Having worked in New York City’s public schools and mental health agencies from 2011-2025, I have extensive clinical experience supporting young people and their families navigating social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. I deeply value the use of art making and play to facilitate authentic self-expression, increase self-awareness, and promote self-acceptance. These interventions are effective and developmentally appropriate modalities for children and adolescents, as they are inherently open to creative and pleasurable interventions and find great relief in being able to express themselves through the creative process without relying solely on verbal communication. ​​I believe that art making inherently possesses transformative and healing qualities and can greatly improve the emotional wellbeing of children and adults alike.