July 28, 2025 | By the AATA Nominations Committee
The 2025 Call for Nominations will officially open August 1 for six leadership positions to serve in the 2026-2027 term! The open positions include three Directors of the Board, one President-Elect, one Secretary, and one Nominations Committee Member.
The Nominations Committee is looking for broad representation of AATA’s membership and the art therapy community to help propel the association and profession forward. As art therapy gains recognition, our member-leaders are vital in charting a course toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and welcoming organization and community.
About Board and Committee Service
AATA Board Members help advance the mission of the association with their strategic thinking and oversight; manage association funding to support the work plan; and provide oversight and support to the Executive Director of the association.
Nominations Committee Members help encourage others to serve. The Committee is tasked with creating a slate of candidates willing to run for elected positions in our association.
Here’s What Gretchen Miller Said About Her Board Service
We asked former Board Member Gretchen M, Miller, LPAT, ATR-BC, ATCP, who served from 2017 – 2021, her experience on the AATA Board.
What motivated you to apply to the AATA Board of Directors?
Gretchen: The motivation for my 2017 application was inspired by the opportunity to support sustainability, accountability, growth, and as an investment in the future of art therapy. I wanted to volunteer my time, expertise, and skills to this profession I deeply care about and make a difference in some way.
What did you gain from serving on the board (professionally, personally, or creatively)?
Gretchen: Professionally, I experienced fulfillment in contributing to a mission-driven organization with a team of esteemed colleagues, committees, and dedicated staff to nationally advance the practice of art therapy and the work of art therapists. I experienced personal growth in learning more about strategy, advocacy, communication, and how to navigate change, participate in collective problem-solving, and meaningful dialogue. I appreciated the examination of new perspectives and ideas, as well as opportunities to activate my creativity for program development, committee work, organizational goals, and innovative initiatives in meaningful ways. While serving on the Board of Directors does require volunteering time and energy, the gains are so much more in return—growth, connection, and a chance to see your efforts impact art therapy on a national level.
What would you say to someone considering applying?
Gretchen: Trust your unique value. Your lived experiences, commitment, and perspectives are vital to keep advancing this profession and the future of art therapy. Your voice, ideas, and contributions can make a meaningful difference and impact in this Association.
Thanks Gretchen for your support of our association and profession!
About the Nominations Process
Our Committee is accepting nominations for AATA members to serve two-year terms (2026-2027) for three Board Directors, one President-Elect, one Secretary and one Nominations Committee Member.
To nominate yourself or a qualified candidate, please submit a nomination form by August 31. [We will share the links beginning August 1.] The form is powered by Slayte but will use your MyAATA credentials to log you in. (If you’ve used the system before, it may recognize you and auto-complete your contact information.)
To complete a nomination, you must submit a 200-word statement about why you want to join the AATA Board or Nominations Committee (or why the person you are nominating is qualified to join). If you are nominating yourself, you will also be prompted to upload your CV.
Once the Nominating Committee has reviewed all nomination forms, by mid-September, we will invite selected candidates to complete a candidate questionnaire. Candidates will have 3 weeks to provide the Committee with written responses to the questionnaire. The Committee will then announce our 2025 candidate slate and share candidate bios and questionnaire responses with AATA voting members.
We expect elections to begin in early October. Voting will be open to all professional members based in the United States and internationally, including Professional, New Professional, HLM, and Retired Members. Master’s and Doctoral Art Therapy Student Members are also able to vote, per a 2022 bylaws change.