Growing up, I was never certain about which career path I might take – I had considered  teaching, being a nurse (a doctor on days I felt very motivated), and of course being an artist. It wasn’t  until I was nearly done with my senior year of high school that I had finally learned about the field of art  therapy. Prior to this, I was completely unaware of its existence as a modality, let alone a career path.  This information created a new objective for me of completing two bachelor degrees – one in psychology  and the other in painting – in hopes of being all the more desirable as a candidate for Wayne State University’s dual art therapy and counseling Master’s program.  

The more that I learned about the field of art therapy, the more it became apparent that there  were abundant benefits to this therapeutic service; it offered opportunities for a multitude of individuals  to process emotions, trauma, difficult life transitions, and offer an artistic outlet that did not rely solely on verbal communication. It combined my adoration of art and creativity with supporting mental health and neurodevelopmental needs. 

I had the pleasure of applying art therapy techniques while working with Wayne State’s  Awesome Autism program. Seeing the benefits that art therapy can have within the neurodivergent  population fueled my passion to become an art therapist all the more. I am grateful I was mentored and  supervised by the talented art therapists Erin Shahly, Elizabeth Webster, and Tessa Bird. They allowed me  ample opportunity to shadow sessions, practice alongside them, and supported me during the  metamorphosis of being an eager student, an occasionally uncertain intern, to becoming an informed  professional like them.  

`Neurodiversity was a topic that has always been near and dear to my heart; I had known that  predominately working with the neurodivergent population was my aspiration throughout this journey.  My older brother, Al, has had an autism diagnosis since he was about four years old. My family and I were naturally very protective of him; luckily, we were not alone in our endeavors to support him. Al  received multiple forms of therapy over the years, especially in early childhood, to help him develop  speech, occupational, and executive functioning skills, as well as provide enriching social opportunities  and creative outlets.  

I had the unique opportunity to witness how important these therapists were to my brother’s  experience. These high-quality providers had a lasting impact on not only Al’s experience, but on the  entire family as well, providing education, support, and most importantly – encouragement. I have  learned over the years how pivotal observing the positive impact of these therapists have shaped my  own motivation to become a provider myself. It is because of my brother and his team that I strive to  supply the most informed and tailored quality care that I possibly can. Being an art therapist provides me  with the unique platform to work creatively with a spectrum of individuals, with whom I am honored  and proud to know and collaborate with.