Michael Franklin
BA, University of South Florida
MA, George Washington University
ATR-BC, PhD candidate, Lesley University
Michael Franklin is the director of the Art Therapy program. Since 1982 he has both practiced and taught art therapy in various academic and clinical settings. He has lectured nationally and internationally, offering a wide range of research contributions to the field. As an artist, he actively pursues his work and continues to research the relationship between art therapy, yoga philosophy and meditation. He is currently a doctoral candidate with Lesley University.
Assistant Director / Internship Coordinator, Art Therapy
Sue Wallingford has utilized art for healing in the mental health field for more than sixteen years. Her experience includes work in various psychiatric facilities, a prison, a home for abused children, a residential home for the developmentally disabled, Hospice and with the elderly. Currently Sue is in private practice offering counseling and art therapy services in the Boulder area, www.suewallingford.com. Her interests include life transitions and spiritual discernment and growth. Sue continues to be dedicated to the art making process and has exhibited her work throughout the Boulder-Denver area.
Academic Advisor/Admissions Coordinator, Art Therapy
Leah Friedman-Spohn
MA, Naropa University
Leah Friedman Spohn, M.A. studied art therapy during both her undergraduate and graduate studies. She received her Masters degree from Naropa University and her love of academia has kept her at the University working with students through academic advising and as adjunct faculty. Leah also coordinates the Naropa Community Art Studio and has a private practice doing art therapy with adults and couples. She strives to maintain a balance between her love of art therapy practice and theory and works to support students and alumni throughout their journey and transition into the professional community.
Christine DeMarco
MA, Lesley University
LPC, ATR
Christine DeMarco studied expressive therapies with a specialization in art therapy. Christine has been working in the field of art therapy for eleven years, and previously practiced as a social worker. Christine brings these two fields together, bringing the benefits of art therapy to various systems of care. Her experience in therapy has included adults with mental illness, homeless adults, elders with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, people with developmental disabilities, and children and families. She specializes in working with preschool age children and their families, using art as a mode of healing early childhood and relationship issues.
Corissa Gold BFA, Guilford College
MFA, University of Colorado
MA, Naropa University
Corissa is a practicing art therapist specializing in family, adoption and multicultural topics and issues. She is the lead facilitator of the HeART Talks program of the Colorado Heritage Camps that supports internationally adopted children and their families. She also provides therapeutic services to There With Care, and has worked with Hospice of Boulder and Broomfield. Corissa is also currently an adjunct faculty member of Naropa University teaching Multicultural Issues, Diversity Seminar and Art Therapy Research Project.
Jessica Whitesel
BFA, Savannah College of Art and Design
MA, Naropa University
LPC, ATR
Jessica is an art therapist and painter. She currently works as a school-based therapist in Adams County. Her clinical experience includes work with international adoptees, homeless children, adults with aphasia, early childhood mental health, and at-risk adolescents. She is particularly interested in feminist models of practice in individual therapy and supervision.
Visiting Art Therapists and Faculty
Josie Abbenante, MA, ATR - BC, LPAT
Pat. B. Allen, PhD, ATR
Susan Bello, PhD, ATR
Mimi Farrelly-Hansen, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
David Henley, PhD, ATR
Janis Timm-Bottos, ATR-BC
Barbara Fish, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Gussie Klorer, PhD, ATR-BC
Cathy Malchiodi, MA, ATR, LPAT, LPC
Shaun McNiff, PhD, ATR
Bruce Moon, PhD, ATR
Laurie Ellen Neustadt, MS, ATR-BC
Shirley Riley, MA, MFCT, ATR
Carol Thayer Cox, ATR, LPAT
Katherine Williams PhD, ATR-BC
Linney Wix, MA, ATR
