and dance. Fred runs weekly classes, monthly workshops, movement arts laboratories, facilitator trainings, international immersions or retreats, and has a private practice. He is co-creator and interventionist for “Mindful Movement for Breast Cancer Survivors,” which has been the subject of research sponsored through the City of Hope, as well as the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence St. John’s Health Center. www.medicinedance.com

Ingrid Tegnér, MSW, M/S, CAPF, holds a master's in social work, and is a certified applied poetry facilitator and mentor/supervisor of poetry therapy. After over 20 years of working with groups and individuals as a poetry therapist, social worker, and personal coach, she continues training others in poetry therapy and is also pursuing a studio arts degree at the Southwest School of Art.

Patrisha Thomson, MA, is an integrative artist and teacher, uniting varied mediums, both as a teacher and as a performer over the past 40 years. She is certified in Expressive Arts, having studied with Natalie Rogers (PCETI) in 2005. An accomplished jazz singer-songwriter, dancer, and visual artist, Patrisha has taught her Integrative Arts Workshop and Song Circle at conferences and in the Los Angeles area through Santa Monica College Community Services for the past 25 years.

Ana Laura Treviño Santos, former visiting professor in the program, has been co-directing LMU's Art Therapy in Mexico program in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico for over a decade. She is also the founder and director of the Instituto Mexicano de Psicoterapia de Arte in Mexico City. Ana Laura is a psychologist, play therapist, art therapist, and a marital and family therapist with extensive clinical experience.

Dana George Trottier, MA, LCAT, RDT/BCT, is a clinical supervisor for Behavioral Health Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County. He is an adjunct faculty member at New York University, where he provides clinical training in the drama therapy graduate program. Also in private practice, Dana offers therapeutic services to adults, children, and groups as well as clinical supervision and career consultation for therapists. He has published on the topics of traumatic loss, the use of embodiment in clinical training and practice, and is co-editor of the book Creative Arts Therapies and the LGBTQ Community: Theory and Practice.

Lyla Tyler, RPT-S, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and also a registered play therapy supervisor. She has specialized in treating children, teens, and families in her midtown Sacramento, CA private practice. Lyla is also a Nurtured Heart Approach® advanced trainer. She has specific training dealing with trauma and is trained in experiential play therapy, art therapy, EMDR, Trauma Resiliency Model® and Theraplay®. For over 30 years Lyla has worked in the children’s mental health field and has provided training throughout CA and internationally.

Tammi Van Hollander, LCSW, RPT-S, is a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist. She is the owner of Main Line Play Therapy in Ardmore, PA. Tammi is an international speaker and play advocate. Her work and creative interventions in the field of play therapy have been published and internationally recognized. Tammi specializes in sand tray play therapy, sensory integration and attachment, working with children, families, and adults of all ages. She is trained in level one EMDR and is a Nurtured Heart Approach® certified trainer where she provides coaching to parents, teachers and other professionals.

Armand Volkas, MFT, RDT/BCT, is a psychotherapist, drama therapist, theatre director, and professor. He has developed programs using drama therapy for social change, intercultural conflict transformation, and peace-building. Armand has facilitated groups including descendants of Jewish Holocaust survivors and The Third Reich, Turks and Kurds, and Palestinians, and Israelis, and the factions involved in the Lebanese Civil War. He is artistic director of the Living Arts Playback Theatre Ensemble. Armand is clinical director of the Living Arts Counseling Center, and assoc. professor in counseling psychology at the CA Institute of Integral Studies. Armand is adjunct professor at JFK Univ., Sofia Univ., and the Canadian School of Peace-building.

Dan Walsh, MS, MT-BC, is a board-certified music therapist working with incarcerated youth who reside in a limited secure placement facility. He also works with adolescents and adults in inpatient psychiatric settings. Dan has presented at the Mid-Atlantic Region Conference of the American Music Therapy Association, and at the Expressive Therapies Summit in Los Angeles. He recently completed his training at Molloy College. As a music therapist, he is able to capitalize on his previous experience as a performer, producer, and educator in order to meet the diverse needs of his clients.

Dana Wyss, PhD, LMFT, ATR, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical art therapist. She holds a PhD in expressive therapies from Lesley University. Dana is an ATD certified master trainer and facilitates multiple workshops and trainings throughout the country. For the last 20 years, she has worked in psychiatric hospitals, group homes, and nonpublic school settings, to manage crisis, conduct trainings, coach staff, and support children and families who have experienced complex developmental trauma. Dana currently works with Star View Adolescent center as a training director and clinical supervisor.

Stacie Aamon Yeldell, MA, MT-BC, AVPT, is a board-certified music therapist and vocalist with more than 13 years' experience in addiction and mental health treatment. She has treated individuals in dozens of institutions, hospitals, and treatment centers. Stacie received a master's in music therapy from NYU and a certification in sound and music healing from the Open Center in NYC. Stacie is also a vocal psychotherapist, which emphasizes the use of the voice as a path to wellness and healing. She is the creator of The Amontra Mindfulness Method™, a music therapy method that incorporates live acoustic guitar, song, and guided visualizations. Stacie is also creator of the Song Tapestry™ method.

Sarah Young-Sheppard, MSW, is the founder and executive director of the Social and Emotional Wellness Initiative, which brings mental health programs and workshops to youth and youth development professionals around the country. She received her master's in social work at the University of Southern California and her BA degree in United States and African history at California State University Long Beach. Sarah has presented at conferences in an effort to make Social and Emotional Wellness accessible for all. She has dedicated her career to assisting youth-serving organizations in providing well-trained staff, and services to help make an impact on youth.

Chris Zydel, MA, is founder of Creative Juices Arts and The Wild Heart Expressive Arts Intuitive Painting Process, offering classes, workshops, retreats, and training programs that utilize a multi-modal expressive arts process to support people living a vital and authentic creative life. As a creativity coach, she mentors writers, painters, photographers, and business owners. Chris holds a master's in clinical counseling from JFK University and a certification in hypnotherapy. She has worked with the enneagram for 30 years and is a former practitioner of Reikian and bio-energetic bodywork. Chris has a certification in evolutionary astrology and is a member of the IEATA, having studied extensively with Natalie Rogers, founder of The Person-Centered Expressive Therapy Institute.