Summary

·       Talented in promoting creativity with individualized support and positive encouragement to ensure that each client succeeds in their treatment goals.

·       Proven ability to maintain a well-disciplined and highly motivated therapeutic group while consistently meeting and exceeding established goals and objectives.

·       Collaborative therapist with outstanding communication, management and interpersonal skills to sustain strong relationships within the therapeutic community.

·       Flexible, imaginative and experienced professional who is highly trained in a wide array of artistic mediums and psycho-educational techniques.

Education

LIU Post - Brookville, NY / Master of Fine Arts

·       Concentration in Ceramics, Printmaking and Mixed Media

LIU Post - Brookville, NY / Master of Arts, Clinical Art Therapy

Alfred University – Alfred, NY / Bachelor of Fine Arts

·       Concentration in Ceramics and Photography

·       Minor in Psychology

Art Therapy Experience

South Oaks Hospital, Amityville, NY

Creative Arts Therapist – Adult Psychiatric Services                                                                                            

·       An empathic liaison between the patient and the treatment team

·       Facilitate psychotherapeutic and creatively based groups for inpatient adult and geriatric patients that work to promote life skills, increase self worth and provide education regarding emotion regulation and coping mechanisms tailored to personal diagnoses and psychiatric history

·       Facilitate psycho-educational groups for adults working through life’s transitions

·       Conduct in-depth intake inpatient assessments

·       Counsel adults and military veterans on six inpatient adult psychiatric units both individually and in groups (diagnoses included: psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, cognitive disorders, conduct disorders, mood disorders, Autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, and/or substance use disorders)

·       Develop treatment plans and document patient progress

 South Oaks Hospital, Amityville, NY

Assistant Counselor – Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Services                                                                             

·       Facilitate psychotherapeutic and creatively based groups for inpatient adult and geriatric patients that work to promote life skills, increase self worth and provide education regarding emotion regulation and coping mechanisms tailored to personal diagnoses and psychiatric history

·       Conduct in-depth intake assessments

·       Counsel adults and military veterans on four inpatient psychiatric units both individually and in groups (diagnoses include: psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, cognitive disorders, conduct disorders, mood disorders, Autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, and/or substance use disorders)

·       Develop treatment plans, document progress and follow up with patients post discharge to remind them of upcoming aftercare appointments

·       Provide therapeutic interventions and distractions when both emotional and physical crises arise on the unit to assist in maintaining a safe and therapeutic milieu for all

·       Manage disciplinary and engagement problems among the group

·       Assist in co-leading a pioneering experiential program to allow patients to develop  “soft” vocational skills to gain work experience, volunteering proficiency within the hospital community and distributing clean clothes to peers in need. (Collaborative Care Council “Clothing Kiosk”)

·       An empathic liaison between the patient and the treatment team

South Oaks Hospital, Amityville, NY

Art Therapy Extern                                                                                                                                                                

Gurwin Jewish Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Commack, NY

Heart to Heart Volunteer Leader                                                                                                  

·       Run Art Therapy programs for an average of 12 to 15 adults per group and engaged the participants in the fine arts

·       Manage adults with exceptionalities ranging from cognitive difficulties to motor skills deficiencies

·       Design, implement and evaluate engaging lessons and activities

·       Manage disciplinary, organization, and engagement problems among the group

·       Coordinate appropriate skills classes and therapeutic group rehabilitation programs for the varying day-to-day population.

Lawrence School District, Lawrence, NY

Art Therapy Intern                                                                                                                          

South Oaks Hospital, Amityville, NY

Art Therapy Intern                                                                                                                                                                       

Communication

Northwell Health

Presidential Award Nominee- Collaborative Care Council “Clothing Kiosk”                                                                                             

South Oaks Hospital

South Oaks PICG - Collaborative Care Council “Clothing Kiosk”                                                                                             

 Northwell Health Lake Success, NY

Behavioral Health PICG - Collaborative Care Council “Clothing Kiosk”                                                                                 

 Zucker Hillside Hospital

Collaborative Care Council “Clothing Kiosk”                                                                                                                    

Leadership

Co-Chair | Adult Psychiatric Services Collaborative Care Council | South Oaks Hospital                                           

Volunteer Leader | Heart to Heart | Gurwin Jewish Nursing and Rehabilitation Center