SOUTH TEXAS ART THERAPY ASSOCIATION

The South Texas Art Therapy Association (STATA) is an affiliate chapter of the American Art Therapy Association. The purpose of this association is to progressively develop the therapeutic use of art, advance research, improve standards of practice and to provide vehicles for the exchange of information and experience. The objectives of this association are to aim treatment most effectively toward rehabilitation and the improvement of human welfare, improve the effectiveness of those engaged in art therapy through the means of meetings and seminars, provide a professional support system for the profession and its practitioners regionally, encourage the development of professional training opportunities in art therapy and to inform people about the field of art therapy.

OUR OBJECTIVES

• to aim treatment most effectively toward rehabilitation and the improvement of human welfare

• to improve the effectiveness of those engaged in art therapy through the means of meetings and seminars

• to provide a professional support system for the profession and its practitioners regionally

• to encourage the development of professional training opportunities in art therapy

• to inform people about the field of art therapy.

Meet the Board

Jason Gans is an ATR-BC LPC born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who studied animation in New York City at Pratt Institute in 1999. He taught middle school Art in Austin, Texas from 2007-2010 before finding his passion and sought to continue an education in Art Therapy at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since returning to Austin in 2015, Jason has facilitated Group Art Therapy at Shoal Creek Hospital. His exuberance resides in the creation of unique directives in comic book format for patients at any level to engage meaningfully in the art making process. Jason’s personal art engages social media and the local community with the goal of teaching coping skills, mindfulness, and healthy communication.

Sarah Mathis grew up in Waco Texas before moving to Austin in 2008. After graduating from St. Edward University with a BFA, she traveled as a live artist, making connections and recording moments through her art. Currently, Sarah is in her second year at St Mary of the Woods completing a Masters in Counseling and Art Therapy. She hopes to practice in the central Texas area and travel and bring Art Therapy to locations where it is not currently provided.

Salina received her Masters in Creative Arts Therapy from Pratt Institute. She is a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor/Supervisor, Board Certified Art Therapist and a Certified Clinical Sandtray Therapist-Trainer specializing in mindfulness, overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and working with the military. She is a Military Veteran and spouse. Salina is a member of the American Art Therapy Association, South Texas Art Therapy Association and the Texas SandTray Association.

Margaret holds a master of arts degree in art therapy from New York University, is a registered and board-certified art therapist, and a licensed professional counselor. She has worked with a wide range of clients, including children, teens, and adults in inpatient psychiatric settings and schools, as well as with those in recovery or with dual diagnoses. She currently works at Integral Care with their YES Waiver Services as a bilingual, licensed professional of the healing arts (LPHA), working with families and children. Margaret draws from an eclectic theoretical basis, including foundations in psychodynamics, family systems, mindfulness, and attachment theory, and she is currently training for her EMDR certification. She strives to bring self-discovery through art and the joy of creativity to clients where they can share, explore, and express their authentic selves in a safe and supportive environment.

Danielle Gindele is in art therapist in Austin, TX. She received her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Seattle, WA at Antioch University. Currently, she works at a group practice and sees individuals ranging from children to adults. Prior to private practice, Danielle has worked in the mental health field for over 12 years serving various populations from those impacted by domestic violence, disordered eating, and substance abuse. When she is not seeing clients, you can find her painting in her off time or practicing aerial arts.

Interested in serving on the board? Nominate yourself or someone you know for the interested position by emailing us at: stxarttherapy@gmail.com — We will be in touch about next steps for the upcoming election.

Ready to get involved but not sure you can commit to a position? Complete this Volunteer Registration Form and someone will follow up with you