about vita
I guide people toward a deeper connection with their unique learning process. For two decades, I have worked with kids, families, and organizations driven by a profound desire to help others discover the joy of learning through creativity, connection, and cognitive-behavioral frameworks. Along the way, I have cultivated a deep understanding of neurodivergent learning needs, Expressive Arts Therapy, and applied leadership. I am deeply motivated by interdisciplinary studies and the skills that can develop in individuals when their natural strengths meet supportive people and systems.
The work I do is four-fold:
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I run heARTful Kids designing, youth development programs that bridge social-emotional learning with community arts.
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I work with families providing consultation and specialized support for neurodivergent children.
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I collaborate with other aligned organizations to provide personal + professional development workshops, weaving in heART Mapping as often as I can.
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I bolster this work with ongoing creative practice, which often intersects with a deep fascination with mindfulness, neuroscience, and spirituality.
The resume
Background + Training
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Masters in Transformative Arts, John F. Kennedy University, Berkeley, CA
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Bachelors in Sociology and Applied Behavior Analysis with a minor in Play Therapy, University of North Texas
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Play Therapy Internship, University of North Texas
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Educational Therapy Internship with Cindy Miner Kapelke, M.Ed.
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Mindfulness Training, Mindful Schools
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Expressive Arts Therapy Training, Institute for Creative Mindfulness
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School Site + Community Experience
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Spirited Play Labs: In-House Staff Professional Development
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San Francisco Unified School District: Community Arts Partner for Specialized Programs + Arts Integration for K-12
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Go Girls! Non-Profit: Curriculum Development, Professional Development, Expressive Arts Facilitation + Counselor-In-Training Mentor
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Urban University Non-Profit: Program Development + Facilitation
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Sunnyside Micro School: Curriculum Development + Educational Consulting, + 1:1 Learning Specialist for 17 students
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Center for Community Arts: Program Development, Youth Mentorship + Arts Education
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Mills College Children's School: Individual Education Plans + Academic Program Advisories (Pull-Out, Push-In + Wrap Around Support)
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After School Enrichment Program (ASEP) Non-Profit: Arts Program Development, Facilitation + Professional Development
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Beacon Day School: Family Liaison, Behavioral Support + Special Education Consulting
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Ongoing family-based consulting and creative tutoring for neurodivergent and twice exceptional learners
Let’s empower kids with
a foundation they can
return to no matter
where life takes them.
Now, Let's get personal
I never set out to build a business, but after grad school it became apparent that pursuing the calling on my heart meant bushwhacking a path forward that didn't exist yet. I started heARTful Kids in 2015 following three deeply formative life experiences that compelled me to jump head first into entrepreneurship:
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Formative Experience #1
Like all children I was highly creative, but I was also fortunate to have a mom that noticed my gravitation towards the arts. She not only encouraged me, she nurtured my creativity by sending me to art classes and camps. Eventually, I applied and was accepted to an arts magnet middle school and high school program where art became the center of my education. This foundation eventually paved a path for my future in ways I couldn’t have foreseen.
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Formative Experience #2
During my undergraduate studies, I completed a Play Therapy internship where I got to experience the power and shared joy of child-led play. After graduating, I worked as a Behavioral Therapist assisting neurodivergent children ages 2-14 in homes and schools, guiding them through developmental delays while supporting their families (or teachers) in integrating their IEP's. During this six years, I found that the number one tool for helping my clients reach their goals (and strengthen the SEL skills needed to exceed them) was through art and creative play.
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Formative Experience #3
In 2012, I enrolled in graduate program for Transformative Arts and the experience completely lived up to its name. This work helped me map a vision for how I wanted to share my gifts with world and upon graduating, I gave my notice to the behavioral consulting company. Two weeks later leaped full time into building this business.
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And now...
This work continues unfold in ways that inspire and challenge me, but most importantly deliver results. Working in these different capacities has helped me develop a unique approach to designing educational experiences, which combine Cognitive-Behavioral Therapeutic frameworks and Expressive Arts within a mixed model of child-led and direct instruction approaches.
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For me, learning is a way of life. Art is a way of life. Innovating new ways to combine the two to support meaningful transformation is what my life is all about. Well, that and spending time in the beautiful Bay Area with my partner and our rescue dog, Purty.
