25 Years
I should preface this by saying that a brief bio of my life and job experience seemed nearly impossible in any other format than a long, winding story. That being said, I am attempting to be as concise as possible; there are many moments and people that may be excluded for this reason. Still, I would like to acknowledge all of those who have been a part of this journey in big, and small ways. Thank you all. Cheers to 25, 50, & 75 more! - K.T.
Baby K.T. with my Sister Shan and Cousin Nick. (Circa 2000)I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. In some of my earliest pictures, I can be seen with a box of Crayola’s. I like to think it’s a natural kind of love for art that my Mom passed down to me, and her Dad (Big Bob) passed to her. We would draw together for hours on that infinite supply of blank copy paper with the perforated edges. Quickly, it became a means of therapeutic communication after some significant losses in my life at a young age. Some early drawings done with Mrs. Shadow allowed me to grieve in a way that my young vocabulary couldn’t. This was the first positive experience I had with the therapeutic process. Her gentle presence is one that could only be fully appreciated in hindsight.
My First Painting (August 2016)After high school, I was involved in a car accident delayed my entrance to college. My car was totaled, which wasn’t hard to do being it’s value was all of $800. This time period is when I began painting simple acrylic scenes. With time my skills developed and I was working for Michael’s: Arts and Crafts where I met Ivy; a talented artist, teacher and pet-portraitist. She must have saw something in me as a student, because it was not long before she took me under her wing. I remember the feeling of disbelief when she told me “You know, you could do this too.” in regards to becoming a teacher myself.
Dan Gilhooley and a friend Grace Campbell nurturing my darling lizard Clementine. (2019)I continued my art education with a variety of art courses at Suffolk Community College and the Art League of Long Island. Meeting teachers such as, Dan Gilhooley. A psychoanalyst and drawing professor who fancied having the nude models wear animal masks while hanging upside down from the ceiling. All in the name of art, of course. The impact he had happened on some level other than words. Still, I desired to integrate Art and therapy. My first attempt at therapeutic based art workshops would be at THRIVE recovery center. I had been attending groups on codependency and spirituality there at the time. Here I had the luck to meet Stacy Simbrom, whom I often refer to as my fairy godmother/therapist for her magically keen perspective.
A Polaroid from Art Therapy THRIVE Recover Center (2019)The next job I found my way into was as a Horticulturist at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, a state park on Long Island. I never did intend to learn so much about gardening, I am glad that I did. This experience greatly informs my understanding of the therapeutic benefits of nature. Truly, a labor of love, I pursued something more than a paycheck and learned a lot along the way. Having another great teacher in Kevin Wiecks, the music loving Park Director (who may have liked me most for being in his namesake). He would present me with the opportunity to build some leadership skills. Leading volunteer gardening groups for the park and community building for the farm, are some of my prized memories at the park.
Lily the 7 year old volunteer who wants to save the Earth. (March 2021)Meanwhile, I developed a consistent Yoga practice at Buddhaful Yoga Studio, under the guidance of Yoga Paul. Whom I endearingly refer to as a ‘mad scientist’ for constantly pushing and experimenting with the boundaries of what is possible with the human body. During a typical weeknight at the studio, a friend, Geena would enter with a proposition: “Can anyone here teach art?”. As Ivy had earlier foreshadowed; I now had the confidence to say “I can." This would be the start of my career with Think Wellness NY.
Headshots for TWNY taken in Linda's backyard (July 2021)This was an opportunity to integrate my previous experiences by teaching classes in art, nature, and yoga. This is where I gained invaluable experience teaching large groups at various different settings including: schools, summer camps, sober-living homes, assisted living facilities, and even one-on-one home services. Over time my role would develop into my current position as the ‘Art Director’ in which I am responsible for project development, coordinating fellow teachers and managing supply inventory for the whole company.
A young artist whom taught me a special lesson on mindfulness. (July 2022)