Name
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Biography
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Presentation Title...............................
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Abstract
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| Reem AbuKishk MA, RDT, LCAT |
Reem is an RDT based in Jordan and has extensive experience working with refugee populations in the Middle East. She is recognized as a psycho-social expert utilizing drama therapy throughout the work and provides trainings and workshops in the region. Recently she teamed up with the Intisar Foundation to utilize drama therapy to reach Arab women in the region who have experienced traumatic life circumstances.
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Trauma, Drama and the Long Donkey Ride Home |
Combining trauma research with drama therapy, this session looks at the journey of women (refugee and host community) in riding a new wave to give voice to their pain and find ways to reconnect both physically and emotionally. The creative and embodied approach of drama therapy sheds light and expands the personal narrative of the women challenging them to dive into a new beginning, taking a new road for growth.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Kamran Afary PhD RDT |
Kamran Afary is Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at California State University Los Angeles. He holds a PhD in Performance Studies and is a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) at Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles |
Established and Emerging Intersections for Advancing Queer Drama Therapy: The Next Act |
Participants will explore established and emerging intersections of queer drama therapy in NADTA. Panelists and participants will learn from a group of LGBTQQIAP2S+ clinicians as they share lived experiences and research, and consider creation of NADTA guidelines for working with LGBTQQIAP2S+ communities, religion/spirituality, minority stress, and emerging student research.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Sally Bailey MFA, MSW, RDT/BCT |
Sally Bailey, MFA, MSW, RDT/BCT is a Professor at Kansas State University where she directs the drama therapy program. She is the author of "Barrier-Free Theatre," past-president of NADTA, and recipient of the 2006 Gertrud Schattner Award. |
The Drama Therapy Decision Tree: Connecting Drama Therapy Interventions to Treatment |
Theatre, psychology, and drama therapy knowledge must be synthesized to make intervention decisions for effective, ethical treatment planning. The Drama Therapy Decision Tree, to be published in early 2021, presents a guide for this process. In this preview of the book, the Decision Tree will be embodied by participants.
(6 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Courtney Bennett McDuffee, Student |
Courtney is currently a student with Lesley University's Low Residency graduate program for Mental Health Counseling focusing on Drama Therapy. |
What Does Embodiment and Drama Therapy Look Like in a Virtual Space? |
Virtual reality is giving rise to a vast new frontier of human experience, unlocking a creative and embodied presence in a digital space. This poster proposes utilizing this new digital realm as an opportunity to expand the reach and appeal of drama therapy.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Jessica Bleuer, M.A., M.Ed., RDT, Psychotherapy Permit, Ordre des Psychologues du Qubec |
NADTA Diversity Chair, Jessica thinks about the intersections between clinical work and the larger social, political, cultural world. She works in private practice and as a Full-time Lecturer & Supervisor in the MA Drama Therapy Program at Concordia University,she also works as an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University teaching Power Privilege and Oppression in Clinical Practice. |
Wave-Riders: Paddling through Cultural Humility Models in Pedagogy and Clinical Practice |
The Cultural Humility, Equity & Diversity Committee Forum invites the NADTA community to learn practical skills, and examine systemic inequity Through didactic and embodied engagement we will unapologetically and creatively distill what is necessary to move forward as an organization.
(2 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Barbara Bornmann MA, MA, LCAT, RDT/BCT |
Barbara Bornmann, MA, MA, LCAT, RDT/BCT, drama therapist at Rikers Island, forensic psychologist, researcher, former clinical supervisor, rehabilitation director. Barbara serves on the Research Committees of the NADTA and Drama Therapy Fund. |
Research "Think Tank": Supporting the Development of Research in Drama Therapy |
The NADTA research committee will support drama therapists with a research question, idea, and/or design by offering guidance/support. We will begin with an overview of research and currently available resources, transition into small groups led by a committee member for collaborative brainstorming, and end with a final discussion.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Anna Boyd, MA |
Anna Marie Boyd is a creative arts therapist from Dallas, TX. She received her master’s degree from New York University in Drama Therapy, where she worked as a expressive arts liaison to facilitate the integration of the dance, music, art, and drama therapy departments. She has worked with a variety of populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Some of these include a forensic psych unit at Bellevue Hospital, the Veteran Affairs Hospital in West Haven, CT, and a PROS day program in Brooklyn for individuals living with chronic and persistent mental illnesses. She is also a NASM certified personal trainer, and believes in the power of the maintaining a wholesome physical well being. So whether she is utilizing mindfulness, improvisation, dance, poetry, drama or yoga, she conducts therapy through many different creative lenses and believes that the physical body can foster individual growth and promote personal well being. |
Dramaste: Mind, Body Spirit |
This presentation intends to examine drama therapy from a mind, body, spirit approach utilizing yoga, the psychology of chakras and role theory.This experiential workshop will integrate movement, psychoeducation, and storytelling to establish a client-centered method.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Rachel Brousseau MS, LMFT, RDT/BCT |
Rachel Brousseau, LMFT, RDT/BCT works in private practice specializing in Maternal Mental Health, supporting women and families decrease stress and anxiety due to the transition into parenthood, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, motherhood identity, baby/parent attachment and artistic anxiety. |
Drama Therapy Parents: You Can Hide in Here |
Being a parent adds another layer to the multifaceted roles and stories we carry as drama therapists. This session will create space for drama therapy parents to connect, reflect and explore how the direction of the world influences their many intersecting roles. |
| Jen Faith Brown MFA, RDT candidate |
Jen Faith Brown- Jen is a the founder of Light Keeper Productions, a 501 C-3 organization. The company tours educational and arts therapy programming to audiences throughout the US. Jen received her MFA through a fellowship the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and her BFA from Syracuse University. She is also an actor and singer and a proud member of Actors Equity and SAG/AFTRA. |
Creative Solutions to Pain Management: Utilizing Drama Therapy |
This workshop facilitated by an Integrative Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Drama Therapist explores the way drama therapy may be utilized as an effective modality for chronic pain both for individuals as well as in a group setting. The management of pain is complex and influenced by the personal values and biases of practitioners. Making unbiased, ethical decisions in the treatment of pain empowers the patient in guiding their own healing.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Charisse Brown, MA, LCAT, RDT |
Charisse Brown, MA, LCAT, RDT |
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner: A Long Table/Performance on the HBCU Initiative |
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the field of Drama Therapy share similarities in that they both serve individuals from backgrounds impacted by trauma, racism or other structural inequalities. The Long Table performance/discussion will engage in issues related to social justice, advocacy and the need to grow the number of Black identifying drama therapists nationwide and worldwide.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Michelle J Buckle, MA, R Psych, RDT |
With over 24 years’ of experience as dramatherapist and educator, Michelle runs a psychological practice. |
"Anansi Came": Trauma and Resilience in Autoethnographical Therapeutic Performance |
This autoethnographic performance, narrated by Anansi, the spider god of West African and Caribbean folklore, evolved from my experience as an aunt of a Black youth who was violently murdered. Anansi weaves his story into the stories of my enslaved ancestors and my personal stories of trauma, resilience, and transformation.
(2 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Jason Butler PhD, LCAT, RDT-BCT |
Jason is Associate Professor at Lesley University where he is the drama therapy coordinator. Previously he was on faculty at NYU and Concordia. He is a former President of the NADTA and current Editor-in-Chief of The Arts in Psychotherapy. |
Adapting our Pedagogy to Flash Floods: Educators’ Forum |
This workshop for educators will examine the adjustments to drama therapy pedagogy necessitated by COVID19. Participants will discuss how drama therapy concepts can inform our ability to be present in virtual spaces with students and work to identify collective strategies for moving forward.
(3 CE hours - RDT. NBCC) |
| Brooke Campbell,MA, RDT/BCT, LCAT |
Brooke Campbell MA, RDT-BCT, LCAT, is the Founder of Creative Kinections, an organization offering partnerships, drama therapy, and trainings. She taught at the University of Pennsylvania, lectures at universities, and contributed a chapter in a book about trauma, pending publication. |
The Next Chapter: Storytelling Frameworks for Professional Growth |
The next chapter in our story as drama therapists includes learning and creating a public narrative to move the field forward. This workshop will present three storytelling frameworks created by three academic scholars which can be used to help support our professional growth and inspire the communities we serve. As drama therapists, the stories we tell ourselves and others helps to shape our field and creates a positive impact within our communities.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Josué Cardona, MS |
Josué Cardona is founder of Geek Therapy, co-founder of the Let’s Play Therapy Institute, and a diversity and inclusion design researcher at the University of Chicago. Josué started Geek Therapy in 2011 as a new way to use video games, comic books, and pop culture media with his clients. He holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling and was formerly the president of the NYC chapter of the New York Mental Health Counselors Association. |
Introduction to Geek Therapy |
The Geek Therapy model harnesses the power of affinity to reach new understanding. Learn the basic techniques of Geek Therapy to help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through their favorite media. |
| Josué Cardona, MS |
Josué Cardona is founder of Geek Therapy, co-founder of the Let’s Play Therapy Institute, and a diversity and inclusion design researcher at the University of Chicago. Josué started Geek Therapy in 2011 as a new way to use video games, comic books, and pop culture media with his clients. He holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling and was formerly the president of the NYC chapter of the New York Mental Health Counselors Association. |
Welcome to the Future |
The world has changed, quickly and in unexpected ways. 2020 looks more dystopian than many of our science fiction stories led us to believe, so our work is more important than ever. Thankfully, our field has an abundance of colleagues we can learn from and tools that can help us adapt to those changes in new and meaningful ways.Josué Cardona kicks off this year’s conference by welcoming Drama Therapists to the future, looking at futuristic stories and technology that can help us understand and embrace this new reality. |
| Victoria Castain, MA, LCAT, Integrated Energy Therapy Practitioner, Intuitive Coach |
Victoria is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and received her Master's Degree from New York University in 2017. Currently, she has a private practice on Long Island, NY where she offers therapy, energy healing and intuitive coaching |
Dramaste: Mind, Body Spirit |
This presentation intends to examine drama therapy from a mind, body, spirit approach utilizing yoga, the psychology of chakras and role theory.This experiential workshop will integrate movement, psychoeducation, and storytelling to establish a client-centered method.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Cruz Chan, MA, AMFT |
Cruz Chan graduated in Drama Therapy from CIIS in Dec 2019. At CIIS, she completed her practicum at California Pacific Medical Center and Hillcrest Elementary School while working for the Homeless Children's Network. Cruz works with children from ages 4 to 17 and their families at RAMS after her graduation. |
"I'm Still Standing": A Self-Revelatory Performance Piece Addressing Cultural Issues in China |
The Self-Revelatory process digs deeply into our personal wounds to illuminate the greater social and political forces that shape us. We will witness a self-revelatory performance piece about contemporary China and its cultural and historic attitudes towards women. We will have a discussion afterward about how the piece was created, the use of metaphor in the piece, and how personal exploration can affect societal changes.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Chia-Chun Chang, OTR |
Occupational therapist |
Cross-Profession Co-Leading in DvT: The View From Taiwan |
While co-leadership is a common method of group leadership, co-leadership among different professions is much more rare. In this study, we will introduce the collaboration between a drama therapist and an occupational therapist in Developmental Transformations (DvT). The purpose of this study is to explore the various factors in co-leadership in DvT practice, and the advantages and disadvantages of co-leadership. |
| Marleigh Chapman, MA, CCC, RDT |
Marleigh Chapman graduated from the Concordia University Drama Therapy program in 2012 and has been working as a Drama Therapist in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada since then. She worked with youth and families in the child welfare system at a Creative Arts Therapy clinic for six years before transitioning to private practice with clients of all ages in 2018, and currently works with the Jordan's Principle Initiative to support Indigenous Youth in Manitoba living in their home communities. |
Canadian Regional Meeting |
This workshop will serve to connect Drama Therapists from across Canada to share and explore current matters and needs unique to each of our communities. We will discuss current resources and successes and explore ways to connect our larger community so that we may ride the wave together into the ever-changing landscape of Drama Therapy in Canada.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT) |
| Shi-Han Chen, MA |
Shihan graduated from NYU drama therapy program. She is from Taiwan and keeps looking for ways to practice drama therapy for people from Chinese/Asian cultures. |
Guided Journey to the East: Drama Therapy for Chinese Americans |
By demonstrating the use of Chinese literature in drama therapy and sharing experiences practicing Drama Therapy with Chinese Americans recovering from SPMI in a PROS program, presenters would like to raise the awareness of how Chinese personality and culture affect Chinese Americans’ participation in therapy.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Diana Chu, MA, LMFT, RDT |
Diana Chu is an LMFT, RDT graduated from CIIS. She provides mental health consultation at Richmond Area Multi-services and provides online Drama Therapy. She has experience working at a Living Arts Counseling Center, Community Youth Center, Counseling Enriched Educational Program (CEEP), School Based Counseling, Family Engagement Program and Autistic Spectrum Disorder Clinic. She also hosts a podcast called Waves of Change, which focuses on Modern Perspectives on Asian American Psychology. When not working, she loves spending time with her Husky. |
How to Provide Online Drama Therapy for Individuals and Groups? |
In this workshop, we will explore the use of technology in a clinical drama therapy framework. We will review how online Drama Therapy framework is a powerful therapeutic tool in groups and individual setting. Participants will receive practical drama therapy ideas and interventions on how to provide online therapeutic services. Examples from clinical practice will be introduced.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Diana Chu, MA, LMFT, RDT |
Diana Chu is an LMFT, RDT graduated from CIIS. She provides mental health consultation at Richmond Area Multi-services and provides online Drama Therapy. She has experience working at a Living Arts Counseling Center, Community Youth Center, Counseling Enriched Educational Program (CEEP), School Based Counseling, Family Engagement Program and Autistic Spectrum Disorder Clinic. She also hosts a podcast called Waves of Change, which focuses on Modern Perspectives on Asian American Psychology. When not working, she loves spending time with her Husky. |
The Next Wave: Using Integrative Five Phase Model of Drama Therapy as an Assessment Tool |
We will introduce the use of Integrative Five Phase Model of Drama Therapy as an Assessment Tool. Through utilizing the principles of the model, you will learn how to use the assessment tool to assess, track and determine the effectiveness of the drama therapy interventions.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Joshua Cohen, PhD Media Psychologist |
Josh Cohen, Ph.D author/co-editor, Video and Filmmaking as Psychotherapy: Research and Practice (Routledge). Founder of Your Digital Storytelling Project, media psychologist; film and anthropology degrees. USC lecturer, he has a private practice in LA. (https://www.filmandvideobasedtherapy.com) |
Using Media Technology for Embodied Healing: Applications in Drama and Expressive Therapie |
Conference participants explore, experience and learn about therapeutic immersive tools that allow for healing and narrative embodiment through Media Technology with drama and expressive therapies. The use of Virtual Reality (VR), Green Screen technology, creative arts I-pad applications, and Augmented Reality(AR) and their practical applications for therapeutically facilitating vulnerable populations such as foster care youth and telehealth distance clients will be covered by three innovators published in the field, who do and teach research and interventions focused on re-authoring problem identities and storytelling that help heal trauma and self-esteem via self-expression.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Angelle Cook, MA, RDT, PhD Candidate |
Angelle Cook, MA, RDT, PhD candidate, is the Director of Program Measurements at A Place To Be, an expressive therapies non-profit in Virginia. She is the Managing Editor for the Drama Therapy Review and sits on the research committee for the NADTA. Her primary research focus is using therapeutic theater with populations with dis/abilities and mental illness. |
Research "Think Tank": Supporting the Development of Research in Drama Therapy |
The NADTA research committee will support drama therapists with a research question, idea, and/or design by offering guidance/support. We will begin with an overview of research and currently available resources, transition into small groups led by a committee member for collaborative brainstorming, and end with a final discussion.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Angelle Cook, MA, RDT, PhD Candidate |
Angelle Cook, MA, RDT, PhD candidate, is the Director of Program Measurements at A Place To Be, an expressive therapies non-profit in Virginia. She is the Managing Editor for the Drama Therapy Review and sits on the research committee for the NADTA. Her primary research focus is using therapeutic theater with populations with dis/abilities and mental illness. |
Drama Therapy Review: Structuring Your Writing in the Ocean of Research |
Hosted by DTR, this workshop focuses on structuring a publication. Learn how to structure and write up: theory; interventions; qualitative, quantitative or arts-based research; performance/book reviews; commentaries; and other writing. You will work in groups to brainstorm and plan for future publications.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Angelle Cook, MA, RDT, PhD Candidate |
Angelle Cook, MA, RDT, PhD candidate, is the Director of Program Measurements at A Place To Be, an expressive therapies non-profit in Virginia. She is the Managing Editor for the Drama Therapy Review and sits on the research committee for the NADTA. Her primary research focus is using therapeutic theater with populations with dis/abilities and mental illness. |
A Panel Discussion On Research Narratives in Drama Therapy: Investigating Emerging Perspectives |
This panel discussion will feature emerging voices in drama therapy research. Research is defined as qualitative, quantitative, arts-based, and mixed-methods investigations of theory and intervention related to operationalized conceptualizations of drama therapy. This discussion will be led by the NADTA Research Chair and feature a dynamic panel of contemporary drama therapy researchers.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Paige Dickinson, PhD, RDT/BCT |
Paige Dickinson is an Associate Professor at Eckerd College in the Creative Arts Collegium. Her research focuses on the professional development of Drama Therapists and pedagogy. Her clinical work focuses on arts in medicine programming. |
The Drama Therapy Decision Tree: Connecting Drama Therapy Interventions to Treatment |
Theatre, psychology, and drama therapy knowledge must be synthesized to make intervention decisions for effective, ethical treatment planning. The Drama Therapy Decision Tree, to be published in early 2021, presents a guide for this process. In this preview of the book, the Decision Tree will be embodied by participants.
(6 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Simon Driver, BFA, MA candidate |
Simon Driver, BFA FPA, MA candidate, is a performer/director and drama therapy intern. Co-founder of Craning Theatre Society Simon is currently working as an assist director for Dr. Stephen Snow at the Centre for Arts in Human Development. |
Safe Spaces? Ethnodramatherapy Examines Power Dynamics in Classrooms and Clinical Settings |
Drama therapy educators and clinicians like to maintain that we create “safe spaces” for our clients and our students. Ethnodramatherapy (a method that combines DramaTherapy & Performance Ethnography) will be used to problematize “safe space” and research the essential elements of braver “safe enough” spaces in clinical and classroom settings.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Marielle Duke, MA candidate at CIIS, MSED in Educational Theater |
Marielle hails from the east coast, bringing with her a BA in Theater and Creative Writing from Drew University and a Masters in Educational Theater from CCNY. As a drama therapist in training, she completed her pre-practicum with The Neighborly Project and is currently completing her practicum at Urban Services YMCA. At CIIS, she has launched the Play Day program, supported with Diversity Training, co-facilitated workshops on identity, and currently works as an Accessibility Consultant and Research Associate. For over a decade, she has worked as a consultant, educator, and arts educator to bridge the gap between disability and the arts. As a drama therapist, she looks forward to finding new ways to bring drama therapy to all populations, continuing conversations around how we make our field accessible and inclusive. |
Inclusivity and Accessibility in Drama Therapy: Approaches to Training with Radical Inclusivit |
How can Drama Therapy training programs model accessible and inclusive therapeutic and educational spaces when training the next generation of drama therapists? Join CIIS’s Inclusivity and Accessibility Initiative team members in this didactic and experiential workshop in exploring how our field can better serve individuals across the disability spectrum.
(3 CE hours - RDT) |
| Pam Dunne, Ph.D, RDT-BCT, NT |
Past president of the NADTA, recipient of the Gertrud Schattner award for outstanding achievement in Drama Therapy & recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award in recognition to of outstanding dedication to education in the field of drama therapy. |
Creating a Healing Message to Humanity: Ethnodrama and Storytelling with Indigenous Populations |
This workshop honors the resiliency, hopes, knowledge & values of Indigenous populations. Participants will experience the processes of Ethnodrama and a Healing Centered Approach to Trauma. Symbolic materials such as mythological stories, beliefs, rituals, songs and dances will be collected. In the end participants will give a meaningful message to the world still wounded from the coronavirus pandemic of what it means to be human by creating a healing video inspired by data collected from their experiences.
(6 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Renee Emunah PhD, RDT/BCT |
Founder/Director of the Drama Therapy Program at CIIS; author of numerous publications in field; recipient of NADTA Shattner award for Outstanding Contribution to Field of Drama Therapy, and Teaching Excellence award; past/early NADT(A) President. |
Act Two of Acting for Real |
What’s new in the Second Edition (released in 2020) of Acting for Real: Drama Therapy Process, Technique, and Performance? Dr. Emunah will highlight the changes - focusing on the brand new chapters on drama therapy in parenting, and toward social change. She will also summarize updates on: the Integrative Five Phase model, the impact of neuroscientific advances, working with clients individually, and challenges in re-writing a book . Book signing included!
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Emily Faith, Student |
Emily Faith is a low-residency drama therapy student at Lesley University (2021). |
An argument for circus arts as a branch of drama therapy: literature review |
Circus Arts Therapy uses clowning, juggling, acrobatics, aerials, and other disciplines to help people heal and grow. Circus, while based in movement, falls under the DT umbrella in its uses of embodiment, role, storytelling, the mind-body connection, and more. This poster session will examine the usefulness of circus and its connection to DT positing we can bridge the gap between these growing fields and welcome the continuing evolution of the field.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Emily Faith, Student |
Emily Faith is a low-residency drama therapy student at Lesley University (2021). |
Drama therapy and the healthcare clown poster session |
Pediatric Hospital Heathcare clowns utiliize drama therapy concepts such has ritual, mirroring, role reversal, and improvisation, in addition to circus arts, as a way therapeutically engage with children, their famliies and medical staff. This poster presentation will examine the shared tecnhiques between drama therapy and healthcare clowning, and discuss what each modalitiy can borrow from the other in an effort to enhance their respective therapeutic encounters.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Diana Feldman MA, LCAT, RDT, BCT |
Diana Feldman, LCAT, BCT serves as the Executive Director of ENACT, which she founded in 1987. She has developed and led workshops at national conferences on education, drama therapy and arts-in-education. Diana holds an MA in Educational Theatre from New York University and is recognized as a leader in the field. |
We Are All In This Together - the Use of Inner Monologue to Address Trauma |
The entire world is experiencing collective trauma around the Corona virus. For those that have suffered from any trauma or complex trauma the current situation can be expolosive. Researchers and trauma experts such as Bessel Van Der Kolk agree that using embodied techniques such as movement and imporvisation can be extrodinarily helpful. Diana Feldman developer of the ENACT Method will demonstrate her use of inner monologue to express difficult feelings.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Rinat Feniger-Schaal, Phd |
Rinat is a faculty member at the graduate school of creative arts therapies at Haifa University, established the master’s program for Dramatherapy, and a research fellow at the Center for the Study of Child Development. |
A dramatherapy-based participatory action research with adolescents with intellectual disability |
We apllied Snow's model of ethnodramatherapy (Snow, 2017) with a group of adolescents with intellectual disability. The model combines therautic intention alogside a social agenda to give voice to merginalized groups. The dramatic expression offers a range of means, verbal and non-verbal, and include performance, which is a powerful social action within the community.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Rinat Feniger-Schaal, Phd |
Rinat is a faculty member at the graduate school of creative arts therapies at Haifa University, established the master’s program for Dramatherapy, and a research fellow at the Center for the Study of Child Development. |
A Panel Discussion On Research Narratives in Drama Therapy: Investigating Emerging Perspectives |
This panel discussion will feature emerging voices in drama therapy research. Research is defined as qualitative, quantitative, arts-based, and mixed-methods investigations of theory and intervention related to operationalized conceptualizations of drama therapy. This discussion will be led by the NADTA Research Chair and feature a dynamic panel of contemporary drama therapy researchers.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Craig Flickinger, MA, LCAT, RDT |
Concordia University graduate, LCAT, RDT, Eastern Region Representative, currently working at Kings County Hospital, adult inpatient psych, in Brooklyn, NY. |
Wave-Riders: Paddling through Cultural Humility Models in Pedagogy and Clinical Practice |
The Cultural Humility, Equity & Diversity Committee Forum invites the NADTA community to learn practical skills, and examine systemic inequity Through didactic and embodied engagement we will unapologetically and creatively distill what is necessary to move forward as an organization.
(2 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Hannah Fox, M.A., APPT, RYT |
Hannah Fox, M.A., APPT, RYT, was a professor in the Dance and Theatre department at Manhattanville College for 16 years. She now focuses full time on her work as an applied theatre trainer. She is a senior teacher of Playback Theatre, co-director of the New York School of Playback Theatre and founder of Big Apple Playback Theatre in NYC. Hannah leads trainings around the world and has a special interest in using theatre and performance as a tool for promoting social justice. Hannah is the daughter of the founders of Playback Theatre, and the author of Zoomy Zoomy: Improv Games and Exercises for Groups as well as numerous other |
Essence, Image and Frame: Playback Theatre Stories on Zoom |
Suddenly, Playback Theatre performers are film actors, working with camera angles, and can use props and even create sets and environments for the reenactments. In virtual Playback, we cannot touch or even make true eye contact, but the ritual remains intact and meaningful connection--and even catharsis and empathy--is possible. In this workshop, Hannah Fox and her team will demonstrate Playback Theatre online and then workshop participants will experience and playback their own stories. All levels of experience welcome. |
| Jason Frydman, PhD, RDT, NCSP |
Jason S. Frydman is an assistant professor of psychology at Lesley University. Previously he was a postdoctoral research fellow at Tulane University with the Safe Schools NOLA project. NADTA service: past communications chair, past conference co-chair, editorial board for DTR, current research chair. |
Research "Think Tank": Supporting the Development of Research in Drama Therapy |
The NADTA research committee will support drama therapists with a research question, idea, and/or design by offering guidance/support. We will begin with an overview of research and currently available resources, transition into small groups led by a committee member for collaborative brainstorming, and end with a final discussion.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Nina Garcia, MA, LPC-I, RDT |
Central Region Rep and Houston Creative Arts Therapy Director Nina L. Garcia empowers people to live their best life with creative psychological interventions. Nina offers individual/group therapy, Expression Sessions, Mindful Warrior Workshops, and specially designed therapeutic theatre events to empower individuals and communities. |
Central Regional Meeting |
Want community? Be communal. ♥ Join the @nadta.centralregion to discuss all things Central: educational opportunities, funding for events, pathways to work as a Drama Therapist and more. Above all - connect with your Central tribe, and discover ways to fuel your trailblazing, creative therapy spirit.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT) |
| Adrian Gebhart |
Adrian is! |
Theatre for Change - It Is What It Is: A Dark and Tender Comedy for the Climate Crisis |
This is a show that began a long, long time ago. It started before you were even a twinkle in the galaxy’s eye. And it will continue long after. This is a show without answers or simple solutions; a show of laughter and play to help us co-create our future.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Anat Geiger Shabtay, M.A |
Anat Geiger Shabtay, M.A, graduated the School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa . She gained clinical experience with children and teenagers at risk. She is also an active storyteller and puppeteer. |
A dramatherapy-based participatory action research with adolescents with intellectual disability |
We apllied Snow's model of ethnodramatherapy (Snow, 2017) with a group of adolescents with intellectual disability. The model combines therautic intention alogside a social agenda to give voice to merginalized groups. The dramatic expression offers a range of means, verbal and non-verbal, and include performance, which is a powerful social action within the community.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Laura Hix, MA |
Laura is a Research Scientist for the Wake Forest University Wellbeing Assessment and an Educational Design Fellow at University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She holds graduate degrees in drama therapy (NYU) and psychology (WFU) and a BFA in directing (SMU). |
Research "Think Tank": Supporting the Development of Research in Drama Therapy |
The NADTA research committee will support drama therapists with a research question, idea, and/or design by offering guidance/support. We will begin with an overview of research and currently available resources, transition into small groups led by a committee member for collaborative brainstorming, and end with a final discussion.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Ping Ho, MA, MPH |
Ping Ho, MA, MPH, is Founder and Director of UCLArts & Healing. She has a BA in psychology with honors from Stanford, master’s degrees in counseling psychology and public health from the University of California, Santa Barbara and UCLA, respectively, and lifelong experience in the performing arts. Ping co-developed and served as principal investigator for the evidence-based training program, Beat the Odds®: Social and Emotional Skill Building Delivered in a Framework of Drumming. In addition, she spearheaded the development of the Certificate Program in Social Emotional Arts (SEA) and a sustainable SEA on a Shoestring training program of supportive art, movement, music, and writing for individuals and groups in any setting. Ping is a steering committee member for the UCLA Integrative Medicine Collaborative and is co-chair of the annual Expressive Therapies Summit: Los Angeles, which features 150+ hands-on workshops on creativity and the arts in healing. She is also associate editor for the creative arts therapy section of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine and is co-author of The Innovative Parent: Raising Connected, Happy, Successful Kids through Art, winner of a 2019 National Parenting Products Association Award. |
Beat the Odds® Drumming for Social-Emotional Skill Building: A Mini-Training |
Experience how the evidence-based and trauma-informed Beat the Odds® program integrates the power of contemporary drum circles with group counseling to build core strengths such as focusing and listening, team building, positive risk taking, self-esteem, awareness of others, leadership, expressing feelings, managing anger/stress, empathy and gratitude. UCLA research has shown that it can reduce a spectrum of behavior problems in children, such as those related to withdrawn/depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity, oppositional defiance, and sluggish cognitive tempo. In addition, it has been found to be effective with children in special education classrooms.
Beat the Odds® emphasizes process and not performance. It includes a therapeutic dimension involving such elements as positive affirmations, emotional coping strategies, and guided interaction with rhythmic activities serving as a metaphor for life, followed by reflection and dialogue. The scripted curriculum enables sustainable delivery and does not require musical experience of the facilitator or participants. Beat the Odds® can easily be adapted for all ages and abilities, and it offers an effective tool for community building with staff and families.
To learn more about the Beat the Odds® program, view a 3-minute inspirational video featuring students and a summary of this evidence-based program. You may also visit our BTO information page, view a 12-minute documentary trailer, watch a video testimonial by a 6th grade teacher, read other testimonials, and view publications and media articles featuring the program, including media pieces on large scale implementation in Fresno and Oxnard, CA. |
| Ping Ho, MA, MPH |
Ping Ho, MA, MPH, is Founder and Director of UCLArts & Healing. She has a BA in psychology with honors from Stanford, master’s degrees in counseling psychology and public health from the University of California, Santa Barbara and UCLA, respectively, and lifelong experience in the performing arts. Ping co-developed and served as principal investigator for the evidence-based training program, Beat the Odds®: Social and Emotional Skill Building Delivered in a Framework of Drumming. In addition, she spearheaded the development of the Certificate Program in Social Emotional Arts (SEA) and a sustainable SEA on a Shoestring training program of supportive art, movement, music, and writing for individuals and groups in any setting. Ping is a steering committee member for the UCLA Integrative Medicine Collaborative and is co-chair of the annual Expressive Therapies Summit: Los Angeles, which features 150+ hands-on workshops on creativity and the arts in healing. She is also associate editor for the creative arts therapy section of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine and is co-author of The Innovative Parent: Raising Connected, Happy, Successful Kids through Art, winner of a 2019 National Parenting Products Association Award. |
Beating the Odds: "Aha!" Moments from the Evolution of an Evidence-Based Program |
What works? What does the public want? How do you explain the value of what you do? What is the role of data in getting buy-in? How do we achieve sustainability, and why is it important for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)? In her keynote address, UCLArts & Healing Founder and Director, Ping Ho, will share insights based on her experience developing the successful, evidence-based program, Beat the Odds: Social and Emotional Skill Building Delivered in a Framework of Drumming. She will make the case for the power of collaboration, needs assessment, and evaluation in developing quality programming that opens doors for everyone. She will also address the current, unique window of opportunity to lay the groundwork for DEI, explain why she thinks the arts will be the next major healing practice to be adopted by the public, and suggest the unique role of creative arts therapists in the process. The audience will also have the opportunity to engage in experiential music making. |
| Maria Hodermarska, MA, RDT/BCT, CASAC, LCAT |
Maria Hodermarska is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Drama Therapy at NYU. She is coordinator of creative arts therapies for Project Common Bond, an international symposium for young people who have lost a direct family member to an act of terror, armed or inter-religious conflict. |
I Am The Space Where I Am: The Poethics of Drama Therapists at Home |
Our professional relationships were transformed when the brick and mortar rooms that kept us in our neatly defined roles were disrupted. The faculty, students, supervisors, that constitute the community of practice in the NYU Program in Drama Therapy will perform meditations on intimacy and the poethics of home, space, and care.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Patrick Hughes, MA, RDT, LPC, LMHC |
Patrick Hughes, LPC, LMHC, RDT/BCT has taught, worked in hospitals, and community health centers. He currently has a private practice in Lemoyne, PA. He is on the Ethics Committee of the NADTA. |
Supervision Under Unforeseen Circumstances: Navigating Mutual Uncertainty |
When a pandemic ravages the world, amidst death, quarantines and panic, massive adjustments must follow. This workshop scrutinizes the multiple roles for a supervisor and a student while both face profound uncertainty. What novel practices in supporting clients and methods develop? Participant experiences will be incorporated into the workshop.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Jeffrey Jamerson, Ph.D |
Jeffrey Jamerson, Ph.D Transformative Studies (CIIS), MA Counseling is a former filmmaker, DJ & breakdancer he also serves as VP of Programs and Services at Aviva Family and Children Services in Los Angeles presents on Expressive Remix Therapy. |
Using Media Technology for Embodied Healing: Applications in Drama and Expressive Therapie |
Conference participants explore, experience and learn about therapeutic immersive tools that allow for healing and narrative embodiment through Media Technology with drama and expressive therapies. The use of Virtual Reality (VR), Green Screen technology, creative arts I-pad applications, and Augmented Reality(AR) and their practical applications for therapeutically facilitating vulnerable populations such as foster care youth and telehealth distance clients will be covered by three innovators published in the field, who do and teach research and interventions focused on re-authoring problem identities and storytelling that help heal trauma and self-esteem via self-expression.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Patricia (Trisha) Jauchler, MS, RDT/BCT, CT, CDP, CBF |
I am an RDT/BCT, Certified Thanatologist/End of Life Doula, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Grief Support Specialist. I provide aging, end of life, and bereavement support using a Drama Therapy/creative arts approach. |
Artful Grieving: Using Drama Therapy in Grief and Loss Work |
This didactic and experiential workshop describes and demonstrates how to interface Drama Therapy techniques and practices with the current leading theories in grief and loss. Emphasis will be placed on experiential interventions effective in moving the clients through the early stages of grief to heal and rebuild their lives after loss. Addressing our current climate of social isolation, we will also explore how to adapt this program to an online format.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Diana Elizabeth Jordan, MFA/OTA |
Diana Elizabeth Jordan MFA/OTA is an actor and expressive arts specialist and founder of The Rainbow Butterfly Cafe an Edu-Tainment Production Company that utilizes expressive arts tools and strategies to celebrate diversity and disability inclusion, |
Wave-Riders: Paddling through Cultural Humility Models in Pedagogy and Clinical Practice |
The Cultural Humility, Equity & Diversity Committee Forum invites the NADTA community to learn practical skills, and examine systemic inequity Through didactic and embodied engagement we will unapologetically and creatively distill what is necessary to move forward as an organization.
(2 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Mizuho Kanazawa, RDT/BCT |
Mizuho "MIHO" Kanazawa, LCAT, MA-RDT/BCT, is a Japanese drama therapist practicing in New York and New Jersey for the past 18 years.
She learned stage acting at Mary Baldwin College, Marymount Manhattan College, and HB Studio. She has been a long time practitioner in Playback Theater and this year, she has become an accredited trainer in Playback Theater. Mizuho is a graduate of NYU drama therapy MA program and currently has a private practice as a psychotherapist with adults and inter-racial/ intercultural couples, serving clients who feel that they live “between cultures”. Mizuho loves cooking and making green tea every morning. Mizuho's practice can be found at www.dramaforhealing.com |
Essence, Image and Frame: Playback Theatre Stories on Zoom |
Suddenly, Playback Theatre performers are film actors, working with camera angles, and can use props and even create sets and environments for the reenactments. In virtual Playback, we cannot touch or even make true eye contact, but the ritual remains intact and meaningful connection--and even catharsis and empathy--is possible. In this workshop, Hannah Fox and her team will demonstrate Playback Theatre online and then workshop participants will experience and playback their own stories. All levels of experience welcome. |
| Sara Kliger, MA, LCAT - LP |
Sara earned a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco. She received her Bachelor's degree in Theatre from Skidmore College and she has performed in New York City as well as around Europe as a singer and an actor. She is currently working as a Drama Therapist with Counseling in Schools, Inc., where she works with middle school students within the New York City Public School District. She has a keen interest in exploring individuals' cultural backgrounds, diverse experiences, and assessing their strengths and needs. In addition, she is committed to employing a humanistic and strengths-based approach with all clients. |
Wave-Riders: Paddling through Cultural Humility Models in Pedagogy and Clinical Practice |
The Cultural Humility, Equity & Diversity Committee Forum invites the NADTA community to learn practical skills, and examine systemic inequity Through didactic and embodied engagement we will unapologetically and creatively distill what is necessary to move forward as an organization.
(2 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Karen Knappenberger, LSCSW, RDT/BCT |
Karen Knappenberger, LSCSW, RDT/BCT is the Program Director for Heritage Senior Adult Behavioral Health Program at Wamego Health Center in Wamego, KS. |
Building a Boat and Riding the Waves in Elder Care |
Pandemics, fear, grief, joy, change. All these come in waves. This workshop will present the final research results on the practice of drama therapy with elders and will address the question: What waves can we create and what boats do we need to build within the drama therapy community to provide buoyancy for walking beside clients and families through the changes of elderhood?
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Man Kit Kwong |
Man Kit Kwong (MK) graduated from the California Institute of Integral studies. He is a Registered Social Worker in Hong Kong and a Professional Diploma of Drama Education and Applied theatre graduate from Hong Kong Art school. He is also a Narrative Therapy practitioner and Playbacker. He uses online platform to provide services to the youths in Hong Kong. He has vast experience in running theater groups, playback groups and drama therapy groups as well. |
How to Provide Online Drama Therapy for Individuals and Groups? |
In this workshop, we will explore the use of technology in a clinical drama therapy framework. We will review how online Drama Therapy framework is a powerful therapeutic tool in groups and individual setting. Participants will receive practical drama therapy ideas and interventions on how to provide online therapeutic services. Examples from clinical practice will be introduced.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Fred Landers PhD, LMHC, LCAT, RDT/BCT |
Fred Landers, PhD, RDT/BCT, is the coordinator of the Drama Therapy Program at Antioch University Seattle. |
Introduction to Developmental Transformations in a Moving World |
In playful exercises and sessions, we will explore DvT concepts such as the playspace, the recursive cycle, and the role of playor from the kinetic materialist perspective that all matter is in continual, unpredictable motion and has agency, with implications for freeing matter from the violence of human exceptionalism and supremacy.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Rachel Lee Soon MA, LCAT, LMHC, RDT |
Rachel Lee Soon, MA, LCAT, LMHC, RDT is a graduate of the NYU Drama Therapy program, and focused her thesis research around the impact of colonization on the therapeutic encounter, as well as the relationship between drama therapy and Native Hawaiian epistemology. She is licensed as a Creative Arts Therapist in the state of New York, and a Registered Drama Therapist, and recently moved home to Honolulu, Hawai'i. Rachel currently supervises a program for juvenile justice diversion, and hopes to continue finding connections between indigenous epistemology and drama therapy, and expanding the reach of drama therapy in her island home. |
Opening Ceremony |
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| Danielle Levanas, MA, LCAT, RDT |
Danielle Levanas, MA, LCAT, RDT, is an adjunct faculty member at SoCal Drama Therapy Centre. She received her master's from NYU and runs a private practice in Los Angeles. www.DanielleLevanas.com |
Western Regional Meeting |
Western Region Member Meeting is a gathering for all NADTA members in the Western Region to connect, share ideas, build collaborations, and engage in the NADTA as a region and at large. This will be a virtual meeting in an effort to include as many members as possible. Please come with concerns that the community can hold, as well as ideas for how to better build our Western Region Community together.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT) |
| Christina Lewis, MA |
Christina Lewis MA is a Drama Therapist, Self-revelatory performance director and Special Educator based in San Francisco. She specializes in using the Clown as a vehicle for healing. |
"I'm Still Standing": A Self-Revelatory Performance Piece Addressing Cultural Issues in China |
The Self-Revelatory process digs deeply into our personal wounds to illuminate the greater social and political forces that shape us. We will witness a self-revelatory performance piece about contemporary China and its cultural and historic attitudes towards women. We will have a discussion afterward about how the piece was created, the use of metaphor in the piece, and how personal exploration can affect societal changes.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Si-Yeung Li, MA |
Si-Yeung Li is a graduate of Master of Arts in Drama Therapy at New York University. |
Guided Journey to the East: Drama Therapy for Chinese Americans |
By demonstrating the use of Chinese literature in drama therapy and sharing experiences practicing Drama Therapy with Chinese Americans recovering from SPMI in a PROS program, presenters would like to raise the awareness of how Chinese personality and culture affect Chinese Americans’ participation in therapy.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Jessica Litwak, PhD, MFA, RDT |
Litwak is a theatre artist focused on theatre for social change: playwright, actor, director, educator, drama therapist, puppet builder, Fulbright scholar, core member of Theatre Without Borders and Artistic Director of The H.E.A.T. Collective. www.theheatcollective.org |
One World: Tools For Making International Therapeutic Theatre Live and Remotely |
Exploring first-hand examples of theatre and drama therapy in The Middle East, The Global South, the U.S. and Europe, we investigate theories and practices like global hospitality, courageous generosity, audience engagement, and paradoxical curiosity. With innovative tools participants create short therapeutic theatre pieces that can be offered live or remotely.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Renda Dionne Madrigal, Ph.D. |
Renda Dionne Madrigal is a UCLA Certified Mindfulness Facilitator, Clinical Psychologist, and Turtle Mountain Chippewa. She was featured on the cover of the February, 2018 edition of Mindful Magazine. In her clinical practice she teaches Mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, and storytelling, to families, adults, and youth including Mindful Parenting, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness for Pain Management, Stop Breathe and Be (.B), and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens. She has over 20 years experience creating, directing, evaluating, and adapting family and child strengthening programs; including evidence based parenting and child programs. She also works with pain and addiction clients. She provides workshops on Mindful Families, Storytelling as Healing, and Theatre of the Oppressed. She regularly incorporates storytelling, writing, and mindfulness into the work she does.
Dionne Madrigal is also in the Writer’s Certificate Program at the University of California San Diego. In addition, she writes program curriculum and has created a diversity curriculum for county mental health workers on the healing power of story, mindfulness, and culture. She is published in academic journals. She provided workshops on Storytelling as a Healing Modality in working with American Indian communities based on this curriculum for a four part training series with Riverside University Health Systems Mental Health Workers. In addition she designed a Mindfulness for Social Workers Curriculum and led two ten-week courses with the Riverside County Department of Social Services social workers. She has taught at Alliant University in San Diego, at the University of Oregon in the Psychology Department, and presented her work at various conferences including the National Child Welfare Evaluation Summit: Opening Plenary, California Social Workers Conference, and the California Indian Conference. Her passion is weaving mindfulness, storytelling, and ancient wisdom in ways that connect people to their true journey, making the world a kinder place. She is married to a Mountain Cahuilla and has two daughters who are also storytellers. |
Menil and Her Heart |
Inspired by three traditional Cahuilla stories, Menil and Her Heart follows the disappearance of a Cahuilla girl, her family’s grief and her sisters’ journey to find her. This play focuses on the contemporary issue of missing and murdered women and girls. The play is performed by a group of Natives and Non-Natives who are primarily non-actors and will be followed by a Q and A.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Isabella Madrigal |
Isabella Madrigal is an enrolled member of the Cahuilla Band of Indians and is of Turtle Mountain Chippewa descent. She is currently a senior at the Orange County School of the Arts and is enrolled in the Acting Conservatory. She is a 2020 Champion of Change through the Center for Native American Youth and spoke at the United Nations’ Girls speak out event to address violence against indigenous women. |
Menil and Her Heart |
Inspired by three traditional Cahuilla stories, Menil and Her Heart follows the disappearance of a Cahuilla girl, her family’s grief and her sisters’ journey to find her. This play focuses on the contemporary issue of missing and murdered women and girls. The play is performed by a group of Natives and Non-Natives who are primarily non-actors and will be followed by a Q and A.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Renda Dionne Madrigal, Ph.D. |
Renda Dionne Madrigal is a UCLA Certified Mindfulness Facilitator, Clinical Psychologist, and Turtle Mountain Chippewa. She was featured on the cover of the February, 2018 edition of Mindful Magazine. In her clinical practice she teaches Mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, and storytelling, to families, adults, and youth including Mindful Parenting, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness for Pain Management, Stop Breathe and Be (.B), and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens. She has over 20 years experience creating, directing, evaluating, and adapting family and child strengthening programs; including evidence based parenting and child programs. She also works with pain and addiction clients. She provides workshops on Mindful Families, Storytelling as Healing, and Theatre of the Oppressed. She regularly incorporates storytelling, writing, and mindfulness into the work she does.
Dionne Madrigal is also in the Writer’s Certificate Program at the University of California San Diego. In addition, she writes program curriculum and has created a diversity curriculum for county mental health workers on the healing power of story, mindfulness, and culture. She is published in academic journals. She provided workshops on Storytelling as a Healing Modality in working with American Indian communities based on this curriculum for a four part training series with Riverside University Health Systems Mental Health Workers. In addition she designed a Mindfulness for Social Workers Curriculum and led two ten-week courses with the Riverside County Department of Social Services social workers. She has taught at Alliant University in San Diego, at the University of Oregon in the Psychology Department, and presented her work at various conferences including the National Child Welfare Evaluation Summit: Opening Plenary, California Social Workers Conference, and the California Indian Conference. Her passion is weaving mindfulness, storytelling, and ancient wisdom in ways that connect people to their true journey, making the world a kinder place. She is married to a Mountain Cahuilla and has two daughters who are also storytellers. |
Creating a Healing Message to Humanity: Ethnodrama and Storytelling with Indigenous Populations |
This workshop honors the resiliency, hopes, knowledge & values of Indigenous populations. Participants will experience the processes of Ethnodrama and a Healing Centered Approach to Trauma. Symbolic materials such as mythological stories, beliefs, rituals, songs and dances will be collected. In the end participants will give a meaningful message to the world still wounded from the coronavirus pandemic of what it means to be human by creating a healing video inspired by data collected from their experiences.
(6 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Ashley Kleinman Martinez, MA, LCAT, LPC, RDT, |
Ashley Kleinman Martinez, MA, LCAT, LPC, RDT is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Registered Drama Therapist working in Colorado. Ashley is currently working private practice where she specializes in childhood trauma, in addition to adolescents, in the mountain communities, who are struggling with anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. |
The Pregnant Therapist: Safety & Transference on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit |
This session will explore the shift in dynamic that occurs when a pregnant therapist works within inpatient psychiatric care. Issues of transference, advocacy and safety will be explored through discussion, case studies, and embodied practice.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Christine Mayor, MA, RDT/BCT |
Christine Mayor, MA, RDT/BCT is a PhD student at Wilfrid Laurier University where she focuses on the impact of trauma and racialization in educational settings. She is the Associate Editor of Drama Therapy Review and is an adjunct professor in social work and drama therapy. Christine is the former Director of Public Health and Social Policy, and the former ALIVE director, for the Post Traumatic Stress Center. |
Drama Therapy Review: Structuring Your Writing in the Ocean of Research |
Hosted by DTR, this workshop focuses on structuring a publication. Learn how to structure and write up: theory; interventions; qualitative, quantitative or arts-based research; performance/book reviews; commentaries; and other writing. You will work in groups to brainstorm and plan for future publications.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Lucy McLellan, RDT/BCT, LCAT, LPC |
Lucy lives in Madison, WI where she works as Clinical Director of FLYY, serving trauma-affected youth and young adults who are navigating the complex task of becoming! |
Embodied Nurturance: Dismantling Gendered Violence Using Attachment-Based Drama Therapy |
This workshop introduces participants to nurturance culture as an antidote to gendered violence and oppression. Attachment theory will be interwoven with embodied trauma practices with the goal of envisioning a drama therapy that invites proximity and connection, answering rupture with ownership and repair, including hurts within our own community.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Angus Moore, Student |
Angus Maria Baguinho Moore is a Portuguese American dance movement and applied theater facilitator specializing in queer and transgender art-activism and collective-healing. They are a SomaSource® and CIIS drama therapy graduate student. |
Theatre for Change - It Is What It Is: A Dark and Tender Comedy for the Climate Crisis |
This is a show that began a long, long time ago. It started before you were even a twinkle in the galaxy’s eye. And it will continue long after. This is a show without answers or simple solutions; a show of laughter and play to help us co-create our future.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Mary Morris |
Founding HBCU Initiative Committee Member |
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner: A Long Table/Performance on the HBCU Initiative |
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the field of Drama Therapy share similarities in that they both serve individuals from backgrounds impacted by trauma, racism or other structural inequalities. The Long Table performance/discussion will engage in issues related to social justice, advocacy and the need to grow the number of Black identifying drama therapists nationwide and worldwide.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Kathleen Moye, MA |
Kathleen, a graduate of Lesley University, has spent much of her career serving children with developmental trauma and behavioral challenges. More recently, she's worked with adults with mental illness and dual diagnoses. |
Revealing Thirdness Through Drama Therapy Interventions |
In role theory terms, thirdness is a guide for building an effective therapeutic relationship. Thirdness, a co-created means by which two people can share a perspective vs working in opposition, can be revealed and explored through drama therapy interventions. In a post-pandemic world, how can we also perceive and use thirdness working in telehealth environments as well as in person?
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Truc Nguyen, MA, MFTI |
Truc Nguyen graduated from CIIS Drama Therapy program. Truc completed internship her using DvT at an inpatient/ outpatient hospital and recently worked at non-profit organization with children with acute behavioral issues and their families. |
Queer Disruptions of White Supremacy: Playing in Dangerous Times |
This workshop will utilize the DvT method and its principles to center and play with queerness and queer narratives as a means of disrupting white supremacy at all its levels: interpersonal, intrapsychic, cultural, institutional, and systemic.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Marie O'Brien, MSN, ANP-C, RN-BC, CCRN |
Marie O’Brien MSN, ANP-C, RN-BC, CCRN is the current coordinator of the In-Patient Nurse Practitioner-led Integrative Pain Service at Mather Hospital Northwell Health. Marie’s vast experience includes over 20 years of critical care nursing and nearly a decade as an Advanced Practice Nurse for an in-patient pain service. Ms. O’Brien’s passion lies in Integrative treatment strategies for the management of pain. Through her leadership, she has worked to transform a chronic pain service to that of an Integrative Nurse Practitioner-led model that maximizes the autonomy of the APRN Pain service and clinical staff at the bedside. Marie has lectured extensively both locally and nationally on topics ranging from critical care nursing to pain management. Ms. O’Brien is an active member of the American Society of Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) and a Master Faculty member for the ASPMN Advanced Pharmacology course. Marie is also a healthcare consultant and program development specialist for Lightkeeper Productions, a not- for- profit 501 C-3 organization producing live theatre, film, and creative arts therapy programming. Ms. O'Brien provides expertise in the field of pain management for creative arts therapies programming and serves as the Nurse Planner for CNE programs that provide education /workshops to drama therapist and nurses related to drama therapy and cognitive behavioral therapies. |
Creative Solutions to Pain Management: Utilizing Drama Therapy |
This workshop facilitated by an Integrative Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Drama Therapist explores the way drama therapy may be utilized as an effective modality for chronic pain both for individuals as well as in a group setting. The management of pain is complex and influenced by the personal values and biases of practitioners. Making unbiased, ethical decisions in the treatment of pain empowers the patient in guiding their own healing.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Stephanie Omens, LCAT, RDT-BCT, CCLS |
Stephanie Omens, LCAT, RDT-BCT, CCLS works at Hackensack University Medical Center, adjunct instructor at Tisch Drama Department, New York University and has a privet practice in New York City. |
Ethics Plenary Meeting: Risk as Contagion |
This session allows for NADTA members to meet with members of the Ethics Committee to hear about the work and structure of the ethics committee, as well as ask questions about the committee's efforts over the past years, meet new members, and discuss issues of relevance the larger community.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Jami Osborne, MA, RDT/BCT, LMHC, MaCCS |
Jami Osborne, RDT-BCT, LMHC, MaCCS, is a MaMHCA Certified Clinical Supervisor, Professional Development Coordinator and Administrative Assistant, BCT reviewer for NADTA, former Diversity Committee Member & President NADT New England Chapter. As a Rehearsals for Growth Certified Trainer, Jami is partnering with Dr Dan Wiener to offer virtual/video based drama therapy trainings. Jami maintains a Private Practice focusing on: Integrated Holistic Health, Mind/Body, Energy, Sound Healing, EMDR, & Spirituality |
Role-taking Tools for Drama Therapy Ambassador |
To gain further visibility within the larger Mental Health field, Drama Therapy must prepare “Ambassadors” to demonstrate its distinctive contributions. Participants will learn presentation skills through simulations drawn from their own work. We shall also focus a conversation on forming a “Sharing Drama Therapy with the World” interest group.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Renee Pitre, MA, RDT/BCT |
Renée Pitre, PhD candidate, RDT/BCT, LPC, is a graduate of Developmental Transformations, an adjunct professor at Lesley University, and has a private practice. She is interested in the training and supervision of drama therapists and the creativity one can infuse within the pedagogies. Renée's work focuses on the nuances in play and the conceptualization of language for this process in drama therapy. |
A Panel Discussion On Research Narratives in Drama Therapy: Investigating Emerging Perspectives |
This panel discussion will feature emerging voices in drama therapy research. Research is defined as qualitative, quantitative, arts-based, and mixed-methods investigations of theory and intervention related to operationalized conceptualizations of drama therapy. This discussion will be led by the NADTA Research Chair and feature a dynamic panel of contemporary drama therapy researchers.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Ishita Pohoja, MA student |
Ishita is anadvanced student in the Drama Therapy program at CIIS. She hails from present day India, and carries ancestors from present day Pakistan. Theatre and Healing have been the needles that weave the threads of her life. She’s been actively involved in sociol-politically oriented Street theatre. Apart from healing she’s gained support from theatre in the roles of educational facilitator and grass-roots community engagement. |
Theatre for Change - It Is What It Is: A Dark and Tender Comedy for the Climate Crisis |
This is a show that began a long, long time ago. It started before you were even a twinkle in the galaxy’s eye. And it will continue long after. This is a show without answers or simple solutions; a show of laughter and play to help us co-create our future.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Gary Raucher, MA, RDT-BCT, LMFT |
Gary Raucher, MA, LMFT, RDT/BCT, is Associate Professor in the Drama Therapy Program at CIIS, San Francisco. His interests include exploring the confluence of contemplative practices (mindfulness), diversity and inclusion work, and drama therapy. |
Inclusivity and Accessibility in Drama Therapy: Approaches to Training with Radical Inclusivit |
How can Drama Therapy training programs model accessible and inclusive therapeutic and educational spaces when training the next generation of drama therapists? Join CIIS’s Inclusivity and Accessibility Initiative team members in this didactic and experiential workshop in exploring how our field can better serve individuals across the disability spectrum.
(3 CE hours - RDT) |
| Adam Reynolds, PhD, MFA, LCSW, RDT/BCT |
Adam Reynolds is an RDT/BCT and LCSW in New York. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Hunter School of Social Work and the Training Director at the Institute for DVT, NYC & Taipei, Taiwan. He is the Ethics Chair of the NADTA. |
Ethics Plenary Meeting: Risk as Contagion |
This session allows for NADTA members to meet with members of the Ethics Committee to hear about the work and structure of the ethics committee, as well as ask questions about the committee's efforts over the past years, meet new members, and discuss issues of relevance the larger community.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Anna Rich |
Anna is a Drama Therapy student at Lesley University, and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Anna is the founder of Theatre Crawl, an immersive theatre event which explores the meshing of drama therapy and devised theatre. She is the current Chair of the NADTA Student Committee. |
Student Meet & Greet with the Board |
All student members of the NADTA are invited to a meet and greet with the NADTA Board of Directors.
(1 CE hour - RDT) |
| Kari Rogenski, MA, LMFT, RDT |
Kari Rogenski, MA, LMFT, RDT is Director of The Hummingbird Project, a hybrid in-person and virtual concierge therapeutic activity program for older adults. She graduated from CIIS in 2008 and is a registered drama therapist and marriage and family therapist. Kari believes firmly in the art of creative living, and is dedicated to inspiring hope and positivity across the lifespan. In her work she utilizes art, music, drama, and movement with her clients, many who are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She also educates and trains professional and family caregivers on how to use creative engagement with their loved ones. She is pursuing her PhD in Psychology at Saybrook University, with a focus on creativity and gerontology. She is President-Elect on the NADTA, and treasurer of Creative Aging San Francisco. |
Student Meet & Greet with the Board |
All student members of the NADTA are invited to a meet and greet with the NADTA Board of Directors.
(1 CE hour - RDT) |
| Doug Ronning, MA, RDT-BCT, LMFT |
Doug Ronning, LMFT, RDT-BCT, is a Core Faculty member of the CIIS Drama Therapy Program and therapist at TheraThrive, a group private practice in Lafayette, CA. |
Riding the Heart Waves: Integrating HRV Biofeedback and Drama Therapy |
This session offers case presentations and experiential demonstrations illustrating the usefulness of implementing Heart Rate Variability biofeedback with various drama therapy techniques. Participants will learn the vocabulary of HRV biofeedback, observe live demonstrations of the devices in use, and be informed of representative drama therapy applications through clinical narratives.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Chyela Rowe, MA, RDT |
Chyela Rowe, leads the Arts in Healthcare program at CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. She has worked for more than 20 years as a drama therapist, artist, and advocate for socially-engaged arts and health. |
Research "Think Tank": Supporting the Development of Research in Drama Therapy |
The NADTA research committee will support drama therapists with a research question, idea, and/or design by offering guidance/support. We will begin with an overview of research and currently available resources, transition into small groups led by a committee member for collaborative brainstorming, and end with a final discussion.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Nisha Sajnani, PhD, RDT/BCT |
Dr. Nisha Sajnani is Director of the Program in Drama Therapy and Theatre & Health Lab at NYU. She is on faculty in the Rehabilitation Sciences and Educational Theatre PhD program (NYU) and Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma. She is the editor of Drama Therapy Review and a past-president of the North American Drama Therapy Association. |
Drama Therapy Review: Structuring Your Writing in the Ocean of Research |
Hosted by DTR, this workshop focuses on structuring a publication. Learn how to structure and write up: theory; interventions; qualitative, quantitative or arts-based research; performance/book reviews; commentaries; and other writing. You will work in groups to brainstorm and plan for future publications.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Myriam ( Mimi) Savage, PhD RDT-BCT |
Mimi Savage Ph.D. RDT/BCT, Director SoCal Drama Therapy Center; DT Fund Professional Research Recipient; Faculty at UCLArts and Healing & CIIS; Drama therapy Center for Discovery; Arts Education Specialist Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel; private practice. |
Using Media Technology for Embodied Healing: Applications in Drama and Expressive Therapie |
Conference participants explore, experience and learn about therapeutic immersive tools that allow for healing and narrative embodiment through Media Technology with drama and expressive therapies. The use of Virtual Reality (VR), Green Screen technology, creative arts I-pad applications, and Augmented Reality(AR) and their practical applications for therapeutically facilitating vulnerable populations such as foster care youth and telehealth distance clients will be covered by three innovators published in the field, who do and teach research and interventions focused on re-authoring problem identities and storytelling that help heal trauma and self-esteem via self-expression.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Dana Sayre, MA, RDT |
Dana has a MA in Performance Studies from Texas A&M and completed alternative training with the NADTA. They are passionate about social justice and have worked with LGBTQIA+ communities, disability/inclusion, homelessness, and survivors of trauma and domestic violence. Dana is a member of CHEDC. |
Established and Emerging Intersections for Advancing Queer Drama Therapy: The Next Act |
Participants will explore established and emerging intersections of queer drama therapy in NADTA. Panelists and participants will learn from a group of LGBTQQIAP2S+ clinicians as they share lived experiences and research, and consider creation of NADTA guidelines for working with LGBTQQIAP2S+ communities, religion/spirituality, minority stress, and emerging student research.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Roxy Schoenfeld, MA, LCAT, RDT |
Roxy Schoenfeld is a Drama Therapist in Brooklyn, NY. Last year, she co-facilitated a NADTA Diversity Dialogue entitled "Queer Disruptions of White Supremacy Through [emojis]" which served as a starting point for their workshop during this year's conference. |
Queer Disruptions of White Supremacy: Playing in Dangerous Times |
This workshop will utilize the DvT method and its principles to center and play with queerness and queer narratives as a means of disrupting white supremacy at all its levels: interpersonal, intrapsychic, cultural, institutional, and systemic.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Sydney Schorr, MA student |
Siggi is currently gaining her Master's degree at Lesley University. In her free time, Siggi studies the circus arts including, but not limited to trapeze, silks, and various ground acts. She plans to try and incorporate this into her future practice. |
An argument for circus arts as a branch of drama therapy: literature review |
Circus Arts Therapy uses clowning, juggling, acrobatics, aerials, and other disciplines to help people heal and grow. Circus, while based in movement, falls under the DT umbrella in its uses of embodiment, role, storytelling, the mind-body connection, and more. This poster session will examine the usefulness of circus and its connection to DT positing we can bridge the gap between these growing fields and welcome the continuing evolution of the field.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Opher Shamir, MA |
NADTA Poster Curator. Provides in-home psychotherapy and telehealth in NYC. Queer clinician with experience leading Queer-Straight Alliance groups in the Israeli LGBTQ Youth Organization and producing applied theater with trans individuals. |
Poster Session |
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| Opher Shamir, MA |
NADTA Poster Curator. Provides in-home psychotherapy and telehealth in NYC. Queer clinician with experience leading Queer-Straight Alliance groups in the Israeli LGBTQ Youth Organization and producing applied theater with trans individuals. |
Established and Emerging Intersections for Advancing Queer Drama Therapy: The Next Act |
Participants will explore established and emerging intersections of queer drama therapy in NADTA. Panelists and participants will learn from a group of LGBTQQIAP2S+ clinicians as they share lived experiences and research, and consider creation of NADTA guidelines for working with LGBTQQIAP2S+ communities, religion/spirituality, minority stress, and emerging student research.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Carmit-Noa Shpigelman, PhD |
Dr. Carmit-Noa Shpigelman is a senior lecturer at the Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Israel. She specializes in disability studies with an emphasis on mental health, community participation, and ICT. Her research focuses on the social and emotional aspects of the lives of adults with developmental disabilities. |
A dramatherapy-based participatory action research with adolescents with intellectual disability |
We apllied Snow's model of ethnodramatherapy (Snow, 2017) with a group of adolescents with intellectual disability. The model combines therautic intention alogside a social agenda to give voice to merginalized groups. The dramatic expression offers a range of means, verbal and non-verbal, and include performance, which is a powerful social action within the community.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Rebecca Siegel, MA, AMFT, RDT |
Rebecca lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area as a drama therapist, psychotherapist, and theatre artist. She is a graduate of the CIIS Drama Therapy Program, a longtime member of the Living Arts Playback Theatre Ensemble, a student of DvT at the iWest training institute, director of Self-Revelatory performances and Autobiographical Therapeutic Performances, and a psychotherapist in private practice. |
Theatre for Change - It Is What It Is: A Dark and Tender Comedy for the Climate Crisis |
This is a show that began a long, long time ago. It started before you were even a twinkle in the galaxy’s eye. And it will continue long after. This is a show without answers or simple solutions; a show of laughter and play to help us co-create our future.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Ellen Smittle, MA, LCAT-P |
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I Am The Space Where I Am: The Poethics of Drama Therapists at Home |
Our professional relationships were transformed when the brick and mortar rooms that kept us in our neatly defined roles were disrupted. The faculty, students, supervisors, that constitute the community of practice in the NYU Program in Drama Therapy will perform meditations on intimacy and the poethics of home, space, and care.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Stephen Snow |
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Safe Spaces? Ethnodramatherapy Examines Power Dynamics in Classrooms and Clinical Settings |
Drama therapy educators and clinicians like to maintain that we create “safe spaces” for our clients and our students. Ethnodramatherapy (a method that combines DramaTherapy & Performance Ethnography) will be used to problematize “safe space” and research the essential elements of braver “safe enough” spaces in clinical and classroom settings.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Linda Soria |
Drama therapy student at NYU |
I Am The Space Where I Am: The Poethics of Drama Therapists at Home |
Our professional relationships were transformed when the brick and mortar rooms that kept us in our neatly defined roles were disrupted. The faculty, students, supervisors, that constitute the community of practice in the NYU Program in Drama Therapy will perform meditations on intimacy and the poethics of home, space, and care.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Dimitra Stavrou |
Dimitra Stavrou is a drama therapist (EAP and Licensed Clinical psychologist in Greece and specializes in performance ethnography. |
Creating a Healing Message to Humanity: Ethnodrama and Storytelling with Indigenous Populations |
This workshop honors the resiliency, hopes, knowledge & values of Indigenous populations. Participants will experience the processes of Ethnodrama and a Healing Centered Approach to Trauma. Symbolic materials such as mythological stories, beliefs, rituals, songs and dances will be collected. In the end participants will give a meaningful message to the world still wounded from the coronavirus pandemic of what it means to be human by creating a healing video inspired by data collected from their experiences.
(6 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Adam Stevens, MA, RDT |
Adam is a New York based drama therapist, theatre artist, and activist. He received his undergraduate degree from Marymount Manhattan College in Theatre Direction and Performance. Additionally, Adam studied drama therapy at New York University. He is the current chair of the NADTA Cultural Humility Equity & Diversity Committee. Adam works with developmentally diverse students at the Cooke School & Institute as part of the counseling team. Adam has enjoyed working with the NYU Health & Theatre Lab As Performance Series in various roles utilizing the therapeutic theatre model in drama therapy. |
Digesting An Undigested History: Devising Therapeutic Performance in Healing Collective Trauma |
An embodied approach that guides participants through a process that will allow them to reauthor narratives rooted in historical trauma. Presenters will use a collection of drama therapy approaches to guide participants in the creation of brief individual therapeutic theatre performances. The objective will be to transform historical wounding narratives.
(6 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Jordan Stewart, MDiv |
Jordan Stewart, MDiv is beginning the Alternative Drama Therapy track while currently pursuing his pre-doctoral course in Drama Therapy from the University of Wits in Johannesburg, South Africa through their Drama For Life program. Jordan currently serves as a full time performing arts educator for K-2 with KIPP: Miami Sunrise Academy. |
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner: A Long Table/Performance on the HBCU Initiative |
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the field of Drama Therapy share similarities in that they both serve individuals from backgrounds impacted by trauma, racism or other structural inequalities. The Long Table performance/discussion will engage in issues related to social justice, advocacy and the need to grow the number of Black identifying drama therapists nationwide and worldwide.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Josiah Stickels, MA, LMFT, RDT/BCT |
Josiah Stickels, MA, LMFT, RDT/BCT, graduated from CIIS and is a Northern California native. He works as a drama therapist at Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital & Clinics at the University of California, San Francisco and specializes in using drama therapy in acute psychiatry. He completed his practicum in an adolescent inpatient unit before his current work at Langley Porter. He began on Langley Porter’s adult inpatient unit and currently manages the Partial Hospitalization & Intensive Outpatient Programs. Josiah helped restart a practicum experience and regularly mentors students and staff on effective uses of drama therapy. |
Student Meet & Greet with the Board |
All student members of the NADTA are invited to a meet and greet with the NADTA Board of Directors.
(1 CE hour - RDT) |
| Josiah Stickels, MA, LMFT, RDT/BCT |
Josiah Stickels, MA, LMFT, RDT/BCT, graduated from CIIS and is a Northern California native. He works as a drama therapist at Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital & Clinics at the University of California, San Francisco and specializes in using drama therapy in acute psychiatry. He completed his practicum in an adolescent inpatient unit before his current work at Langley Porter. He began on Langley Porter’s adult inpatient unit and currently manages the Partial Hospitalization & Intensive Outpatient Programs. Josiah helped restart a practicum experience and regularly mentors students and staff on effective uses of drama therapy. |
Principles of Drama Therapy |
Drama therapy is comprised of drama and theatre approaches that support individual and social change in clinical, educational, and community settings. This experiential workshop will introduce principles that guide the practice of drama therapy and explore how performance is used in each of the core drama therapy approaches.
(6 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Jenna Tremblay, M.A. |
Jenna, M.A. candidate (May 2020) Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy at Lesley University. Jenna is currently in the alternative track program for drama therapy. |
Supervision Under Unforeseen Circumstances: Navigating Mutual Uncertainty |
When a pandemic ravages the world, amidst death, quarantines and panic, massive adjustments must follow. This workshop scrutinizes the multiple roles for a supervisor and a student while both face profound uncertainty. What novel practices in supporting clients and methods develop? Participant experiences will be incorporated into the workshop.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Emily Trube, MA |
MA in Theatre, concentration in Drama Therapy from KSU. Pursuing MA in Addictions Counseling at Washburn University. Completed internships at Bellevue Hospital and Nexus in Dallas, TX. BFA from NYU, Tisch. |
Friends of Bill W./Power through Recovery (12-Step Meeting) AA/NA |
Please join us as we gather before the Presidents Reception in a community of recovery and support. If you have been involved in the 12-steps or simply have the desire to stop drinking, you are welcome to attend! All addictions are welcome. |
| Nadya Trytan, MA, RDT/BCT |
Nadya Trytan, MA, RDT-BCT has over 15 years experience in Geriatric Psychiatry in St. Paul, MN. She is Program Coordinator and Drama Therapist with ALIVE MN. She also has a private practice and teaches through the Drama Therapy Center and Midwest Drama Therapy Training Inst. She is current Chair of the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations and Past-President of NADTA. |
Building a Boat and Riding the Waves in Elder Care |
Pandemics, fear, grief, joy, change. All these come in waves. This workshop will present the final research results on the practice of drama therapy with elders and will address the question: What waves can we create and what boats do we need to build within the drama therapy community to provide buoyancy for walking beside clients and families through the changes of elderhood?
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Lesley, University First Year On Campus Cohort |
NA poster session. |
COVID Coping: Group On-Line Drama Therapy |
During the COVID19 outbreak the first year Lesley Drama Therapy students were in the midst of their group drama therapy course. This poster presents the creative on-line drama therapy groups the professor and cohort designed to progress their drama therapy group learning and address the challenging realities of life as a student during a pandemic.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Rebecca Versaci, MA, RDT, LCAT, CCLS |
Rebecca Versaci is a graduate of NYU's Master's program in Drama Therapy. She currently a child life specialist and drama therapist working to meet the psychosocial needs of pediatric patients in the medical setting. She believes strongly in theatre's ability to empower, children and families. |
Playing with Death: Dramatherapeautic Intervention for Grieving Children |
Encountering death and grief in the playspace can be confusing, overwhelming, anxiety-producing, transformative, beautiful, and meaningful for both client and therapist. This can be especially true when the client is a child or adolescent. During this workshop, participants will be guided through an embodied exploration of thoughts and feelings around death. The presenter will also provide a theoretic framework supporting drama therapeutic intervention for grieving children as well as specific interventions that can be offered.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Armand Volkas, MFA, MA, RDT/BCT, MFT |
Armand Volkas, MFA, MA, MFT, RDT/BCT, Clinical Director, Living Arts Counseling Center, Associate Professor, CIIS, Artistic Director, Living Arts Playback Theatre Ensemble, Founder and Director, Healing the Wounds of History: Center for Peacebuilding and the Arts. |
Digesting An Undigested History: Devising Therapeutic Performance in Healing Collective Trauma |
An embodied approach that guides participants through a process that will allow them to reauthor narratives rooted in historical trauma. Presenters will use a collection of drama therapy approaches to guide participants in the creation of brief individual therapeutic theatre performances. The objective will be to transform historical wounding narratives.
(6 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Faith Von Minden, Student |
Faith is finishing their masters at CIIS. Faith worked alongside RDTs at The Act Project, Focus Academy and ShineMSD. She received pre-practicum/practicum training with Armand Volkas, The Neighborly Project and Urban Services YMCA. |
Inclusivity and Accessibility in Drama Therapy: Approaches to Training with Radical Inclusivit |
How can Drama Therapy training programs model accessible and inclusive therapeutic and educational spaces when training the next generation of drama therapists? Join CIIS’s Inclusivity and Accessibility Initiative team members in this didactic and experiential workshop in exploring how our field can better serve individuals across the disability spectrum.
(3 CE hours - RDT) |
| William Walton, Working towards MA |
William has just over ten years of experience acting and improvising and six years of writing and devising works of theatre and dance with various ensembles. He graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Theatre majoring in Comedy Writing & Performance. During his five years in Chicago, he studied intensively and performed at The Second City, Improv Olympic, and the Neofuturists along with many other theatres, production companies, as well as DIY performances hosted in apartments and garages across the city. Since moving to San Francisco two years ago for graduate school, he has been searching for an opportunity to return to his theatre roots, and is grateful to be a part of the Theatre for Change process. |
Theatre for Change - It Is What It Is: A Dark and Tender Comedy for the Climate Crisis |
This is a show that began a long, long time ago. It started before you were even a twinkle in the galaxy’s eye. And it will continue long after. This is a show without answers or simple solutions; a show of laughter and play to help us co-create our future.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
| Molly Weinberg, M.A. |
Molly is a recent DT graduate of Lesley. Her field training placement includes a therapeutic school, and she has experience working with adults with chronic illness. Her background is in theater, music, and media studies. |
Using Community Drama Therapy to Support Adults with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis |
My poster explores a drama therapy community engagement project thesis conducted in February 2020, implemented for those who have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Community drama therapy offers an embodied, playful form of support to help bring humor, self-expression, and relationship-building to ease the isolation of having a personal and often embarrassing illness.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Stephanie Wichmann, MSW, LISCW, RDT |
Stephanie is a Registered Drama Therapist & Clinical Social Worker working in private practice. Stephanie utilizes her professional improv and acting background as a means of individual/community engagement. Drama for change work includes clients and families affected by cancer, eating disorders, body image issues, addictions, and those currently and formerly incarcerated. She has a passion for working with LGBTQIA youth and older adult communities using story, improv and ethnodrama. She is the current Diversity Chair with the NADTA and is proud to be working on the national and local level. |
Friends of Bill W./Power through Recovery (12-Step Meeting) AA/NA |
Please join us as we gather before the Presidents Reception in a community of recovery and support. If you have been involved in the 12-steps or simply have the desire to stop drinking, you are welcome to attend! All addictions are welcome. |
| Stephanie Wichmann, MSW, LISCW, RDT |
Stephanie is a Registered Drama Therapist & Clinical Social Worker working in private practice. Stephanie utilizes her professional improv and acting background as a means of individual/community engagement. Drama for change work includes clients and families affected by cancer, eating disorders, body image issues, addictions, and those currently and formerly incarcerated. She has a passion for working with LGBTQIA youth and older adult communities using story, improv and ethnodrama. She is the current Diversity Chair with the NADTA and is proud to be working on the national and local level. |
Wave-Riders: Paddling through Cultural Humility Models in Pedagogy and Clinical Practice |
The Cultural Humility, Equity & Diversity Committee Forum invites the NADTA community to learn practical skills, and examine systemic inequity Through didactic and embodied engagement we will unapologetically and creatively distill what is necessary to move forward as an organization.
(2 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Daniel Wiener, PhD, RDT/BCT, Lic. Psychologist, LMFT |
Emeritus Professor, Central CT State U; licensed psychologist and LMFT. Founder, Rehearsals! for GrowthTM. Author/Editor ( 5 books), 40+ publications; NADTA Schnattner and Research Awards; 230+ professional presentations. |
Role-taking Tools for Drama Therapy Ambassador |
To gain further visibility within the larger Mental Health field, Drama Therapy must prepare “Ambassadors” to demonstrate its distinctive contributions. Participants will learn presentation skills through simulations drawn from their own work. We shall also focus a conversation on forming a “Sharing Drama Therapy with the World” interest group.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Britton Williams, MA, LCAT, RDT |
Britton Williams currently works in private practice and is an adjunct faculty member in the Program in Drama Therapy at NYU. She is pursuing her doctorate in Social Welfare at The Graduate Center (CUNY). |
A Panel Discussion On Research Narratives in Drama Therapy: Investigating Emerging Perspectives |
This panel discussion will feature emerging voices in drama therapy research. Research is defined as qualitative, quantitative, arts-based, and mixed-methods investigations of theory and intervention related to operationalized conceptualizations of drama therapy. This discussion will be led by the NADTA Research Chair and feature a dynamic panel of contemporary drama therapy researchers.
(3 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Laura Wood, PhD, LMHC, RDT/BCT |
Dr. Laura L. Wood is a Registered Drama Therapist, Board Certified Trainer, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, and a Certified Child Life Specialist. Dr. Wood is the current President of the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA) and an Assistant Professor at Lesley University in the Drama Therapy and Counseling Program. Her focus and research areas include the treatment of trauma and dissociation, eating disorders, attachment, recovery, and grief/loss. More specifically, Dr. Wood is interested in how therapeutic theater can support individuals in various forms of recovery. She created the CoActive Therapeutic Theater (CoATT) Model with her colleague Dave Mowers Dr. Wood presents, publishes, supervises, and consults nationally and internationally. She sees clients in private practice and facilitates intensive healing retreats using drama therapy. |
COVID Coping: Group On-Line Drama Therapy |
During the COVID19 outbreak the first year Lesley Drama Therapy students were in the midst of their group drama therapy course. This poster presents the creative on-line drama therapy groups the professor and cohort designed to progress their drama therapy group learning and address the challenging realities of life as a student during a pandemic.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC, LCAT) |
| Yi-Chieh Wu, MA |
Yi-Chieh (Monique) Wu is a drama therapist currently working in Taiwan, She holds a MA from the Drama Therapy Masters' program at New York University.
Her professional interests include Role Theory, Developmental Transformation (DvT) and playback theater. She is a group member of 3 and 4 Participatory Theatre and the chair of Association of Multidisciplinary Services for Family Development. |
Cross-Profession Co-Leading in DvT: The View From Taiwan |
While co-leadership is a common method of group leadership, co-leadership among different professions is much more rare. In this study, we will introduce the collaboration between a drama therapist and an occupational therapist in Developmental Transformations (DvT). The purpose of this study is to explore the various factors in co-leadership in DvT practice, and the advantages and disadvantages of co-leadership. |
| Zi Zheng, MFT Trainee, Drama Therapy |
Zi comes from Taiwan. Zi got training from the Drama and theater program at National Taiwan University. In the college period, Zi being the actress, director, choreographer, and production manager. Zi directed and wrote two plays, EVER AFTER and THE SWING. I am a social worker in Taiwan. Zi has been learned the street dance for 10 years. Zi also as a choreographer in Taiwan. |
Theatre for Change - It Is What It Is: A Dark and Tender Comedy for the Climate Crisis |
This is a show that began a long, long time ago. It started before you were even a twinkle in the galaxy’s eye. And it will continue long after. This is a show without answers or simple solutions; a show of laughter and play to help us co-create our future.
(1.5 CE hours - RDT, NBCC) |
