Staff
Leara Glinzak, ATR-BC, MSAT
Owner and Art Therapist
Passionate, Creative, Empathetic
Leara is the Founder and a Registered Art Therapist of I Light . She has a Master of Science in Art Therapy with a Concentration in Counseling from Mount Mary University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy from Seton Hill University. She works in individual and group sessions while offering therapeutic programs at I Light as well. Her research and a book review have been published in the peer reviewed Journal of the American Art Therapy Association. She has given presentations and facilitates workshops nationally and locally. She works collaboratively with other organizations and companies to be able to provide Art Therapy services as well and she has experience developing Art Therapy programs, advocacy, education and research.
Photo Credit: Steph Kaye Photography
Specialities include:
Grief
Dementia
Hospice
Cancer
Terminal illness
Anxiety
Trauma
Distress
Addiction
Life Transitions
Disabilities
Spiritual growth and existentialism
Personal transformation and growth
Relationship building
Team building
All age groups ranging from 5-100+
Leara's promise is to provide a nonjudgmental environment for the person to feel secure and to be their authentic selves, to feel seen, heard, and to provide guidance through a creative process to reach goals to live a more fulfilling life.
Qualifications
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Board Certified Art Therapist
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Verified on Psychology Today
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Master of Science in Art Therapy with a Concentration in Counseling from Mount Mary University
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Research Published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association
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Book Review Published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association
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Memberships:
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American Art Therapy Association
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Michigan Association of Art Therapy member
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Research Committee member on the American Art Therapy Association
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Presenter some including:
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American Art Therapy Association Conference, 2014, 2016
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Leading Age Conference 2015
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Art and Science of Aging Conference, 2016, 2017, 2019
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Mount Mary Symposium, 2015, 2016, 2019
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Guest Author some including:
Jess Kimmel, LLPC, MSAT
Art Therapist
Jess is an Art Therapist and visual artist in Grand Rapids. She received her Master's degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Mount Mary University, and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Studio Art, and Women & Gender Studies at Grand Valley State University. She is also a guest contributor for the recovery resource Excursions Online Magazine.
Jess’s work focuses on
Addiction
Sexual trauma
Eating disorders
Anxiety
Mindful introspection.
According to Jess, “the art process naturally encourages folks to explore their decision making, self-reflect, and build confidence.” A student of Dr. Bruce Moon, Jess uses the art therapy space to nurture a sense of safety and community.
Qualifications
- Limited License Professional Counselor
- Master of Science in Art Therapy with a Concentration in Counseling from Mount Mary University
- Guest Speaker
- Guest Contributor: