Presenters
2018 Southeastern Expressive Therapies Conference presenter biographies
Michelle L. Dean, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, CGP, DVATA HLM
Co-Founder and Program Director, The Center for Psyche & the Arts, LLC (Lansdowne & Berwyn, PA)
Adjunct Professor, Arcadia University
Adjunct Professor, Cedar Crest College
Adjunct Assistant Professor and Director of the Art Therapy Program, The University of the Arts
Keynote Speaker: The Shattered Self: Symbolic Expression and the Treatment of Trauma
Michelle L. Dean is an art psychotherapist with credentials as a Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor (PA) and Certified Group Psychotherapist. Michelle is a nationally recognized expert in treating individuals who have eating disorders, complex trauma, and relationship issues. Her work history includes nearly twenty years with eating disordered programs and private practice. Michelle is passionate about educating and mentoring students and professionals and has been an Adjunct Professor at Arcadia University, instructing undergraduate art therapy courses since 1997, and as a supervisor for graduate students, ATR and LPC candidates, and clinicians wanting to further their knowledge about art therapy, the therapeutic uses of art, eating disorders, and other related topics.
As a highly regarded national presenter, Michelle assists in the advocacy of art therapy and therapeutic art-based therapeutic and educational programs helped The Center to become an approved continuing education provider from the National Board of Certified Counselors for both live programs and traditional home-study courses. She is regularly invited to speak on the radio, television, at schools, colleges, and numerous local, and at national conferences. She has served the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association as a board member for seven years and is one of the Ambassadors of The American Art Therapy Association’s Ambassadors Program, serves on AATA’s Executive Board as Secretary, and is liaison to AATA’s Social Media Committee (SMC) and four local Chapters, and is the Chair of AATA’s Policy and Procedures Committee.
Michelle is the author of the children’s book, Taking weight problems to school (JayJo Press, 2005), the chapter, “Preserving the self: Treating eating disordered individuals who self-injure with art therapy” in Creative arts therapies with patients who have eating disorders, edited by S. Brooke (Charles C. Thomas, 2008) and two recent chapter publications: “Cultural Considerations of Eating Disorders Through Art Therapy” in P. Howie, S. Prasad and J. Kristel (Eds), Using Art Therapies with Diverse Populations: Crossing Cultures and Abilities, (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2013) and “Printmaking: Reflective and Receptive Impressions in the Therapeutic Process” in M. Rosel and D. Gussak (Eds). Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy. Her work has earned two Faculty Development Grants from Arcadia University as well as been awarded the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association’s Innovations in Art Therapy Award (2007), The Ronald E. Hays Presenter’s Award (2009 & 2015), and the Honorary Life Member Award (2012). In 2015, she earned The American Art Therapy Association‘s Pearlie Roberson Award in order to aid in the procurement of images for her forthcoming book, Using Art in Psychotherapy: Bringing the Power of Creativity to Practice (Routledge).
Co-Founder and Program Director, The Center for Psyche & the Arts, LLC (Lansdowne & Berwyn, PA)
Adjunct Professor, Arcadia University
Adjunct Professor, Cedar Crest College
Adjunct Assistant Professor and Director of the Art Therapy Program, The University of the Arts
Keynote Speaker: The Shattered Self: Symbolic Expression and the Treatment of Trauma
Michelle L. Dean is an art psychotherapist with credentials as a Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor (PA) and Certified Group Psychotherapist. Michelle is a nationally recognized expert in treating individuals who have eating disorders, complex trauma, and relationship issues. Her work history includes nearly twenty years with eating disordered programs and private practice. Michelle is passionate about educating and mentoring students and professionals and has been an Adjunct Professor at Arcadia University, instructing undergraduate art therapy courses since 1997, and as a supervisor for graduate students, ATR and LPC candidates, and clinicians wanting to further their knowledge about art therapy, the therapeutic uses of art, eating disorders, and other related topics.
As a highly regarded national presenter, Michelle assists in the advocacy of art therapy and therapeutic art-based therapeutic and educational programs helped The Center to become an approved continuing education provider from the National Board of Certified Counselors for both live programs and traditional home-study courses. She is regularly invited to speak on the radio, television, at schools, colleges, and numerous local, and at national conferences. She has served the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association as a board member for seven years and is one of the Ambassadors of The American Art Therapy Association’s Ambassadors Program, serves on AATA’s Executive Board as Secretary, and is liaison to AATA’s Social Media Committee (SMC) and four local Chapters, and is the Chair of AATA’s Policy and Procedures Committee.
Michelle is the author of the children’s book, Taking weight problems to school (JayJo Press, 2005), the chapter, “Preserving the self: Treating eating disordered individuals who self-injure with art therapy” in Creative arts therapies with patients who have eating disorders, edited by S. Brooke (Charles C. Thomas, 2008) and two recent chapter publications: “Cultural Considerations of Eating Disorders Through Art Therapy” in P. Howie, S. Prasad and J. Kristel (Eds), Using Art Therapies with Diverse Populations: Crossing Cultures and Abilities, (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2013) and “Printmaking: Reflective and Receptive Impressions in the Therapeutic Process” in M. Rosel and D. Gussak (Eds). Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy. Her work has earned two Faculty Development Grants from Arcadia University as well as been awarded the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association’s Innovations in Art Therapy Award (2007), The Ronald E. Hays Presenter’s Award (2009 & 2015), and the Honorary Life Member Award (2012). In 2015, she earned The American Art Therapy Association‘s Pearlie Roberson Award in order to aid in the procurement of images for her forthcoming book, Using Art in Psychotherapy: Bringing the Power of Creativity to Practice (Routledge).
Marilyn Clark, MS, NCC, LCPC
Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling
Integrative Psychotherapist with specialty in Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music
Marilyn F. Clark, L.C.P.C., is an integrative psychotherapist with a specialty in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. She is an experienced workshop leader and trainer who has worked with people throughout the United States and Europe. Marilyn trained with Helen Bonny, PhD., RMT and with Joan Kellogg, ATR in the use of the mandala. She has co-directed the Creating Mandalas Certificate Program with Susanne Fincher for many years.
Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling
Integrative Psychotherapist with specialty in Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music
Marilyn F. Clark, L.C.P.C., is an integrative psychotherapist with a specialty in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. She is an experienced workshop leader and trainer who has worked with people throughout the United States and Europe. Marilyn trained with Helen Bonny, PhD., RMT and with Joan Kellogg, ATR in the use of the mandala. She has co-directed the Creating Mandalas Certificate Program with Susanne Fincher for many years.
Carrie Elder, MS, LPC
Master's Degree in Counseling and Art Therapy
Carrie Elder is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia and a board certified art therapist. She has 14 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of adults with severe and persisting mental illness and co-occurring trauma experiences. Ms. Elder has worked in state psychiatric facilities as a Therapist and as a Program Coordinator and in private practice. Currently she is the Graduate Art Therapy Program Coordinator at Georgia College and State University. She also provides clinical supervision for counselors and art therapists in her private practice.
Master's Degree in Counseling and Art Therapy
Carrie Elder is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia and a board certified art therapist. She has 14 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of adults with severe and persisting mental illness and co-occurring trauma experiences. Ms. Elder has worked in state psychiatric facilities as a Therapist and as a Program Coordinator and in private practice. Currently she is the Graduate Art Therapy Program Coordinator at Georgia College and State University. She also provides clinical supervision for counselors and art therapists in her private practice.
Rick Garner, PhD
Doctorate of Philosophy in Art Education/Art Therapy, Master of Arts Neuropsychology
Rick L Garner is Professor of Art Education in the School of Art and Design at Kennesaw State University. His educational background includes degrees in studio art, neuropsychology, art therapy, and art education. His research interests lie in the relationships between cognitive neuroscience, creativity, and the visual arts, as well as technology and disabilities. He has presented and published both nationally and internationally, for over 20 years. His recent book chapters include Out of This World Opportunities for Challenged Folks: Disabilities, Art Education and Virtual Worlds and A Conceptual Model for Neuro-Creativity in Visual Arts. His edited book, Digital Art Therapy: Material, Methods and Applications was recently published. He has produced a range of artwork, much of which is inspired by neuroscience and his work using art for brain injury rehabilitation and for working with students with disabilities in educational settings.
Doctorate of Philosophy in Art Education/Art Therapy, Master of Arts Neuropsychology
Rick L Garner is Professor of Art Education in the School of Art and Design at Kennesaw State University. His educational background includes degrees in studio art, neuropsychology, art therapy, and art education. His research interests lie in the relationships between cognitive neuroscience, creativity, and the visual arts, as well as technology and disabilities. He has presented and published both nationally and internationally, for over 20 years. His recent book chapters include Out of This World Opportunities for Challenged Folks: Disabilities, Art Education and Virtual Worlds and A Conceptual Model for Neuro-Creativity in Visual Arts. His edited book, Digital Art Therapy: Material, Methods and Applications was recently published. He has produced a range of artwork, much of which is inspired by neuroscience and his work using art for brain injury rehabilitation and for working with students with disabilities in educational settings.
Lucinda Grapenthin, PhD, NCSP
Licensed Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor
Assistant Professor, Brenau University
Dr. Lucinda Grapenthin received her PhD in School and Clinical Child Psychology from Indiana State University. Her clinical experience consists of working in inpatient settings for children with severe mental illness and providing psychological support in schools including conducting psychological assessments and individual and group art therapy. Additionally, she conducted developmental assessments for the 0-3 year-old population for the Babies Can't Wait program in Fulton County, GA. Dr. Grapenthin is a Licensed Psychologist, National Certified School Psychologist, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, specializing in play and expressive therapy. Areas of interest include attachment, trauma, anxiety, mind-body connection, and ADHD. She is a member of the GPA, APA, and GAPT. Her professional background encompasses working in California, Illinois, and South Carolina. Dr. Grapenthin maintains a clinical practice providing psychotherapy, clinical supervision to other professional, and professional workshops.
Licensed Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor
Assistant Professor, Brenau University
Dr. Lucinda Grapenthin received her PhD in School and Clinical Child Psychology from Indiana State University. Her clinical experience consists of working in inpatient settings for children with severe mental illness and providing psychological support in schools including conducting psychological assessments and individual and group art therapy. Additionally, she conducted developmental assessments for the 0-3 year-old population for the Babies Can't Wait program in Fulton County, GA. Dr. Grapenthin is a Licensed Psychologist, National Certified School Psychologist, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, specializing in play and expressive therapy. Areas of interest include attachment, trauma, anxiety, mind-body connection, and ADHD. She is a member of the GPA, APA, and GAPT. Her professional background encompasses working in California, Illinois, and South Carolina. Dr. Grapenthin maintains a clinical practice providing psychotherapy, clinical supervision to other professional, and professional workshops.
Mary Huffstead, M.Ed
Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Practice, Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Adjunct Faculty at Life University’s Department for Human Rights and Social Change
Mary Huffstead is continually involved in providing play therapy to minority and economically disadvantaged youth and adults. She have also assisted as a teaching assistant for Georgia State University Introduction and Advance Play Therapy courses. She has been an active member in the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development and elected as the Graduate Student Representative in 2016.
Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Practice, Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Adjunct Faculty at Life University’s Department for Human Rights and Social Change
Mary Huffstead is continually involved in providing play therapy to minority and economically disadvantaged youth and adults. She have also assisted as a teaching assistant for Georgia State University Introduction and Advance Play Therapy courses. She has been an active member in the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development and elected as the Graduate Student Representative in 2016.
Amy Jacques, MS, MA, R-DMT
Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology, Master of Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy, Registered Dance Movement Therapist
Amy Jacques has an MS in clinical counseling psychology from Brenau University, an MA in dance/movement therapy from Columbia College, and is a registered dance/movement therapist. Amy has done basic and advanced Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) training and has completed a Level 2 intensive training in IFS, Trauma, and Neuroscience. Amy works at Sisu Integrated Early Learning as a dance/movement therapist and she does counseling at 360 Therapy where she is able to integrate DMT and IFS into much of her work, which includes treating trauma. Amy is an adjunct faculty member at Georgia College and State University where she teaches dance/movement therapy and Brenau University where she teaches dance and psychology. Amy has also completed the HeartMath Interventions biofeedback training for clinicians and is in the process of completing her certification. She enjoys working with adults, adolescents, and children. Amy is currently the President of the Southern Chapter of the American Dance Therapy Association.
Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology, Master of Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy, Registered Dance Movement Therapist
Amy Jacques has an MS in clinical counseling psychology from Brenau University, an MA in dance/movement therapy from Columbia College, and is a registered dance/movement therapist. Amy has done basic and advanced Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) training and has completed a Level 2 intensive training in IFS, Trauma, and Neuroscience. Amy works at Sisu Integrated Early Learning as a dance/movement therapist and she does counseling at 360 Therapy where she is able to integrate DMT and IFS into much of her work, which includes treating trauma. Amy is an adjunct faculty member at Georgia College and State University where she teaches dance/movement therapy and Brenau University where she teaches dance and psychology. Amy has also completed the HeartMath Interventions biofeedback training for clinicians and is in the process of completing her certification. She enjoys working with adults, adolescents, and children. Amy is currently the President of the Southern Chapter of the American Dance Therapy Association.
Tiffany B. McNary, Ph.D, LPC, NCC, CPCS, RPT-S
Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Practice, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Expressive ArtsTherapy
Play Therapy with children and families impacted by trauma
Tiffany McNary is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at Georgia State University (GSU) in Atlanta, GA. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, a Certified Professionals Counselor Supervisor, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She earned her Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Practice in 2009 and her Master's degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and Counseling in 2002. She has been teaching and supervising students in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at GSU since 2009. Dr. McNary has dedicated her entire professional career to counseling children and families impacted by trauma. She has 17 years of clinical experience serving clients in the non-profit, hospital and private practice settings. Dr. McNary has an expertise in working with traumatized and chronically ill children through incorporating the Expressive Arts and Play Therapy into her counseling sessions.
Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Practice, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Expressive ArtsTherapy
Play Therapy with children and families impacted by trauma
Tiffany McNary is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at Georgia State University (GSU) in Atlanta, GA. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, a Certified Professionals Counselor Supervisor, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She earned her Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Practice in 2009 and her Master's degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and Counseling in 2002. She has been teaching and supervising students in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at GSU since 2009. Dr. McNary has dedicated her entire professional career to counseling children and families impacted by trauma. She has 17 years of clinical experience serving clients in the non-profit, hospital and private practice settings. Dr. McNary has an expertise in working with traumatized and chronically ill children through incorporating the Expressive Arts and Play Therapy into her counseling sessions.
Ashley Tolleson, MS, APC, NCC
Doctor of Philosophy, Counselor Education & Practice, Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling
PlayTherapist at First Presbyterian Preschool
Ashley Tolleson has been continually involved in providing play therapy to minority and economically disadvantaged youth and adults. She has also assisted as a teaching assistants for Georgia State University's Introduction and Advance Play Therapy courses.
Doctor of Philosophy, Counselor Education & Practice, Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling
PlayTherapist at First Presbyterian Preschool
Ashley Tolleson has been continually involved in providing play therapy to minority and economically disadvantaged youth and adults. She has also assisted as a teaching assistants for Georgia State University's Introduction and Advance Play Therapy courses.
Dee Wagner, MS, LPC, R-DMT
Master of Science in Counseling
Counselor & Dance/Movement Therapist
Dee Wagner has worked as a counselor and dance/movement therapist at the Link Counseling Center in Atlanta for 24 years and a professional choreographer for over 37 years. She has presented many workshops for The American Dance Therapy Association and The Expressive Therapies Summit. NYC and LA. Her articles appear in Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy, Voices: the Art and Science of Psychotherapy (journal of American Academy of Psychotherapists), Elephant Journal and the International Coach Federation blog. She is co-creator of the workbook Naked Online: a DoZen Ways to Grow from Internet Dating.
Master of Science in Counseling
Counselor & Dance/Movement Therapist
Dee Wagner has worked as a counselor and dance/movement therapist at the Link Counseling Center in Atlanta for 24 years and a professional choreographer for over 37 years. She has presented many workshops for The American Dance Therapy Association and The Expressive Therapies Summit. NYC and LA. Her articles appear in Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy, Voices: the Art and Science of Psychotherapy (journal of American Academy of Psychotherapists), Elephant Journal and the International Coach Federation blog. She is co-creator of the workbook Naked Online: a DoZen Ways to Grow from Internet Dating.
