Lesli-Ann Belnavis Elliott, MS, ATR

** ********* *****, ******** *, Jamaica 876-***-**** adb6f5@r.postjobfree.com

ART THERAPIST

Client-centered professional with twelve years of experience providing a variety of mental health services to diverse populations of children, adolescents and adults. Registered Art Therapist with specialization in utilizing art therapy based modalities to address emotional and behavioural issues, stress, trauma, grief and loss, and concerns relating to developmental and physical disabilities. Added administrative strengths in developing/coordinating programs and training staff.

Key skills include: Group & Individual Psychotherapy Case Management Crisis Intervention

Progress Evaluation Referral/Service Coordination Reporting Conflict Resolution

Grief Management Strengths Identification Goal Setting Documentation

Education

MS, Art Therapy - Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, U.S.A 2006-2008

Program included specialization in Art Therapy, Practicum and Supervision

BS, Studio Art - Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, U.S.A 2003-2005

Program included studies in various art forms like Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Ceramics.

Professional Credits

Art Therapist Registered (ATR) October 2009

Approved by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) / American Art Therapy Association (AATA)

Research Skills Workshop Certificate June 17 - July 9, 2014

University of the West Indies, Tropical Medicine Research Institute (TMRI)

Experience History

Office Manager & Counsellor - Childline Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica April 2019 - Present

●Coordinated the telephone counselling service and managed administrative duties.

●Organized, recruited and managed the training of volunteer counsellors. Additionally acted as supervisor for the volunteers.

●Conducted promotion of the call line and networked with various agencies to establish a referral base and support for the line.

Program Coordinator & Artist - S.T.E.P. Centre, Kingston, Jamaica March 28 - May 2, 2014

●Orchestrated, developed, created and implemented an outdoor interactive sensory tactile wall for the students at the school diagnosed with various disabilities including Cerebral Palsy. The sensory tactile wall offers visual and tactile stimulation for the students to engage with despite their physical limitations.

●Organized budget, procured art materials and managed volunteers who assisted.

Guidance Counsellor / Art Therapist - Abilities Foundation, Kingston, Jamaica September 2009 – June 2010

●Offered both art therapy and guidance counselling groups and individual sessions with adults with various disabilities including intellectual and physical disabilities in an educational setting.

Art Therapy Consultant - Institute of Jamaica Junior Centre, Kingston, Jamaica June 4, 2010

●Conducted crisis intervention with the Early Childhood Commission and UNICEF. Provided art therapy activities for the teachers of students that were affected by the civil unrest that occurred in Tivoli Gardens on a voluntary basis.

Clinical Counsellor - Dade Juvenile Residential Facility, Florida City, FL, U.S.A February – August 2009

●Provided clinical services for male delinquent juveniles ages 13-18 with mental health diagnoses within a prison setting.

●Delivered individual, group and family counselling and submitted clinical reports.

Art Therapist - Ruth Owens Kruse Educational Center, Miami, FL, U,S.A October 2008 - February 2009

●Provided individual and group art therapy services for middle and high schools students dually diagnosed with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities in Miami, Florida, USA.

PRIVATE PRACTICE - ART THERAPIST

Children's Heart & Paediatric Centre April 2018 - December 2019

Dr. Kai A.D. Morgan & Associates March 2018 - March 2019

Caribbean Neurology Pain & Headache Centre, Kingston, Jamaica March - May 2018

Caribbean Tots to Teens Agency, Kingston, Jamaica January 2013 - March 2018

●Conducted individual art therapy sessions with children, adolescents and adults dealing with a variety of conditions including Grief & Depression, recovering from alcoholism and abusive relationships, trauma, diagnosed with developmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, medical conditions with psychosomatic symptoms/pain disorders, stress as well as struggling with advocating for self and independence as well.

●Based as the only Registered Art Therapist within this paediatric facility.

●Enlisted as an associate mental health professional at this private practice agency.

●Collaborated in treatment team services with other mental health and medical professionals.

●Participated in and conducted clinical case conferences

●Conducted presentations and workshops about mental health and self-care in schools as an associate within the agency.

Shandlis Center, Miami, FL, U.S.A. April - August 2009

●Delivered art therapy services at a private practice for adult clients dealing with issues of sexual and substance abuse and diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder and various personality disorders.

PROJECTS - ART THERAPIST

USAID/MOEYI & National Education Trust (NET) July 11 - 27, 2018

●Delivered individual and group brief art therapy sessions to 60 students (ages 12 - 15) at three summer camps established by the USAID/MOEYI for at-risk children that displayed behaviours that warranted detentions, suspensions and possible expulsions, were cited for drug use, received counselling from school Guidance Counsellors for traits of negative influence of peers, and displayed difficulty coping with home/community environment.

●Partnered with a team of mental health professionals - Guidance Counsellors, Social Workers, and Psychologists.

SMILE (Single Mothers Inspiring Leadership in Education) Foundation July 18 - 20, 2018

●Executed group art therapy sessions with 15 women ages 22 and up who were both working and unemployed single mothers as part of the program established by the Canadian non-profit organization that helps low-income, single mothers through education in the Greater Toronto area and internationally by working with and through community-based organizations.

●Conducted sessions at the Covenant City church in Kingston, Jamaica where the mothers explored art therapy techniques that encouraged reflection of strengths and difficulties, honouring their children and establishing safe and healthy coping mechanisms.

Mustard Seed Communities - Jerusalem, Spanish Town, Jamaica June 2017 - June 2018

March 2016 - December 2016

●Delivered individual and group art therapy sessions to over 52 child and adult residents who are diagnosed with various developmental and physical disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy as well as HIV/AIDS and behavioural problems at the Jerusalem Children's Home and Village.

●Established and conducted art therapy assessments and treatment plans, submitted reports and conducted bi-monthly staff training and procured art materials.

●Planned and executed an art therapy exhibition that illustrated the works of the residents and their response to the art therapy process.

●Established an art therapy support manual for the staff to use upon completion of the project.

South Camp Correctional Facility, Organization of American States October 2015 - October 2017

Stand Up For Jamaica May 2015 - October 2017

●Provided individual and group art therapy sessions with up to 93 female adolescents (ages 14 - 17 years) wards of the state who were placed on both Remand and Correctional Order.

●Organized and executed training for staff - Correctional Officers and Case Management Workers.

●Established and executed treatment plans, maintained reports and procured art materials.

Advanced Deaf Kidz! Project - Portmore, St. Catherine and Brown’s Town, St. Ann, Jamaica January 2017

Kingston, Yallas, St. Thomas, and May Pen, Clarendon December 2015 - January 2016

April 23, 2015

●Conducted art therapy group sessions and evaluation with parents of children within the deaf community, social workers, teachers and police officers at the end of two 13 week courses. The course focused on teaching them aspects of abuse and neglect while learning Jamaican Sign Language (JSL).

●Art Therapy process and reports were used to help ascertain information about the impact of the course and whether participants learned about abuse in the deaf community and to aid with the review and continuation of the project and funding.

Nathan Ebanks Foundation, Best Care Lodge, Kingston, Jamaica January 2016

●Planned and executed brief group art therapy sessions with children and adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities living at the Best Care Lodge who were being dispersed to new and different locations. Art therapy sessions addressed transitioning concerns (i.e., emotions and expectations) the residents had. Project was conducted in partnership with the Child Development Agency (CDA).

●Organized and executed a staff workshop to prepare them with providing the proper support tools for the residents who were moving.

S.T.E.P. Centre & Genesis Academy, Kingston, Jamaica September 2010 – December 2012

●Established and delivered individual and group art therapy sessions with 50 students age 7 21 years old with severe physical and developmental disabilities including Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome and visual impairments.

●Project was funded by the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ).

●Planned and executed staff training workshops with the teachers at both schools and procured art materials.

●Curated an art therapy exhibition which highlighted the impact art therapy had on the students and their education.

St. Michael’s Residence, Kingston, Jamaica November 6 - December 12, 2013

●Coordinated and conducted group art therapy sessions with elderly residents at a nursing home dealing with various ailments and diagnoses like Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

●Established training workshops with medical staff including nurses about the use of art therapy.

RISE Life Management & Allman Town Primary. Kingston, Jamaica May 13 – July 21, 2013

Homestead Place of Safety September 26 – November 7, 2013

●Established and conducted group art therapy sessions with Grade 6 students (ages 10 - 12 years old) and children and adolescents that attended the RISE Community centre. Art Therapy sessions addressed themes relating to poor problem-solving skills, communication and interactions, behaviour management and issues with self-esteem.

●Submitted art therapy reports.

●Planned and delivered group art therapy sessions with female residents (wards of the state) ages 13 – 18 years. Members of the group dealt with a history of trauma, illiteracy, behavioural issues and were also required to attend court.

Blue Hair & Purple Hats, Constant Spring, Kingston, Jamaica May 2010 – February 2010

●Conducted art therapy group sessions with clients at a recreational centre for senior citizens.

Ministry of Health, South East Regional, HIV Unit July 14 & 21, 2010

●Delivered art therapy sessions at a summer camp held by the Ministry of Education with students from Norman Manley High School and Portmore Junior High School.

A.M.D Workshop, The Music House, Kingston, Jamaica August 2009 – July 2010

●Conducted art classes for children diagnosed with autism and normal functioning children between ages 2-7 years.

●Provided services with a team including a dance and music teacher.

Academic Experience

Edna Manley College for the Visual & Performing Arts, Jamaica July 2011 – September 2013

Program Co-ordinator & Lecturer

●Acted as key coordinator and lecturer for the Post Graduate Certificate Art Therapy program.

●Organized site placements and conducted internship supervision hours with interns.

MICO University College, Kingston, Jamaica January – May 2011

Co-Lecturer

●Lectured an Introduction to Art Therapy and Play Therapy course with the focus on counselling in schools to Guidance Counselling Masters Degree students.

●Co-lectured with a Play Therapist - Marie Reynolds.

Edna Manley College for the Visual & Performing Arts, Kingston, Jamaica

Guest Lecturer January 27, 2018

●Conducted a lecture on the use of art therapy to address emotions to students in an Introduction to Body Movement Therapy (IBMT) class at the Edna Manley College for the Visual & Performing Arts in Jamaica.

●Acted as an invigilator for the course’s exam.

April 10, 2017

●Conducted a lecture on the use of art therapy and processing difficult emotions in an Introduction to Body Movement Therapy (IBMT) class at the Edna Manley College for the Visual & Performing Arts in Jamaica.

●Acted as an invigilator for the course’s exam.

March 7, 2011

●Delivered a lecture about the use of Art Therapy to students in the Introduction to Body Movement Therapies Course.

March 1 & 8, 2010

●Delivered a two week introduction to Art Therapy class with dance students doing an introduction to Body Movement Therapies course.

Organizations

President - Caribbean Art Therapy Association, Limited October 11, 2011 – September 17, 2018

President and founding member of the professional organization developed as a networking opportunity and framework for art therapists from and working in the Caribbean.

Board Member - Bridging Hearts Barbados Inc January 2015 - Present

A non- profit organization established in 2010 by art therapists and mental health professionals which seek to deliver creative interventions to children with behavioural and emotional problems and their families.

Publications

Gussak, D. & Rosal, M. (2015). The Wiley handbook of art therapy. Art Therapy in the Caribbean (pp. 765-773). John Wiley & Sons.

Co-authored a book chapter on Art Therapy in the Caribbean with Trinidadian Art Therapist, Sarah Soo Hon. The book is a comprehensive art therapy book written by art therapists Dr. David Gussak & Dr. Marcia Rosal.

Williams, C., & Belnavis, L. (2011). Art: A healing tool for children II - A look at Caribbean Clinicians and Arts & Crafts. Barlands Press.

Book was written by and co-authored with Dr. Claudia Williams addressing the use of art in the Caribbean in clinical settings.

Presentations & Workshops

Taking Care of You: Emotional Wellness Through Art August 9, 2018

Massey Technologies, Kingston, Jamaica

The workshop addressed stressors the staff at Massey Technologies experienced, while illustrating and educating them on ways to cope with stress using art therapy activities.

Using Art Therapy with Adults June 10, 2018

International University of the Caribbean, Kingston, Jamaica

The workshop addressed the different types of stressors that adults experience. It highlighted art therapy directives and approaches that could be used. The workshop was hosted by the Jamaica Psychological Society where participants received 2 CEUs.

Using Art Therapy with Children with Emotional & Behavioural Disorders May 12, 2018

International University of the Caribbean, Kingston, Jamaica

The workshop addressed the different types of emotional and behavioural disorders present in children and adolescents. It highlighted art therapy directives and approaches that could be used. The workshop was hosted by the Jamaica Psychological Society where participants received 2 CEUs.

Emotional Wellness in Education February 23, 2017

Church's Teachers College, Mandeville, Jamaica

Conducted a powerpoint presentation on emotional wellness to participants at the Research Day 2017 Wellness Conference.

Creative Self-Care: Art & Dance Therapy Workshop December 18, 2015

True Self Centre for Being, Kingston, Jamaica

Partnered with Dance Therapist, Stefanie Belnavis and conducted a Self-Care workshop with adults ages 18 and above using art and dance therapy modalities.

Using Art Therapy to address Grief & Loss May 2015

Jamaica Psychological Association of Jamaica

Presented to members of JAMPsych on using art therapy to address grief and loss in children.

Using Art Therapy to address ADHD November 25, 2014

Campion College

Conducted a presentation with the parents of students based at Campion College addressing how to use art therapy to cope with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Understanding Sexuality in Children November 24, 2014

Maxfield Park Children’s Home

Conducted a presentation addressing ways in which one can understand the developmental aspects of sexuality in a child and how to support this process with the staff and teachers based at the children’s home.

Incorporated an art therapy experiential.

Art Therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder July 5, 2014

Conducted a workshop with mental health professionals and educators held by the Jamaican Academy of Child & Adolescent Mental Health (JACAMH) addressing ways to use art therapy techniques with children on the Autism spectrum.

Teaching Empathy March 2013

St. Hugh’s Preparatory School

Presented to parents and teachers about bullying and strategies to help children who are both viewed as the aggressor and victim.

Art Therapy in Schools December 2012

Mandeville, Jamaica

Presented to Guidance Counsellor from region 5 of the Ministry of Education.

Art Therapy in the Caribbean July 2012

Savannah, GA, USA

Co-presented with Trinidadian & Tobagan Art Therapist on the topic of Art Therapy in the Caribbean at the American Art Therapy Association’s (AATA) annual conference.

Benefits of Art Therapy June 2012

Mona Visitor’s Lodge, University of the West Indies, Kingston

Illustrated the benefits of using art therapy with various populations to professionals working with the Ministry of Health.

Art Therapy & ADHD May 4, 2012

Mona Lodge, University of the West Indies

Conducted a workshop with parents and professionals highlighting the benefits of using Art Therapy with children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at the 4th International ADHD Conference hosted by the McCam Child Care & Development Centre.

Art Therapy Exhibition April – May 2012

Genesis Academy, Kingston, Jamaica

Organized an art therapy exhibition illustrating the artwork created by clients with various disabilities at two schools Genesis Academy and the S.T.E.P. Centre in the art therapy sessions over a two year period.

Art Therapy & Trauma December 2012

Jamaica Grande, St. Ann, Jamaica

Conducted workshops highlighting the importance of using art therapy with children who have endured traumatic experiences with Development Officers working under the Early Childhood Commission.

Modelled experientials and art therapy directives that could be conducted with children who have traumatic experiences.

Member of a team that presented on the benefits of using the different arts modalities (e.g., play, music and drama) with children who have experienced some kind of trauma.

Integrating Art Therapy in Rehabilitation July 18, 2010

Trends in Alternative & Complimentary Medicine Seminar, University Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica

Illustrated the use of art therapy with children and adults with various disabilities and allowed participants from the Jamaica Physiotherapy Association (JPA) to participate in an art therapy experiential which allowed them to reflect on the process.

Art Therapy & Wellness May 14, 2010

Wellness Fair, Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts

Introduced and conducted experientials with participants interested in Art Therapy.

Autism & Art Therapy November 28, 2009

Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA), Jamaica

Introduced and discussed the use of Art Therapy with an Autistic child to parents of children who are on the Autistic Spectrum.

Autism & Art Therapy October 14, 2009

MICO Teachers College, Kingston, Jamaica

Introduced and discussed the use of Art Therapy with an Autistic child to students and teachers in various educational settings.

EXHIBITIONS

Art Therapy Exhibition - "True Expressions: Our Story" April 24, 2012

S.T.E.P. Centre & Genesis Academy

●Curated the Art Therapy exhibition which highlighted the works created by the students (children and adults) with various disabilities (ranging from Intellectual disabilities to developmental and physical disabilities) who engaged in both individual and group art therapy sessions over a two year process.

●The exhibition created awareness about the process of art therapy, its impact and how the students used the process to express their emotions and cope with various emotional and developmental needs.

Art Therapy Exhibition November 2016

Mustard Seed Communities - Jerusalem! Children's Home, Kingston, Jamaica

●Collaborated with three other artists at the annual Mustard Seed Communities Christmas craft and art show.

●Curated the art therapy aspect of the exhibition, that highlighted the works and experiences of the residents with various disabilities at the Jerusalem! Children's Home seen in individual and group art therapy sessions.

Art Exhibition - "Jamaican Spiritual" July 3 -14, 2017

St. Stephen Walbrook Cathedral, London, United Kingdom

●Invited artist to participate in a group exhibition consisted of painting, sculpture and photography created by different Jamaican artists and highlighted the strong spiritual nature of Jamaica and its people.

Photography Exhibition - "Double Xposure" November 4, 2017

Art Gallery Decor VII, Kingston, Jamaica

●This collaborative photographic exhibition with artist Michael Elliott consisted of a body of work which reflected the socio-political landscape in Jamaica using a mixture of subtle yet provocative symbolism. It involved satire and humour with a major splash of fine art finesse where both artists use their photography as a weapon addressing current affairs.

Volunteer Experience

Social Development Center Summer Camp August 5, 2010

Volunteered with the SDC that organized a three week summer camp for children from various inner city communities in Kingston in York Castle. Conducted Art Therapy session with the children.

Manifesto Jamaica, August Town, Jamaica August 2, 2010

Volunteered with Manifesto Jamaica an organization geared towards advocating for and empowering arts in youths from inner city communities. Conducted Open-Art studio (art therapy based) activities with the children from August Town.

Swallowfield Chapel Homework Center, Kingston May 3, 2008

Volunteered with Rotaract Club of New Kingston using Art Therapy as an outlet for the children in the community to express their emotions after witnessing a shooting.

FSU Art Therapy Mississippi Project, Pas Christian, MS February 1-2, 2008

Florida State University Art Therapy Department used the therapeutic process of art to help children at the Boys and Girls Club of Mississippi cope with the remnants of Hurricane Katrina.

Alumni Village Child Development Center, Tallahassee, FL May 2007

Volunteered to assist teachers with activities in the classrooms while aiding children of various cultural backgrounds who knew English as a Second Language (ESL).

Dare to Care Hospice, St. Catherine, Jamaica 2002-2004

Volunteered and donated gifts to a facility that housed children who suffered from HIV/AIDS.

St. Monica’s Home for Children, May Pen, Jamaica 1994-1998

Volunteered and assisted at the orphanage with my church’s youth group, Church of the Ascension Youth Ministry.

Skills

Experience in Painting, Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Ceramics. Dance, Acting and Singing.

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