mellanGe Arts Facilitator, Expressive Arts Therapist, Creativity Coach
Description: Exploration, the expansion of imagination and the use of play in feeding artistic potential. For the past 5 years, I have specialized in working with groups on goal oriented projects that have been included in exhibits such as the Octopus Project in Toronto with youth from Covenant House as well as the Delisle Art Exhibit with youth from New Outlook’s Day Program. I find a thrill in helping people achieve a goal they never thought possible all while exploring new skills, not only in artistry but also in life goals. The tasks they accomplish on the road to creating a piece for an exhibit are a microform of skills they can use to achieve in life. I have also gained an increasing amount of experience working one-on-one with children and youth using play, music and art to explore trauma, self-confidence, social anxiety and other behavioural and/or inter-relational challenges. My practice is currently available on Fridays only (daytime or evening) for new clients. I will possibly have more evenings available starting in April 2012. Please contact me for more information on availability.
Credentials: Graduate – The Create Institute (formerly ISIS Canada) 3 year Creative Integrative Arts Therapies training program. Additional Training: Level I & II Artist Educator Training – Royal Conservatory of Music; Certified Creativity Coach with the Creativity Coaching Association. Professional affiliations: Artist with the Royal Conservatory’s Living Through the Arts and Learning Through the Arts programs. Independent Arts Facilitator and Curator.
Population served: Youth with mental illnesses, youth living in shelter, women in shelter (groups); youth and children with behavioral challenges or living with mental illness (one-on-one). Areas of expertise & experience: I specialize in both one-on-one play therapy & expressive arts therapy work with children and youth, as well as goal-oriented group projects (whether in agency or community settings). I also specialize in working with other artists through coaching sessions to ensure the achievement of personal artistic goals.
Languages: English and French Arts practice: Visual Mixed Media
