Teresa Woodruff
Teresa is the founder and owner of Art It Out Therapy Centers. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS). Teresa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from the University of Georgia and her Master’s in Counseling & Art Therapy from the University of Louisville. With extensive experience in working with children and families, she launched Art It Out in 2009 to provide a space where individuals of all ages could use creativity to enhance their social and emotional well-being.
Teresa is deeply passionate about the transformative power of art as a means of self-expression, a way to communicate difficult or complex emotions, a method for gaining insight into hidden thoughts and feelings, and a tool that provides a concrete reminder of coping strategies. She mentors other therapists in integrating art-based techniques with psychotherapy to help clients improve self-esteem, manage anger, reduce anxiety, navigate life transitions, process grief, and strengthen communication skills. Teresa has worked extensively with clients facing challenges such as low self-esteem, anxiety, adjustment to parental divorce, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, developmental disorders, and chronic or acute medical conditions.
Active in the Atlanta therapy community, Teresa has also served on the board of Kate’s Club, a non-profit organization supporting grieving children and families. While Teresa is currently not accepting new clients, she oversees and trains other clinicians at Art It Out.
Chelsea Harris
Chelsea is the Director of Art It Out Therapy Center’s Atlanta and North Druid Hills offices. As a Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to her work. Chelsea holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Art Therapy from Florida State University.
From a young age, Chelsea recognized the power of art as a way to heal and communicate. She grew up witnessing the impact of art-based programs in a homeless shelter run by her father, which sparked her lifelong commitment to using art to help others. Over the years, she’s supported individuals with a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning differences, grief, life transitions, parenting support, and family dynamics.
Chelsea has a strong background in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a variety of learning differences. She previously served as the Coordinator of the preschool program at Early Emory, the Emory Autism Center’s lab school, where she developed the Social and Adaptive Learning through Visual Expression (SALVE) program. This innovative, art-based program supports adults on the autism spectrum in using visual arts to express themselves and connect with others. The program received funding from a grant by Autism Speaks, reflecting Chelsea’s dedication to making a difference in the autism community.
Throughout her career, Chelsea has contributed to several research studies exploring the benefits of art therapy for individuals with ASD, including her article “Discovering Good Practice for Art Therapy with Children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder,” published in The Arts in Psychotherapy.
Now, as the Director, Chelsea leads both the Atlanta and North Druid Hills teams, overseeing the delivery of individual and group therapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. She plays an active role in supporting her teams to provide services that address a variety of needs, including emotional regulation, coping strategies, anxiety management, social skills, and parenting support. Chelsea is deeply committed to the local community and to supporting mental health through accessible and compassionate care, ensuring that every person who walks through Art It Out’s doors feels heard, supported, and empowered.
Caroline Maner
Caroline is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a passion for empowering individuals through a holistic, client-centered approach to therapy. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia State University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. Caroline blends several therapeutic modalities to meet the unique needs of each client, including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Feminist Therapy, Mindfulness, and Expressive Therapy. She is also a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist.
With a strong focus on building a meaningful therapeutic alliance, Caroline strives to create a safe, collaborative, and joyful space where clients can feel truly seen and celebrated for who they are. She values authenticity and believes in the importance of humor and play in the therapeutic process, encouraging clients to take an active role in their healing journey. Caroline is committed to empowering clients with the tools and autonomy they need to move forward with confidence, self-compassion, and agency.
Using a strengths-based, eclectic approach, Caroline works with individuals of all ages to support them in reaching their personal goals and cultivating a fulfilling life. She has experience helping clients navigate anxiety, ADHD, Autism, life transitions, social skills development, and self-esteem challenges. Caroline is particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and neurodiverse clients, and she integrates sustainable self-care practices into her work to promote long-term well-being.
Caroline believes that everyone has the potential for profound growth, and often all that is needed is a safe and supportive environment to explore that potential. She is deeply honored to walk alongside her clients as they embark on their mental health journey.
Caroline has a deep love for reading, especially fantasy novels. She is passionate about music and is currently growing her personal record collection. A big fan of both Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, she also enjoys yoga and challenging herself by exploring new studios. Above all, her favorite way to unwind is spending time at home cuddling with her dog.
Casey Wilson
Casey is an art therapist who graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling with a Concentration in Art Therapy from Pennsylvania Western University and earned her undergraduate degree in studio art from Auburn University. She is currently under the supervision of Chelsea Harris MS, ATR-BC, LPC, CPCS. Casey incorporates positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy into her practice, as well as techniques from play therapy and mindfulness.
Casey’s graduate research focused on the interplay between art therapy and clients with severe and life-threatening allergies, developing an approach for therapists called allergy-informed counseling. Casey has a severe latex allergy and loves being able to provide support to others who struggle with medical diagnoses and allergies. Additionally, she has a passion for supporting clients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as developmental, physical, and intellectual disabilities.
With a lifelong passion for working with children, Casey has gained valuable experience over the years, including volunteering for six years as a camp counselor for children with disabilities, and as a teacher sharing her love of art with Horizons Atlanta. Casey has also traveled to Kenya and Tanzania, leading cross-cultural collaborative creative arts therapist training with the Global Alliance for Africa.
Outside of the office, Casey enjoys cooking, gardening, the color pink, and playing with her dogs.
Casey loves being an art therapist and looks forward to working with you at Art It Out!
Cinthya Vazquez
English version
Cinthya completed her M.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Oglethorpe University. Cinthya has previous experience working as a registered behavior technician at the Marcus Autism Center and as a preschool teacher, where she supported the social and emotional development of children with diverse needs while collaborating with caregivers to offer holistic family support. These experiences sparked her passion for working with children and families to promote their growth and mental well-being.
As a first-generation therapist with a Mexican-American background, Cinthya is fluent in both Spanish and English and is particularly passionate about working with the Latino community and other underserved populations to improve access to mental health services. Cinthya has previous experience providing educational support and resources to low-income Latino students and their families. These experiences deepened her understanding of the need for culturally-sensitive, individualized treatment.
Cinthya is committed to creating a warm, supportive therapeutic environment where clients can be authentic and empowered to make positive changes. She believes that evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, combined with a strong therapeutic relationship and expressive modalities, can help facilitate meaningful change. Cinthya’s areas of interest include working with children, teens and young adults facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, emotional regulation and executive functioning challenges, and trauma.
Spanish version
Cinthya completó su maestría en salud mental en la universidad de Mercer (Mercer University). Obtuvo su bachillerato en psicología de la universidad de Oglethorpe (Oglethorpe University). Previamente, Cinthya trabajó en Marcus Autism Center con niños con diagnóstico de autismo. También trabajó como maestra preescolar, donde apoyó el desarrollo socioemocional de niños con necesidades diversas, a la vez que colaboraba con sus cuidadores para ofrecer apoyo familiar integral. Estas experiencias despertaron su pasión por trabajar con niños y familias para promover su crecimiento y bienestar mental.
Como estudiante de primera generación de ascendencia mexicoamericana, Cinthya habla español e inglés y le apasiona especialmente trabajar con la comunidad latina y otras poblaciones marginadas para mejorar el acceso a los servicios de salud mental. Previamente trabajó con organizaciones sin fines de lucro para brindar apoyo educativo y recursos a estudiantes latinos de bajos recursos y a sus familias, lo que profundizó su comprensión de la necesidad de un tratamiento individualizado y culturalmente sensible.
Cinthya se compromete a crear un ambiente de apoyo donde los clientes puedan ser auténticos y empoderados para generar cambios positivos. Cree que los enfoques basados en la evidencia, como la terapia cognitivo-conductual, combinados con una sólida relación terapéutica, pueden ayudar a facilitar un cambio significativo. Las áreas de interés de Cinthya incluyen trabajar con niños, adolescentes y adultos jóvenes que enfrentan depresión, ansiedad, dificultades con atención y hiperactividad, autismo, dificultades con regulación emocional y funcionamiento ejecutivo y trauma.
Jasmin Copeland
Jasmin earned her Master’s degree in Family Therapy from Mercer School of Medicine and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mercer University. She is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families feel more connected, both to themselves and to each other.
Jasmin works from a relational, attachment-based lens, drawing from emotionally focused therapies (EFT/EFFT), family systems, and child-centered play therapy. She also incorporates experiential and somatic approaches to support clients in reconnecting with their emotions, their bodies, and their relationships in meaningful ways.
Jasmin believes that healing happens in relationship, and she strives to create a warm, collaborative space where clients feel safe to show up as they are. With couples and families, she focuses on strengthening connection, understanding patterns that keep people stuck, and creating new ways of relating that feel more secure and supportive. With children, she uses play and creativity as a natural language for expression, helping them process big feelings, build confidence, and feel more understood.
Her approach is compassionate, curious, and affirming, with an emphasis on authenticity, emotional expression, and co-regulation. Jasmin believes that everyone has an innate capacity for growth and healing, and that therapy can be a space to reconnect with that inner wisdom. She is deeply committed to creating an inclusive, culturally responsive environment and is especially passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and communities.
Outside of the therapy room, Jasmin enjoys binge-watching shows, baking and cooking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Jasmin is currently supervised by Danielle Chen, PhD, LMFT, RPT, ATR-BC, and Chelsea Harris, MS, ATR-BC, LPC, CPCS.
Jenna Long
In sessions, Jenna uses an integrative approach that combines aspects of Person-Centered therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT), and Expressive therapy (art and play). Using multiple techniques allows her to provide a more customizable experience for clients and aid them in progressing toward their individual goals.
Jenna works with children and teens to improve their overall well-being by building a trusting therapeutic relationship and working on issues related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, impulsiveness, worry, and emotional regulation. Jenna also builds each client’s toolbox with various coping mechanisms and provides education on when to best use the various coping skills. Jenna believes that by giving children the tools needed to reframe ways of thinking and behaving appropriately, they are able to benefit from those tools as they grow into healthy young adults.
Jenna believes that a collaborative, working relationship with the client’s guardians is important in helping the client achieve their therapeutic goals. By communicating with the guardians about what was learned in session and how skills can be applied at home, the client is able to practice those skills outside of sessions and in their daily lives.
In her free time, Jenna enjoys hanging out with friends and family, going on nature walks, and watching Disney & Marvel movies.
Karen Loncke
Karen is passionate about helping client’s grow into their most authentic selves by learning how to manage strong feelings, effectively communicate with others, and build self-esteem. She utilizes an integrative approach that includes person-centered therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Expressive Therapy (i.e. art, music, theater). Karen enjoys incorporating the client’s interests into the therapeutic process. She enjoys theater, going for walks, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.
Karen has experience working with children and teens struggling with anxiety, depression,
anger, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dual diagnoses, low self-esteem, changes in family structure, and life transitions. Karen has always believed in the therapeutic nature of the arts and strives to help clients understand themselves and their lives better through it.
Keana Bazemore
Keana is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) actively pursuing her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Kennesaw State University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Capella University.
With a background as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and experience in case management, Keana brings a holistic approach to therapy. Her practice integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and play therapy to meet each client’s unique needs.
Keana specializes in working with children and teens navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dual diagnoses, low self-esteem, changes in family structure, and life transitions. She is passionate about providing a supportive and empowering environment to help her clients achieve growth and resilience.
Nafisat Merchant
Nafisat earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University and her Bachelor of Science and Art in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Georgia. With a unique background as both a seasoned educator and a licensed therapist, Nafisat brings a deep understanding of the academic, emotional, and social pressures facing young people today. Specializing in therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults, including college students, Nafisat combines real-world experience in the classroom with clinical expertise to support clients in navigating life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. She is uniquely attuned to how emotional and behavioral concerns can impact learning, relationships, and self-esteem. This insight allows Nafisat to build authentic, trusting relationships with young clients—and to collaborate effectively with families and schools when needed.
Grounded in a client-centered philosophy, Nafisat uses an integrative approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy. She tailors each session to meet the developmental stage, personal strengths, and specific needs of the individual—whether addressing ADHD, anxiety, depression, academic stress, identity formation, or transitions in life and learning. Nafisat believes that every young person has a story that deserves to be heard—and the capacity to reshape it.
Nafisat is currently under the supervision of Chelsea Harris, MS, ATR-BC, LPC, CPCS.
Nili Patel
Nili Patel received her Masters of Education in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston. She previously worked in a nonprofit setting, supporting children and teens whose parents were facing significant health challenges. Now Nili has the rewarding experience of working with children, teens, and young adults (including college students), helping them navigate ADHD, anxiety and changing family dynamics as well as challenges with emotional regulation, identity development, self-esteem, and life transitions. She is especially passionate about fostering empowerment and resilience in diverse communities.
Nili’s integrative approach to therapy is grounded in empathy and acceptance, with the ultimate goal of increasing connection and joy for clients in a safe, supportive environment. She incorporates elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), person-centered therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT), and the expressive arts (art and play) in each session. Nili believes in the power of meeting clients where they are—honoring their unique strengths, interests, and developmental needs to support meaningful growth. She values a collaborative relationship with caregivers and believes that partnership is an important part of helping young clients reach their therapeutic goals. Above all, Nili believes that meaningful change grows from feeling seen, understood, and supported, and she strives to create that sense of connection with her clients in every session.
Nili has a passion for reading, cooking, and doing crafts, and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones and going on walks with her dog!
Nili is currently under the supervision of Chelsea Harris MS, ATR-BC, LPC, CPCS.
Oyediya Akaronu
Oyediya (Oh-yay-dee-yeah) Akaronu (Ah-ka-raw-nu) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with comprehensive experience providing therapy to diverse populations in community mental health, outpatient, and Telehealth settings. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Her work with children began in early childhood education, where she observed how young children express emotions and respond to the adults in their lives. As a teacher, she felt limited in how much support she could offer children struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges, which inspired her to pursue clinical training and licensure.
Oyediya is passionate about helping children and families navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, behavior concerns, and other life stressors through a strengths-based and client-centered approach. She draws from multiple evidence-based approaches, including but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused interventions, Play Therapy, Family Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care to meet each client where they are.
She is also a trained Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) Facilitator. The Circle of Security Parenting program is an attachment-based intervention that helps caregivers better understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs to promote secure attachment and healthy development.
Oyediya strives to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where individuals and families feel heard, supported, and empowered. She views therapy as a collaborative process that helps clients reconnect with their strengths and values, fostering growth, confidence, and self-compassion.
Ruth Hillo
Ruth Hillo, MA, is a therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Agnes Scott College, where she also earned her bachelor’s in Psychology and Public Health. As an immigrant and first-generation American, her passion for counseling is deeply rooted in both her academic background and lived experiences. She is especially dedicated to breaking down mental health stigma and barriers within diverse communities.
Ruth adopts an integrative, client-centered approach, fostering a warm and supportive space where clients feel safe exploring their emotions, identities, and life experiences. She works with children (ages 5+), adolescents, teens, and adults navigating a range of challenges including autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, identity development, perfectionism, emotional regulation and more.
Her practice is grounded in Adlerian and Humanistic framework, while thoughtfully incorporating techniques from DBT, CBT, IFS, and play therapy to meet each client’s unique needs.Ruth’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals to embrace their lived experiences and cultures, fostering a strong sense of identity and self-worth. She is committed to creating a safe space where people feel comfortable expressing themselves, finding strength in vulnerability, and receiving compassionate, culturally responsive care.
Sarah Johns
Sarah Johns is a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She received her Master’s of Science in Art Therapy from Florida State University and her Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Depth Study in Creativity and Mental Health from the University of Alabama.
Her areas of professional interest include internalizing concerns such as anxiety, perfectionism and overcontrol, self-esteem, negative self-talk, identity formation, and trauma. She believes the client is the expert in their own experience and aims to act as a companion and guide to help young people navigate their life experiences to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Sarah draws from a variety of therapeutic frameworks including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Radically Open DBT, and Internal Family Systems, as well as intersectional, strengths-based, and person-centered models. She integrates art therapy with traditional talk therapy to help clients feel confident and secure in their relationships with themselves and others.
Prior to working at Art It Out, Sarah gained experience in a variety of clinical mental health settings, including children’s advocacy centers, an alternative school, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and a juvenile correctional facility. Through her experiences in these settings, Sarah has worked with children, teens, and adults facing a variety of mental health concerns, and feels comfortable and confident working with individuals from all walks of life.
Graduate Interns
Kaytie Eastin, Intern Program Director
Kaytie’s goal is to have the client succeed and thrive in all areas of their lives. Kaytie utilizes a strengths-based approach, as well as motivational interviewing and mindfulness techniques, to support her clients in learning and utilizing coping skills to help them navigate through challenging transitions and events in their life. She also believes in utilizing creative approaches to interventions with clients to provide individualistic care and practice.
Prior to coming to Art It Out, Kaytie worked in providing therapeutic care coordination to youth who have experienced commercial child sex exploitation as well as for youth in foster care with severe mental health and behavioral challenges. Kaytie additionally has extensive experience in providing educational wraparound support and advocacy for youth, as well as supporting families and youth with navigating school systems to ensure youth are appropriately supported in their school settings based on their individualized needs. Kaytie is passionate about working with youth and families and enjoys building a trusting relationship with youth to create a safe space for them to express themselves and progress towards their self-identified goals.
Casten Donaldson
Casten Donaldson is originally from Greenville, South Carolina and relocated to Georgia in 2016. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of West Georgia and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University.
Casten has professional experience working with adolescents and individuals across various age groups in both behavioral health and supportive service settings. These experiences have strengthened his passion for helping others and guided his decision to pursue counseling.
He values building meaningful therapeutic relationships and believes in meeting individuals where they are with empathy, support, and understanding. As he continues his clinical training, Casten remains committed to personal and professional growth while developing the skills needed to support clients from diverse backgrounds.
Estefanía Zurita
Estefanía Zurita’s passion for mental health was sparked in high school, evolving into a deep commitment to guiding others toward healing through clinical counseling. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Lehman College and is currently completing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at LaGrange College.
She began her work with children and adolescents as a Teaching Assistant in New York, supporting students with autism, ADHD and anxiety, experiences that deepened her understanding of emotional regulation and the need for nurturing, supportive environments. Though initially focused on youth, Estefanía is dedicated to serving clients of all ages. Estefania is dedicated to creating a compassionate and accessible path for individuals to heal, grow and thrive.
Estefanía currently serves as a Special Projects Coordinator at the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network (GMHCN), where she recently played a key role in organizing the organization’s Annual Conference—one of the nation’s largest gatherings of behavioral health peers focused on recovery, wellness, advocacy and education. She also coordinates monthly Wellness Wednesday events promoting mental, emotional and physical well-being and is actively engaged in a range of GMHCN’s trainings, including trauma-informed care and emotional regulation. Through this work, Estefanía deepens her practice, ensuring her approach remains responsive and client-centered.
Estefanía strongly believes in the transformative power of presence and mindfulness. Her approach encourages personal growth and healing by fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation. Fluent in English and Spanish, Estefanía is passionate about reaching individuals from various backgrounds, expanding her capacity to serve and connect with a diverse community of all ages. Estefanía is also passionate about guiding individuals through anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, family dynamics and building self-esteem.
Fatoumata Barry
Fatoumata is currently completing her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgia State University, where her passion for emotional development and understanding human behavior deepened.
Fatoumata’s desire to work with children is rooted in her own experience transitioning to the United States at a young age. Adjusting to a new culture and environment shaped her understanding of how deeply children experience change, even when they do not yet have the language to explain it. This experience guides her commitment to supporting children and adolescents as they navigate anxiety, identity development, life transitions, and family dynamics. She is especially passionate about working with children from diverse cultural backgrounds and families seeking connection and belonging.
Fatoumata approaches therapy through a holistic and wellness-centered lens. She believes that healing happens when children feel emotionally safe, creatively free, and supported in their full development. She values integrating expressive and play-based approaches that allow children to communicate through art, movement, storytelling, and imagination. She understands that creativity often gives children access to emotions that words alone cannot reach.
Her clinical style is warm, reflective, and strengths-based. Fatoumata strives to create a nurturing space where children feel seen, heard, and empowered to explore their emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills. She feels honored to walk alongside children and families as they grow in resilience, connection, and overall well-being.
Gia Mehdiof
Gia is a graduate student at Mercer University, where she is pursuing her M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. She has nine years of experience working with children in a variety of settings. In her early volunteer work, Gia served elementary and middle school students through art camps, equine-assisted therapy, and art-assisted therapy at the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy. Through these experiences, she has worked with children of all abilities, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. She firmly believes in empowering marginalized communities through art and advocacy and is deeply passionate about making both art and therapy accessible to all.
In terms of professional experience, Gia worked as an aftercare and substitute assistant teacher at Cliff Valley School in Atlanta and currently serves as Day Program staff at “Just” People, Inc. Over the past three years, she has facilitated recreational activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with art being her primary focus. Each week, she designs and leads a unique art project tailored to accommodate participants’ physical and cognitive needs.
Gia believes that art, especially for individuals who experience challenges with verbal communication, can serve as a powerful voice. When people are navigating grief, trauma, or anxiety, art can help them process thoughts and emotions just as effectively, if not more effectively, than traditional forms of communication. Like music, art is a universal language that transcends class, ability, age, and culture. Through a multicultural lens, Gia strives to cultivate meaningful, empowering relationships with clients and their families while continuing her mission to make creative expression and therapeutic support inclusive and accessible to her community.
Regina Hardy
Regina is currently earning her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University. She completed her undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Through her academic journey, she has developed a strong foundation in understanding human behavior within both individual and social contexts, which continues to shape her emerging clinical identity.
Her passion for mental health counseling is rooted in a deep interest in working with children and adolescents, particularly those navigating neurodivergence and emotional challenges. She is especially drawn to supporting children with autism and ADHD, as well as those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, family complexities, and difficulties with emotional regulation. She values meeting each child where they are and honoring their unique ways of experiencing and understanding the world.
In her work with clients, Regina is committed to creating a safe, affirming, and empowering therapeutic space grounded in trust, curiosity, and compassion. Drawing on her sociological background, she takes a holistic, strengths-based approach that considers the influence of family systems, culture, and social environments, while integrating evidence-based practices informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative theory, and play therapy to support children and families in building resilience, meaningful connection, and long-term emotional well-being.
Robin Olson
Robin has been an art teacher for the past 17 years, spending time at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She currently teaches drawing, painting, and darkroom photography part-time at a private high school. Robin graduated with a BFA in Art Education from the University of Georgia in 2003 and earned a master’s in art education from UGA in 2005. Pursuing art therapy has been a career goal of Robin’s for many years, and she is currently in her final year of her master’s program in Art Therapy at Pennsylvania Western University.
Robin has experience working with children and adolescents, and especially loves working with teenagers. Robin has seen firsthand the power of art and the healing that comes from encouraging people to practice self-expression through creativity and artmaking. Robin is passionate about helping others, and her areas of interest include anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+, self-confidence, self-awareness, and adjustment. Robin believes in the power of using art to cultivate mindfulness and presence. She is eager to bring her warmth, openness, and compassion to her internship, supporting children in their emotional and psychological growth through the healing power of art therapy.
When Robin is not interning at Art is Out, she is making art with her spouse and kids, listening to music, reading, dancing, traveling, or snuggling with her dog, Daisy.
Ry’n Foster
Ry’n is currently completing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Mercer University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Deaf Education with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Utah State University. Ry’n’s background in clinical communication sciences allowed her to find her passion for helping individuals on a deeper level.
Ry’n is particularly passionate about working with adolescents who are coping with life changes and the individuation process, with areas of focus including anxiety, depression, OCD, body image and eating disorders, grief and loss, family dynamics, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. Ry’n is committed to providing a compassionate and supportive environment for individuals as they work toward healing by using holistic integrated therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, internal family systems, and narrative therapy. Ry’n believes in empowering individuals by helping them discover creative outlets that foster healing and growth.