Bio (1961)
My journey into art and healing began with a solid educational foundation after recognizing the benefits of my own personal healing experience. Earning an Associate's Degree from Three Rivers Community College in 1993, followed by a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Printmaking and Drawing with a minor in Biology from Connecticut College in 1998 began my formal beginning in education. My passion to integrate art with healing then led me to complete a Master's Degree in Art Therapy from Albertus Magnus College in 2015.
That same year, I embarked on an entrepreneurial path, founding both the former Branford Art Center and YGM Wellness LLC. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) in Connecticut, I am committed to making therapy accessible, providing services electronically via Zoom. In 2019, I also self-published my visual memoir, 'Shattered: The Voice Healed with Art,' a reflection of my belief in the power of creative expression for healing.
My Therapeutic Approach:
My practice is built upon a dynamic and integrated foundation, allowing me to tailor support to your unique needs. I specialize in Art Therapy, offering a powerful and often gentle avenue for self-discovery and processing complex emotions. My expertise is further strengthened by certification in Trauma Therapy, where I employ evidence-based techniques to help you navigate and heal from past experiences.
Alongside these core specializations, I incorporate a range of proven modalities:
BSOTR trauma therapy: To access inner resources and facilitate profound shifts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To identify and transform unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Mindfulness: To cultivate present-moment awareness, reduce stress, and enhance emotional regulation.
Active Listening: Ensuring you feel truly heard, understood, and validated in every session
I had the privilege of providing compassionate support to individuals navigating PTSD, mood disorders, schizophrenia, personality, and substance use disorder at the West haven Veterans Hospital . Further enriching my perspective, I also draw upon insights gained from volunteering in Hospice, assisting individuals and their families through profound life transitions. This comprehensive and empathetic background allows me to meet each client with a nuanced understanding of their journey.
I approach every session with genuine understanding and a commitment to creating a safe, empowering space for your self-discovery.
My Artistic Journey:
As an artist, my work primarily features organic monotypes, evocative feminine figure paintings, and dynamic mixed media art. My journey has been driven by a passion for creative expression and a deep appreciation for the art community.
It has been an honor to contribute to the Connecticut shoreline art scene. I was recognized as 'Person of the Week' by the Shoreline Times in July 2015, and a highlight of this community engagement was organizing the inaugural Art Festival on the Branford Town Green in October 2015, an event I deeply enjoyed bringing to life.
My work has also humbly received attention in publications like 'Home and Garden' Magazine, which featured me in 2016 as a 'Local Artist Worth Owning'. Furthermore, my gallery was graced with the prestigious 'Small Business of the Year' Award from the State of Connecticut, alongside wonderful local distinctions including being named 'CTNOW Best of Gallery's' in 2017 & 2018, and consistently topping the Shoreline Reader's Poll as 'Best of Gallery's' in 2016, 2017, & 2018. It was also an interesting experience to be included by CT Magazine in their story about art therapists and artists during the pandemic.
I am truly blessed.
My journey into art and healing began with a solid educational foundation after recognizing the benefits of my own personal healing experience. Earning an Associate's Degree from Three Rivers Community College in 1993, followed by a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Printmaking and Drawing with a minor in Biology from Connecticut College in 1998 began my formal beginning in education. My passion to integrate art with healing then led me to complete a Master's Degree in Art Therapy from Albertus Magnus College in 2015.
That same year, I embarked on an entrepreneurial path, founding both the former Branford Art Center and YGM Wellness LLC. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) in Connecticut, I am committed to making therapy accessible, providing services electronically via Zoom. In 2019, I also self-published my visual memoir, 'Shattered: The Voice Healed with Art,' a reflection of my belief in the power of creative expression for healing.
My Therapeutic Approach:
My practice is built upon a dynamic and integrated foundation, allowing me to tailor support to your unique needs. I specialize in Art Therapy, offering a powerful and often gentle avenue for self-discovery and processing complex emotions. My expertise is further strengthened by certification in Trauma Therapy, where I employ evidence-based techniques to help you navigate and heal from past experiences.
Alongside these core specializations, I incorporate a range of proven modalities:
BSOTR trauma therapy: To access inner resources and facilitate profound shifts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To identify and transform unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Mindfulness: To cultivate present-moment awareness, reduce stress, and enhance emotional regulation.
Active Listening: Ensuring you feel truly heard, understood, and validated in every session
I had the privilege of providing compassionate support to individuals navigating PTSD, mood disorders, schizophrenia, personality, and substance use disorder at the West haven Veterans Hospital . Further enriching my perspective, I also draw upon insights gained from volunteering in Hospice, assisting individuals and their families through profound life transitions. This comprehensive and empathetic background allows me to meet each client with a nuanced understanding of their journey.
I approach every session with genuine understanding and a commitment to creating a safe, empowering space for your self-discovery.
My Artistic Journey:
As an artist, my work primarily features organic monotypes, evocative feminine figure paintings, and dynamic mixed media art. My journey has been driven by a passion for creative expression and a deep appreciation for the art community.
It has been an honor to contribute to the Connecticut shoreline art scene. I was recognized as 'Person of the Week' by the Shoreline Times in July 2015, and a highlight of this community engagement was organizing the inaugural Art Festival on the Branford Town Green in October 2015, an event I deeply enjoyed bringing to life.
My work has also humbly received attention in publications like 'Home and Garden' Magazine, which featured me in 2016 as a 'Local Artist Worth Owning'. Furthermore, my gallery was graced with the prestigious 'Small Business of the Year' Award from the State of Connecticut, alongside wonderful local distinctions including being named 'CTNOW Best of Gallery's' in 2017 & 2018, and consistently topping the Shoreline Reader's Poll as 'Best of Gallery's' in 2016, 2017, & 2018. It was also an interesting experience to be included by CT Magazine in their story about art therapists and artists during the pandemic.
I am truly blessed.