Who is AT '15?

AT15  That's what we call ourselves, you can too.

Thanks for stopping by!

Listen 2 Your Art is a place for the 2015 Art Therapy and Counseling class of Eastern Virginia Medical School to share with YOU!

Here is a little information about each us.

[Name]
About you blurb goes here.

Alyssa Spjut 

I graduated from Utah State University in May 2013. I grew up loving art museums, being with family and friends, and traveling to new places. I moved across the country to start this new adventure of studying Art Therapy and Counseling at Eastern Virginia Medical School and have loved the experience so far. I love color, especially when creating with watercolor, pastel, and collage material.  I am not sure what to expect for the future but I am looking forward to seeing what happens. 

Jasmine Jackson 

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I am a proud Buckeye, having graduated from The Ohio State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. My primary interests are dreamwork and painting, and my goal is to work with children who suffer from mood disorders.

Monika Burkholder

I love working with my hands to create from something old, broken, textured, or natural. I love pottery and good paper, paints and india ink. I love writing words that crunch like granola. I love living life outside, fires and stars, and listening to people's stories. I am from the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, and graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with an Art degree. While I am passionate about art, I have been continuously drawn to connecting and being present with people. God put the pieces together to bring me to Eastern Virginia Medical School to work on my Art Therapy and Counseling degree. I am excited to continue creating and listening with those that come into my life.

Caroline Cheslak

I am a 25 year-old artist who received a degree in visual communication from Savannah College of Art and Design with a minor in art history.  I enjoy working in 2D media and occasionally dabble in 3D.

Abigail Williams   (Abby)

Hi!  I’m 30 years old and a native of Hampton Roads.  I love running and outdoor activities, comedy, films, and playing the piano.  I received my B.S. in Political Science from Old Dominion University, following which I worked in campaign politics for a few years before deciding to switch careers.  It was during this transition that I discovered art therapy as a career possibility and began working towards coming to EVMS.  This was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.  The program has been challenging but absolutely worthwhile.  During my first semester, as a non-academic outlet, I participated in a Citizen’s Police Academy through my city and have become active in volunteering as a role-player for police training scenarios in my “spare” time.  My proposed thesis work will look at the role and use of art therapy in juvenile detention centers.

Aubrey Maggio

Hello there!  I’m originally from Annapolis, MD and upon graduation I hope to return to Maryland to work as an art therapist. In 2009, I received my B.F.A with a concentration in painting from Salisbury University and in 2011 I received my M.F.A with a concentration in painting at Marywood University. Art has always been a huge part of my life, whether it is dance, music, theatre, or fine arts. I originally started my undergraduate degree with the intentions of being a pediatric nurse practitioner, but something didn’t feel “right.” Long story short, I figured out that I could help others in a way that combined my intense love of art and health sciences. Ironically enough I have made a full circle back to the health profession, only this time as a future art therapist. While I have yet to determine what population I plan to work with in the future, due to my father’s experience with PTSD as a Vietnam veteran, I have a strong interest in one day working with military personal (active or veterans) that are struggling with PTSD. I am also interested in working with women and children of domestic abuse and violence backgrounds, as well as children’s oncology.

Carly Dean

Hello.  I am a 23-year-old aspiring art therapist from Georgia. I completed my undergrad work at the University of Georgia in Art History. Some of my favorite artists are Henry Ossawa Tanner, John Singer Sargent, and Michelangelo. I came to the field of art therapy in response to learning of the global problem of human trafficking. I hope to one day use art therapy in the processes of rehabilitation for survivors of labor and sex slavery. I learned of this population through a large Christian conference and I am currently researching and studying various methods of Christian or Pastoral psychology. My favorite art materials and processes are watercolor and clay, paper decorating and container making.

Josephine Stromseth 

Hello!  My name is Josephine Stromseth and I am a first year Art Therapy student at EVMS.  I like the outdoors, plants, puzzles, walks, trail mix, running, swimming, and ART!  I grew up in South Dakota and then moved to Minnesota to get my BFA in Printmaking and a Psych minor for five years.  I wanted to go to school at EVMS in Norfolk mostly because of the great program and also to live in a different part of the country.  I enjoy the new sights and love to hang out at Elliot’s Fairgrounds Coffee on Colley Ave.  Did I mention I like coffee?  I am excited to do some more traveling in the area to really see what is going on here in this part of the country.   

Kara Cross

I am currently attending EVMS’ in Art Therapy and Counseling Program and will be graduating in 2015. In my undergraduate work at the University of Tennessee, I studied Fine and Performing Arts with an emphasis in Art Education, k-12. I have a background in theater and performance, and also in the visual arts. My professional background is in teaching high school art courses in the public school system in West Tennessee. EVMS was an easy choice for me from the moment I attended the open house. I love the clinical background of the program, as well as the emphasis on research. I have no idea which population I wish to work with, but I am excited about receiving experience in all age groups throughout my internships! In my “free time”, I love “thrifting” and refurbishing old pieces of furniture. Printmaking is my art process of choice, but I also love painting and drawing as well.

Michael Galarraga 

A young male aspiring art therapist in training who has become interested in the field of art therapy due to his desire to help, more specifically people in search of help. I believe that there is an artist in everyone that has been hidden and sometimes scared to be developed. Originally born and raised in New York City, I have been able to see much creativity surround me throughout the years. I think that self-expression is an important way of communicating what lies deep beneath the façade of our everyday lives. With an ever-growing technology based society that we have bound ourselves to it is easy to lose insight of what we are critically missing, our ability to communicate more than electronically. I hope that through this program, I will gain more insight into what the field of art therapy has in store for our patients who are in search of alternative methods to release the pressures of life. As for me, a young professional in a field that has yet a lot of growth to follow I hope to enjoy the adventures to come and hope not to lose sight of the artistic individual that I have found myself to be.  

Christa Turpin

I was born in the majestic state of Kentucky during our nation’s bicentennial, 1976.  I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Spalding University in 1999 before serving seven years active duty in the United States Navy.  After resigning my commission, I developed my artistic side through the pursuit of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Print and Photo Media at Old Dominion University. Upon graduation, I entered the Master’s of Art Therapy and Counseling program at Eastern Virginia Medical School where I am currently in my second semester. My goals after graduation include serving my fellow veterans as an Art Therapist, traveling, and exploring my dual passions for bookmaking and photography.