Education & Experience

My professional journey has been guided by a deep commitment to integrating creative therapies, trauma-informed care, and cultural responsiveness to support healing. With over two decades of experience, I combine EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), expressive arts, and equine-assisted therapies to help individuals and communities overcome trauma, emotional distress, and life challenges. I began my academic journey at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a focus on Fiber Arts and Painting. This foundation in visual arts was pivotal in shaping my later work in art therapy, where creative expression serves as a powerful tool for healing. I continued my education at Vermont College of Norwich University, earning a Master of Arts (MA) in Art Therapy in 1993. During this time, I also completed graduate-level coursework in Clinical Psychology at Cleveland State University, which further expanded my understanding of mental health and therapeutic modalities. In 2008, I completed a PhD in Education and Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University, specializing in research methodologies with a focus on trauma, education, and culturally responsive healing practices. My research interests have centered on integrating art therapy and EMDR with culturally sensitive approaches, particularly within Native American communities, to support healing and personal growth. Over the years, I have worked in a variety of settings that have shaped my diverse therapeutic approach. My clinical experience began at Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics, where I served as a Behavioral Health Specialist from 2014 to 2017. There, I applied art therapy techniques to help children and families address emotional challenges, using creative expression as a tool for healing. As I expanded my focus to trauma-informed therapy, I became a faculty member at both The George Washington University and Eastern Virginia Medical School, where I taught in graduate art therapy programs. In these academic roles, I trained future art therapists, emphasizing the integration of research, clinical skills, and cultural sensitivity. I also taught courses on art therapy and trauma recovery, equipping students with the tools they need to apply creative therapies in trauma-informed care. In 2013, I founded American Indian Art Therapy, an organization dedicated to integrating Native American cultural practices into art therapy. As Executive Director, I led initiatives that focus on culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices for indigenous communities, helping them heal through the integration of art and cultural traditions. In 2013, I also founded Healing Pathways, LLC, where I provide arts-informed counseling, consultation, and EMDR therapy. This venture combines my expertise in EMDR and expressive arts with equine-assisted therapy to provide holistic, personalized healing experiences. The combination of EMDR and expressive arts enables me to support individuals in reprocessing trauma while also engaging in creative expression, which can unlock deep emotional processing. In 2018, I expanded my therapeutic approach by incorporating equine-assisted psychotherapy at Triple T Haven, where I serve as an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist. The integration of horses into therapy enhances the trauma-processing work of EMDR, creating a safe space for clients to process emotions, establish boundaries, and heal in a non-judgmental environment. A significant part of my therapeutic practice is grounded in EMDR, which I have been trained in and have practiced extensively since 2010. I hold an advanced EMDR certification and serve as a consultant for other EMDR practitioners. EMDR has been transformative in my work with trauma survivors, and I have seen firsthand how this evidence-based therapy can reprocess traumatic memories and facilitate emotional healing. I use EMDR as part of an integrative approach, combining it with expressive arts and equine-assisted therapy to offer a well-rounded, holistic healing experience.