Staff
The PSA Art Awakenings team believes in the healing power of creativity and all agree that: Art Saves Lives! A team of dedicated behavioral health professionals, the majority are also artists whose notoriety ranges from cities scattered throughout the United States to across the continents. Visit our parent site at
PSA Behavioral Health Agency.
Administrative Team
Karen D. Puthoff President
Karen has dedicated her career to eradicating stigma related to behavioral illness. Former director of marketing and community relations for PSA Art Awakenings, she offers over 25 years as a senior manager in public relations, marketing, and fund raising. A graduate of Purdue University and St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Karen has worked with inpatient and outpatient behavioral health programs in Arizona and Indiana. She also served as chief operating officer of The Carillon Foundation for Health which restricted fund raising to support behavioral health programs, services, and scholarships. She is honored to promote PSA Art Awakenings artists, galleries, and services, typically representing several hundred artists at a time whose works are sold at galleries, special events and conferences. Karen is proud to be part of the PSA Art Awakenings team and feels blessed to serve such wonderfully talented individuals.
Michele Kaplan Clinical Director
With nearly 30 years experience in the behavioral health field, Michele has worked as a private practitioner and in community based agencies, both as a direct service provider and administrator. She is committed to clinically excellent and culturally appropriate service delivery and as a former, full-time artist Michele understands and appreciates the importance of art, individual creativity, and its impact on daily well-being.
Sarah Daffron Clinical Director, Southern Arizona
Sarah, a nationally certified and Licensed Professional Counselor, holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree in cultural anthropology/women’s studies. She has worked in the fields of mental health, social services, education and advocacy in both direct service and supervisory capacities. Sarah, a Bisbee native, is also an accomplished singer/songwriter who has performed in coffee shops and community events in Bisbee, Flagstaff and San Diego. She credits this experience as helping her to understand the therapeutic value of the creative process in all its forms. “I believe this program is a progressive step for the behavioral health field and a positive outlet for individuals in the Bisbee/Douglas communities.”
David Reno Marketing & Community Relations Manager
David offers PSA Art Awakenings and its artists a broad experience in all aspects of marketing. His interest in art since an early age led him to earn a Bachelor’ of Arts degree in graphic design and then an MBA in marketing. In addition to dabbling with oil painting, David has experience in design, video production, sales, and direct mail. “I am extremely excited to be in this position to promote the arts and artists because I believe that art created a powerful connection to heal and imrpove the lives of both artists and those in the community that view the art.”
Mariana Morales Marketing Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator, BHPP
Mariana joined the PSA Art Awakenings Tempe staff in 2006. A firm believer in personal growth, she became a behavioral health para-professional, qualified to provide direct care services to the semi-independent living and provider affiliated housing program participants. Now she offers her skill set in support of the administrative team based in Phoenix. “I am very excited and thankful to be a part of PSA Art Awakenings and have the opportunity to grow with the company as well as to see and be a part of the growth of each individual who participates in the program.”
Rebecca Smith Executive Administrative Coordinator
Becky comes to PSA Art Awakenings from Overland Park, Kansas with over 20 years of administrative experience. She most recently worked at Sprint as a Manager in the Inclusion and Diversity department. Becky enjoys expressing her creativity through interior design and scrapbooking, which allows her to tell a visual story about the places she has been.
Antonio Pasos Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist & Artist in Residence
Antonio has exhibited and traveled throughout the world, and was educated overseas as well as in the United States and Mexico. A master artist, his work has been widely exhibited throughout Asia, Europe, and the Latin and North Americas. Antonio, who has always thought that the arts are of paramount importance for people in recovery, began working in the behavioral health field eight years ago. In addition to working with young men at the ERC Maryvale location, he also instructs adult artists in a variety of creative processes at the Phoenix Studios.
Coriana Eastman Gallery Curator, Old Bisbee Gallery & Ceramics Studio
Coriana, a multi-media artist and Bisbee resident offers a diverse skills set. She considers herself a light hearted surrealist who resonates and draws inspiration from artists like Salvador Dahli, Vladimir Kush, and Frida Kahlo. Mentored by artist, Carolyn Kelly and more recently, Rose Johnson in oil painting, she is a former studio owner who also creates metal sculpture and reliefs. With an alternate career in Aerospace, Corianna worked as a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic for a major airline and as an aircraft inspector for Bombardier Aerospace. She served in the United States Air Force as an enlisted Avionics Technician; after eight years in the Air Force Reserves she acquired a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry Riddle in Professional Aeronautics, then transferred to the Navy as a Maintenance Officer. Corianna is also a Behavioral Health Para-Professional who has provided crisis intervention and worked with domestic violence victims.
Recovery Support Specialists (RSS)
RSS’s are an important, integral part of the Art Awakenings program. As vital team members, they offer support, education, empowerment and recovery skills to all artists.
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George Perez Recovery Support Specialist/BHT in Tucson
George is a certified Recovery Support Specialist and has worked in the behavioral health field, in Arizona, since 1991. He is an award-winning artist whose artwork has been exhibited throughout the Southwest.
Kevin Arrant Recovery Support Specialist, Yuma, Parker & Quartzsite
Kevin is a trained peer support specialist who recently celebrated his 6th year of clean time. He is a recovering addict of 28 years and draws on his experience in recovery to inspire hope as a Recovery Support Specialist working with the artists. Kevin is an amateur photo enthusiast, who loves capturing the sunsets in Arizona with over 30,000 photographs. Kevin also enjoys airbrush art, and creating living miniature Faery Gardens.
Ray Finn Recovery Support Specialist, Bisbee & Douglas
A native of Bisbee, Ray has been a certified Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) forsix years. He has worked as an RSS with Comfort Zone in Sierra Vista, as a Program Coordinator with the MORE program through SEACRS, and as a Community Support Specialist in Tucson with CODAC. Ray believes in the power of sharing recovery experiences and that anyone can recover. His hobbies include mineral collecting, lapidary arts, glass lamp work, bead making, and photography.
Linda Simpson Recovery Support Specialist, Phoenix, Tempe & NW Phoenix
Linda is a trained RSS and Certified WRAP facilitator who has worked in the public health field. She is actively expanding how she expresses creativity – through art and service. “In my mid-30’s I experienced psychiatric symptoms and knew that someday I’d work to improve the mental health system. … people benefit from the assistance of those who have ‘lived experience’ – the concept of the ‘wounded healer’.” Linda expresses her creativity through crochet, creating miniatures (doll house furnishings), and has begun to experiment with various types of art work.
Bisbee/Douglas Studios
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Jessica (JJ) Sturdevant Site Administrator, Bisbee & Douglas
Before graduating high school, “J.J.” began her artistic training with the Art Institute of Chicago Oxbow program and an intensive at Carnegie Mellon University. While attending Audubon Expedition Institute, Leslie University, she developed an affinity for the concept of experiential teaching in natural settings. At Goddard College her interests in the fine, healing and teaching arts merged, leading to her emergence as an Expressive Arts Therapist, arts educator, visual artist, and dancer. After moving to Bisbee, she expanded her training to apprentice with a local herbalist, a Mexican Indian curandero, and Reiki master. J.J. is also a graduate of Tamalpa Institute in Movement-based Expressive Arts Therapy, specializing in Ideokienisis body work and personal mythology. She has used her training to develop art and art expression classes by working with individuals and groups of all ages, with a specialization in adolescence and substance abuse.
Luis Ledgard Clerk/Driver
Luis has a unique ability to help others. With a two year degree as a medical assistant, he understands what it takes to assist people in many different aspects of their lives. Luis’ passion about the behavioral health field is clear and he looks forward to helping others in the Bisbee and Douglas Studios to achieve empowerment and recovery through creativity.
Siempre Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Siempre’s inital University studies were directed toward a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies, teaching credentials and post-graduate studies for multiple subjects, and special education. She worked with special needs students in public schools then later, had the opportunity to return to her art studies and completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in visual arts from Arizona State University. Her artwork has been jurored into national competitions and galleries, received national awards, and is in the permanent collections of several artist cooperatives, and maintains her own art studio with her husband and former mentor, Russell. Drawing from her experience in painting, drawing, print and book making, ceramics, sculpture and fiber arts, she has taught art students from elementary school through college. She enjoys sharing her skills which not only encourage self-expression, but contribute to the development of concentration and self-discipline. Siempre is thrilled to have found PSA Art Awakenings, which allows her to serve people by expanding their development through exposure to the arts.
Irene Vega Administrative Assistant
Irene is excited to transfer her skills and caring spirit to the PSA Art Awakenings’ Bisbee and Douglas studios. A Certified Nursing Assistant, she possesses a deep level of understanding and compassion for helping others. Irene particularly emjoys working with older adults and appreciates the opportunity to apply her talents to the behavioral health field.
Casa Grande Studio
Eliza Homer, LAC Site Administrator
Eliza, LAC, is a bilingual art educator, administrator, and expressive arts clinician whose research and practice focus on attachment and trauma resolution among adults affected by serious mental illness and children. She completed undergraduate studies at Central Washington University and Universidad Latina de America in Michoacan, Mexico and received a master’s in Counseling Psychology/Expressive Arts Therapy from Prescott College. Eliza’s culturally attuned process integrates neurosequential models and the use of a non-traditional art media, towards self-empowerment and development of self-soothing techniques.
Carol McCullough Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Carol has been an artist all her life and loves the challenge of experimenting with new art media. Her drawings, mixed media work and paintings have been in several juried art shows nationally and she always has at least one project going at home. Carol completed her Master’s degree in Art Therapy Counseling at Marylhurst University in Oregon. She is especially interested in positive psychology and art as therapy. “I have used art for healing and growth in my own life, and want to create a space where others can express their journey toward health and well-being through art.”
Michelle Robles Clerk/Driver
With a background in both creative and culinary arts, Michelle is eager to recapture some of these skills as well as learning new forms. Since childhood she has enjoyed woodworking, sewing, sketching and painting. “It’s moving to see the varied creative skills and techniques of the artists come alive; it is great opportunity and privilege to be a part of an organization that encourages personal growth and healing through art.”
Christie Urioste Administrative Assistant & BHPP
Christi is excited to be a part of the Art Awakenings team. She is happy to “assist people expand their life successes through art.” Christi offers 10 years of client relations experience that have helped her achieve the qualifications of a Behavioral Health Para Professional, “I enjoy working with our artists who are always learning for personal and professional growth.”
Maricopa County Youth, Phoenix, Tempe & NW Phoenix Studios
Cindy Baysdorfer Director of Adult & Children Services, Maricopa & Pinal Counties
Cindy oversees all services in Maricopa County. She is a Nationally Certified and Licensed Professional Counsleor. Cindy has a history of teaching Art in the Colorado public schools and graphic design for an in-house agency. She has a passion for making fused glass jewelry and beleives, “Art Awakenings is the perfect place to blend my counseling and art backgrounds.”
Renee Caccamese Adult Lead Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist, Tempe
At age 13, Renee knew that art was the lifeblood of her being; she feels no separation between herself and what she creates. With an affinity for wood and clay as mediums, Renee describes the creative process as a “dance”. Like the interconnectedness of movement and rhythm, Renee becomes the wood…the clay…the implements used to manipulate the material into a piece that provokes emotional and spiritual peace and freedom. Renee believes that art is a powerful catalyst for expression, and her passion lies in unveiling the unique beauty and virtue in others.
Ingrid Davis Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Ingrid is a licensed counselor in Arizona and national board certified art therapist. She has extensive counseling experience with children and families and adults with psychiatric disabilities. Her special areas of expertise are in energy healing and spiritual growth. She is also a certified graduate of the Energy Mastery School, Sedona, Arizona.
Tiffany Ducey Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Tiffany, a New York native, earned her undergraduate degree in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at Arizona State University. An accomplished, self-taught artist she thrives in a creative environment and experience working with diverse populations of adults and youth. As a painter who has worked in public and private art sectors, Tiffany has experience with production art as well as prop design. She believes that the inclusion of self-expression is an integral part to the therapeutic process and plans to continue to integrate art into her social work practice.
Richard Evans Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Richard completed his Masters in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy in 2008 and has over 10 years experience working in Mental Health helping adults, children and families in both English and Spanish. As an art therapist, he helps others use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. Richard uses art daily for self-expression and relaxation. He enjoys creating and has used many mediums including paint, clay, poetry, and found objects. He has shown and sold his art in galleries as well as on the internet.
Leslie Fort Receptionist
Mildred Leslie Fort is a sunshine gal from Florida and Arizona. Her life-long interest and participation in fine arts, performing arts, and public speaking makes Leslie feel at home with Art Awakenings. She continues her painting and singing skills at the studio and Warehouse 1005.
Rosaland Hannibal Artistic Behavioral Health Technician
Rosaland has a love for all types of creative expression and expresses herself using fabric and other fibers. Her work has been juried into many fiber arts show and displayed at small galleries in the Phoenix area. She loves working with people and firmly believes that creative expression aids in healing and is thrilled to be part of Art Awakenings where she can combine her creative skills with her commitment to supporting and encouraging others.
Tina Hays Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist, Tempe
Tina hails from Southern California with a Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy, specialization in clinical art therapy, from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and a bachelor’s degree in fine art from the University of Southern California. She has experience running an art gallery, developing recovery centered programming based in the creative arts and community education about the stigma of mental illness. As a painter and muralist, Tina has exhibited in Los Angeles and Riverside, California, and Florence, Italy.
Kristin Leahy Studio Assistant
Kristin is pleased to be a recent staff addition. She has worked with Art Awakenings as an artists since 2005, and enjoys her additional role as the Downtown Phoenix Gallery receptionist. “I loved PSA [Art Awakenings] from the moment I came on board; I couldn’t think of a better job or place to work.”
Lois Lewandowski Studio Assistant
Lois has been involved with Art Awakenings for many years as a volunteer and subcontractor earning her the 2010 Artist Recognition Award for the Phoenix Studio. She now works as a facilitator and studio assistant. Lois has experience in administrative health care and is passionate about grief support faciliatiation, energetic healing and empowerment modalities in social services. She expresses her creative side by experimenting in charcoal, pastels, acrylic and clay.
Haley Nicholas Administrative Assistant
An Oregon native, Haley has lived in Arizona for over seven years. Although she prefers to express herself through the art of classical horsemanship, she has a never-ending appreciation for all forms of the arts. She has recently expanded her professional knowledge by earning a BHPP (Behavioral Health Para-Professional) designation so she can provide direct services to program participants. “I love my job; i’m surrounded with the best co-workers and am humbled to work around so much beauty and creativity.”
Maria Cristina Pasos Administrative Assistant & BHPP
Maria Cristina has been with Art Awakenings for two years and grown to love it. “I do my best to support artists and staff in creating a healing environment. I love to see creative people at work.”
John Pastore Studio Assistant
John comes to PSA Art Awakenings with six years of experience as a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS). He has a “lifetime of experience as a person with a mental illness”, which he uses to relate to the artists and serve as an example of recovery. John is an accomplished artist in his own right, and prefers to use graphite pencils to draw portraitures of people.
Christopher Taylor Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Christopher is a board certified music therapist and graduate of Arizona State University, where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in music therapy. He believes that “Art is the vision of a person, and music is their voice and pulse.”
Joy Thayer Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist, Maricopa Youth Studio
Joy, a Wisconsin native, is a mixed-media artist and painter who received a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology & Expressive Art Therapy from Prescott College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from the College of Charleston. She believes that the primary function of art-making is personal expression and utilizes the therapeutic capacity of the arts in her own life as well as her work as an artist and therapist. Joy’s professional experience began in the school setting with sensory, art, and neuro-developmental based therapy services for children who have experienced trauma. She is excited to continue her work through PSA Art Awakenings’ youth program.
Eden Wenda Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist, Maricopa Youth Studio
Eden, a Houston native, comes to PSA Art Awakenings with six years of experience working with youth as a volunteer with a community arts program in Arizona. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State, Eden completed her Master’s degree in Counseling & Psychology at Prescott College with a concentration in Expressive Arts therapy. Eden believes in the healing power of emotional expression through art and is passionate about sharing expressive art experiences with people of all ages.
Christine Zwicky Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Christine earned a Master’s degree in Somatic Psychology, Dance/Movement Therapy, from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. An expressive art therapist with over 20 years in the behavioral health field, Christine has supervised residential programs and worked with a variety of populations using art, music, movement, play, and creative modalities. She specializes in workshops on body image issues and has written a manual focused on women reclaiming their bodies.
Tucson Studio
Jordan Erickson Director of Adult & Children Services, Pima County
Jordan earned a Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of San Diego and is recognized by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health as a Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist. She has several years experience with adminsitrative program oversight and in providing therapy to adolescents, families, and adults. Jordan strives to be innovative, finding creative solutions to challenges by thinking outside of the box.
Jodi Brey Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Jodi is a jewlery artist, environmental sculptor, and expressive arts clinician who received a Master of Arts degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from Prescott College. Under her design and facilitation, public art projects have received grant awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Wisconsin Arts Board and numerous private foundations. A recent art-based economic development project in which she was involved received funding from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act with recognition by the State of Tennessee. Jodi is, “Passionate about the healing potential of creativity in the community setting.”
Irlanda Cuevas Administrative Assistant
Irlanda is originally from Nogales, Arizona, a border town south of Tucson. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2010 with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and minors in Spanish and Sociology. Irlanda is a certified BHT with previous experience working with children and youth at Casa de los Ninos behavioral health. She appreciates the importance of art, culture, and creativity and is thrilled to be part of PSA Art Awakenings and the “Art” community.
Leticia Galaz Administrative Assistant
Leticia is a Tucson native who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a minor in Spanish from the University of Arizona. She is experienced in the customer service field, most recently at Pima Community College with student life and cultural activities and as a former Pima County Superior Court intern. Leticia is, “Excited to work in the behavioral health field and PSA Art Awakenings!”
Jason Hopkins Clerk/Driver
Jason hails from Los Angeles, California and is a proud graduate of the University of Arizona where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with a minor in the Classics. He previously worked with at risk youth through the “Jump Start” program while attending Fresno State. Jason describes himself as dependable, loyal, and self-motivated. He sees his work at Art Awakenings as “exciting” saying, “I Hope this experience will help me grow into a great leader and educator”.
Jahaziel Linare Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Jahaziel (HA – SEE – EL) obtained a Masters in Social Work from ASU in order to help others meet their potential. He believes art’s true purpose is to inspire us to express our emotions and to tell our stories. He is knowledgeable in the areas of the romance languages, dancing and is also a skilled painter, preferring to work with oil paints and abstract expression. “I am grateful to be part of Art Awakenings to help others when words are not enough – to let art speak for them.”
Daniele Metoyer Clerk/Driver
“D” has an Associate degree in Administration of Justices & Liberal Arts and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in human services. She has worked in a drug rehabilitation facility with pregnant and post partum women, as well as in law enforcement. “D” loves to travel and is a major NFL fan! She enjoys working at PSA Art Awakenings because, “It’s a new adventure every day.” “I like the challenge and the fact that each day offers something new and different to learn with clients while exploring different types of art.”
Rachel Nelson Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Rachel, a native of Kansas City, MO, earned her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia and Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling at Avila University. Her own experiences with the healing and transformative powers of the art-making process are what led her to the field of art therapy. While interning at a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility and Psychiatric Hospital for children, Rachel became passionate about working with youth. She is an active artist, specializes in the ancient art form of Encaustic, a form of hot wax painting, and exhibits her artwork throughout the year.
Rochelle Norman Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Rochelle, a New Jersey native, earned a Master’s degree in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts in New york City, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kean University in New Jersey. She has worked with children, adolescents, older adults, and families in a variety of community, residential, and school settings. Rochelle enjoys drawing, acrylic, painting, sculpting, scrapbooking, and dancing.
Kristi Painter Intake Specialist
Kristi has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She has worked in child welfare, pregnancy/infant adoptions, substance abuse counseling, and as a child, marriage, and family therapist. She feels very blessed to be able to witness the healing powers of creativity on a daily basis at Art Awakenings.
Retta Parker Stevenson Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Retta received a Master of Science degree in Art Therapy and Counseling Psychology at Avila University and Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri. She has had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of populations including children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics, eating disorders, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, and individuals affected by severe mental illness in inpatient, outpatient, and school settings. Retta believes in the ability of all individuals to make positive transformations their lives and strives to instill a sense of empowerment in others.
Michelle Wilmot Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
As an Iraq war veteran, Michelle has utilized the arts to heal from the effects of combat and has, in turn, helped others use art as a means of expressing oneself after experiencing traumatic events. Michelle served eight years in Army Mental Health and three years in Veteran’s nonprofit management while continuing to work as a professional multi-media artist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Excelsior College and has travelled extensively and brought back artistic influences from the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific Islands.
Yuma Studio
Akia Compton Site Administrator for Yuma/Parker/Quartzsite
As a consummate behavioral health specialist Akia has over 15 years experience working in the behavioral health field. She has worked with children affected by emotional and behavioral problems in intesive care settings, individuals with developmental delays, adults and children with serious mental illnesses and juvenile offenders in the correctional system. Akia comes to us from Cleveland Ohio with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice, and a Master’s degree in Administration of Justice and Security. Akia says, “I used to question what my gift was; well I believe it is working with people”. Her favorite quotes are, “it’s not where you came from; it’s where you are going”, and “the world is full of copy cats be an original”. Akia loves all kinds of art, but her specialty is wood crafts.
Anita Mealey-Haddock Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Anita, a Southern California native, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Northern Arizona University. She believes in giving back to the community and volunteers on two boards in Yuma working with teens and survivors of crime. She specializes in making shadow boxes and was Drama Director at her home church in So. California. She enjoys working in the behavioral health field, “helping others help themselves and what better way than to incorporate art into self-empowerment!”
Patricia Quiroz Administrative Assistant & BHT
Patricia has over six years in the behavioral health field, most recently as a Behavioral Health Technician and intensive case manager for the EXCEL group in Yuma. She enjoys working and helping people, “I get inspiration from watching people grow and better themselves; I’ve always been a great fan of the arts, I believe music and art are very important in peoples’ lives.” Patricia is “thrilled” to be part of the PSA Art Awakenings Team!
Parker & Quartzsite Studios
Christine Boatwright Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Chris has lived in Arizona for over two decades, the majority of which she has worked in the behavioral health field. As A parent of a special needs, adult son, she sees herself as one of the “original advocates.”
Chris earned a degree in Early Childhood Development, from the University of Idaho/Bank street College and a Bachelor of Arts un-accredited degree from Northern University. She also holds a CPRP (Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner) certification which focuses on the adult SMI/SA population with an emphasis on rehabilitation, pre-job training and medical stability. Chris resides in Parker with her husband, Dave, and is an integral member of her local community. “I do what I do because I have a heart for the people, and feel I can help them reach their goals. Therefore, being employed at Art Awakenings in Parker and Quartzsite helps me meet my life goals…we both win, you can’t ask for better than that.”
Kurt Fredrickson Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist
Kurt was born and raised in Southeast Alaska and moved to Arizona with his family five years ago. He offers approximately 14 years of experience in the behavioral health field, primarily providing direct case management to serious mentally ill adults in Alaska. “I was exposed to art at an early age, as my mother is an artist and practices the Norweigan art of Rosemaling and Tole Painting.” “I love all forms of art and believe strongly in the effectiveness of art as a therapeutic tool.”
Cristina Moore Studio Assistant
Tina is a native of Smygehamn, Sweden and a commercial art school graduate. After moving to the United States she worked for a decade in numerous art foundries as a chaser and mold maker. Following her passion and study of wild life, Tina has created several of her own bronzes of animals. Her diverse artistic talents range from soap stone carving to teaching children art and drawing to winter visitors.
Warehouse 1005 Studio
Jeremy DeJong Site Administrator
Jeremy graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work and has enjoyed working in the field for 13 years. He also has a minor in photography and art from Mesa Community College. Jeremy recently re-joined staff to provide services at the Phoenix Studio about which he said, “Working at Art Awakenings has allowed me to merge my two passions [art and social work], which I am very excited about!”
Sharon Boyd Administrative Assistant
Sharon recently moved to Phoenix from Las Vegas, Nevada where she lived for the majority of her life. She became part of the PSA Art Awakenings team, most recently she splitting her time between the Phoenix Studio & Gallery and Warehouse 1005 where she assisted staff and artists. Now at the Warehouse full-time, she continues to “enjoy the opportunity to work with all of the talented and upcoming artists.” “It’s a joy to come to work every day and be surrounded by such talent and beauty!”
Todd Kolpek Art Manager
Todd graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. He worked in IT departments for 20 years before changing careers. Since then he has worked in therapeutic recreation and as a Behavioral Health Technician. “I have a passion for the arts, especially music. I am glad to be part of the PSA – Warehouse 1005 Studio team.”
Kathryn McGinty Art Manager & Adult Lead Artistic Behavioral Health Specialist NW Studio
Kate McGinty comes to PSA Art Awakenings and Warehouse 1005 with vast experience in both the Arizona child welfare and behavioral health fields. Kate is the former Manager of Peer Development at TERROS and a strong supporter of the utilization of peer mentors for the delivery of recovery support services because they improve participants social functioning, reduced substance abuse, reduced use of hospitalizations and overall an improved quality of life. She expresses her creativity by producing her own ice cream named Lucky Cow and has also sold her jewelry in numerous Phoenix galleries.