Art Therapy Excellence

Commitment to Equity and Access Award

This award goes to an art therapy graduate who demonstrates a commitment to service, disrupts societal norms or barriers, and provides pathways for access and equity-based practices in communities.

Shannon Garcia, Art Therapy MA ’25We are proud to recognize and celebrate this year’s recipient of the Commitment to Equity and Access award—Shannon Garcia, MA ’25—for her unwavering dedication to justice, healing, and change. In a world where systemic barriers continue to limit access to healing, wellness, and creative expression, Shannon serves with compassion, and actively works towards the disruption of inequitable practices in order to open doors for those who are often unheard and unseen. Whether it was in clinical practice or academic exploration, she continuously asked the hard questions, made space for others, and showed up with courage and empathy. From day one in this program, she has consistently demonstrated her caring nature and advocacy.

Research Award

This award goes to an art therapy master of science graduate who contributes an innovative thesis to the body of literature that expands awareness and generates knowledge to further the practice of the art therapy profession.

G. Cheney, Art Therapy MS ’25 and K. Blackwell, Art Therapy MS ’25We are honored to recognize two researchers—G. Cheney, MS ’25 and K. Blackwell, MS ’25—who crafted a thoughtful design addressing the inequity in the field of art therapy exploring accessibility for people with physical disabilities. Their collaborative approach and advocacy to address an under researched topic in the field of art therapy is significant and commendable to shed light on people with disabilities. We are looking forward to having their Masters of Science in Art Therapy Thesis research entitled Artistic liberation: Examining assistive technology and autonomy in art therapy for clients with physical disabilities presented this fall at the American Art Therapy Conference in Portland Oregon!

Liberatory Community Engagement Award

This award goes to an art therapy graduate who demonstrates cultural humility and a commitment to liberatory principles that move away from the oppressive triangle of hierarchy to the circle of human connection.

Kelsey Filosi, Art Therapy MA ’25This year’s awardee, Kelsey Filosi, MA ’25, exemplifies liberatory practices through their lived experience and innovative approach to art therapy, both in classroom and clinical settings. They have built meaningful relationships with participants in rural areas of the state—particularly in central and coastal regions—providing crucial support to marginalized communities. Kelsey worked tirelessly to offer both individual and group art therapy services, in person and virtually. Their dedication reflects a deep commitment to community and collaboration. Throughout the program, Kelsey demonstrated remarkable perseverance and personal growth, consistently working on themself while supporting others in their healing journeys.

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