THE PROCESS

Dear Friend,

September always brings lots of energy and awareness to our work. As the city settles back into its routines, our team is hitting the ground running. Between launching new programming in supportive housing, adding youth suicide prevention partnerships, and welcoming new faces to both our leadership and clinical teams, this fall is shaping up to be very busy!

Below, you’ll find a snapshot of where we’re focusing our energy this season and how our partnerships are growing to reach more clients than ever before.

Program Update

This fall, we’re launching five new art therapy groups, broadening our community impact through new partnerships with Life is Precious™️ (after-school suicide-prevention program for adolescents) and Lantern Community Services (supportive housing). We’re also excited to return to JVL Wildcat Academy's after-school programming following a year-long hiatus.

Read About Our Expanding Programs

Exciting News: Laurie Blackburn Joins The Art Therapy Project as Development Director

In a milestone 15th anniversary year celebrating over 13,000 clients served, we’re proud to welcome Laurie Blackburn to our leadership team as our new Development Director!

With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and corporate marketing, Laurie will play a vital role in securing sustainable resources to expand our trauma-informed art therapy programs for years to come.

"After years of working with individual and institutional partners who want their investments to make an impact, and turning those relationships into something transformational for both the organization and the communities we serve, I am honored to join the staff of The Art Therapy Project at this exciting 15-year mark.

The art making process that helps clients find their way through difficult mental health challenges is critically needed and I look forward to utilizing everything I’ve learned to make art therapy as accessible as possible." - Laurie Blackburn, Development Director, TATP

Partner Spotlight: Why Nodpod is Craft and Care's Presenting Sponsor This Year

"As Nodpod grew and we had more ability to give back, I became incredibly passionate about using that success to support mental health services and the people and families who rely on them. For me, it feels like one of the most meaningful things to come out of building Nodpod.” — Melissa Bamberg, Founder & CEO Nodpod

In celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, Nodpod has joined The Art Therapy Project as the Presenting Sponsor of our 3rd Annual Craft and Care.

We recently sat down with Melissa for an inspiring Q&A to discuss:

Why Nodpod pledges a portion of every sale to community mental health
How occupational therapy and deep touch pressure shaped their weighted products
Her vision for participants attending this year's event

Read the Full Q&A

Buy Your Craft and Care Tickets Here

Meet Our New Clinical Intern: Jess Infante

We’re welcoming our 2026-2027 clinical intern, Jess Infante, as she begins her clinical work with our off-site partner, Educational Alliance, Center for Recovery and Wellness.

Jess shares: “I am excited to join The Art Therapy Project and develop my clinical practice supporting individuals in substance use recovery. Expanding access to art therapy and embracing creative resourcefulness are central to my work. Finding potential in what we already have instills a lasting sense of agency and self-efficacy. "

Continuing Education at The Art Therapy Project

We’re gearing up for our fall course lineup! If you’re interested in joining us, subscribe to our Continuing Education newsletter for upcoming dates, topics, and registration details.

Upcoming Topics:

October – Polyvagal Informed Art Therapy
November – Working With Clients Contemplating Suicide
December – Stress Relief

Art Therapist Tip: Navigating Back-to-School Transitions Through Collage

Going back to school or returning to structured fall routines often brings competing feelings: excitement for a fresh start alongside stress about new schedules, commutes, and expectations.

Learn why our art therapists turn to collage for grounding, reflection, and emotional processing in our latest Art Therapist Tip.

Read the Full Tip & Try the Exercise

Our Impact

As of August 31, 2026

13,271

Clients Served

11,193

Therapy Sessions

2,437

Wellness Workshop Participants

Thank you for being in our corner as we head into this busy season. Whether you join us in person next month for Craft and Care, connect with us through our continuing education courses, or quietly support our programs across the city, you help make this work possible.

Warmly,

Martha Dorn
Executive Director

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