December 17, 2024
The American Art Therapy Association Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the 2024 election slate for leadership positions with the Association.
In support of AATA’s mission and critical strategic priorities, the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee remain committed to increasing diverse representation across all volunteer positions. The Directors and the Nominating Committee extend their collective gratitude to candidates represented on this year’s ballot for their willingness to serve the Association.
Online voting for the 2024 Annual Election commences on December 18, 2024, and will remain open for 30 days. All voting members will receive a notice with instructions via email from AssociationVoting.com. To help inform your vote, you’ll find each candidate’s biographies and the responses they provided to questions posed by the Nominating Committee below. (In order to maintain the integrity of the personal views relayed by the candidates, the contents of their biographies and responses to the questions posed by the Nominating Committee have not been edited.) Also, you may review the full position descriptions here.
Thank you for voting and being a part of selecting the next volunteer-leaders to move our association and the art therapy profession forward!
Candidates for the Board of Directors
Maria Kim
I am a board-certified art therapist and LMFT in California and Illinois, and a LMHC in Washington. As a Teaching Faculty and Program Director of Creative Arts Therapy at Antioch University Seattle (AUS), I also serve as a Senator for Division I at AUS. I hold a PhD in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University and a Master’s in MFT/Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. My leadership roles include President of the Illinois Art Therapy Association (2021) and board service with AATA. I provide international workshops on art therapy and specialize in preventative interventions using the Open Studio Process (OSP).
Rachel Mims
Rachel Mims is a U.S. Army veteran, Board Certified Art Therapist, and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Texas with over a decade of experience supporting veterans and their families. She specializes in helping women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and veterans heal from trauma through empathy, reflective listening, and collaboration. An artist and nature enthusiast, Rachel promotes holistic wellness, encouraging clients to embrace diverse methods to achieve meaningful change. Her dedication to empowering clients to live their best lives aligns with her passion for advancing the field of art therapy and supporting its practitioners.
Kelly Burns
Kelly Burns, LMHC, ATR-BC is a board-certified art therapist and licensed mental health counselor in central Florida. She has established art therapy programs in a variety of settings, including nonprofit organizations, residential behavioral health facilities, and pediatric inpatient and outpatient programs. She has served as President of the Florida Art Therapy Association and is currently a Director of the American Art Therapy Association. Most recently, Kelly created and continues to lead the art therapy program at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. She was also appointed by the mayor of Mount Dora, FL as a commissioner for its Public Arts Commission.
Traci Bitondo
Traci Bitondo, Ph.D., LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, ACS, is an Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Caldwell University and President of the New Jersey Art Therapy Association. She has worked alongside colleagues to support the implementation of art therapy licensing in NJ and serves on AATA’s Professional Affairs Committee. Recognized with multiple awards, including AATA’s 2022 Nancy Schoebel Legislative Service Award, Traci values collaboration, mentorship, and advancing professional standards. She maintains a private practice, shares her knowledge through presentations locally and nationally, and is committed to supporting the growth of the art therapy profession.
Tracy Weitkamp
I, Tracy Weitkamp, am a dedicated art therapist residing in Columbia, MD, with my husband and son. Currently serving as the Secretary of the Maryland Art Therapy Association (MATA), I have also previously held the position of Student Liaison while studying at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. My leadership experience extends to both clinical and administrative roles as I have supervised art therapy interns and led teams in the private sector, focusing on supporting virtual education programs. I, like you, have a passion for the healing power of art, sharing that power with others, and advancing the profession of art therapy.
LaToya Pegram
LaToya Pegram is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional Art Therapist, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and adjunct Faculty Member, specializing in mental health and clinical training. As AATA Multicultural Committee Chair, LaToya, worked to foster inclusivity and empower diverse voices. Inspired by William James’ belief in the lasting impact of purposeful work, LaToya is a passionate community advocate, serving in leadership roles for inner city ministries through outreach such as mentorship, advocacy, uplifting underserved communities, and service projects. LaToya works to create social change by integrating leadership, clinical care, volunteerism, a deep commitment to service and combining professional expertise.
Questions for the Candidates for Board of Directors
Question 1: A leadership role in the AATA requires a significant investment of time and commitment. How do you foresee balancing these expectations with your existing obligations?
Maria Kim: I have honed strong time management skills, effectively prioritizing tasks and delegating when necessary. My experience as a President of the Illinois Art Therapy Association and service on various committees has prepared me for the demands of leadership roles. I am adept at integrating organizational responsibilities into my workflow, and I ensure consistent communication and planning. Additionally, I am deeply committed to advancing the field of art therapy, making this role a meaningful priority.
Rachel Mims: I have served on the AATA Board of Directors for the past two years, so I am well-accustomed to dedicating time for meetings and other responsibilities. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with the board to enhance the organization, and I view this commitment as both meaningful and rewarding. Additionally, working in private practice allows me the flexibility to adjust my schedule as needed to accommodate any Board of Directors obligations.
Kelly Burns: I have the experience of the past two years being a Director on the board to help guide me, and I only see myself improving my skills of balancing expectations with this leadership role and my existing obligations. I truly enjoy and take great pride in being part of AATA and the board, so I am ready to invest the time and commitment again for another term.
Traci Bitondo: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has been a priority throughout my career as I’ve taken on state and national-level service commitments. From working with interdisciplinary teams in a state psychiatric hospital, running my private practice, teaching graduate students, and leading the New Jersey Art Therapy Association (NJATA) as President, I’ve learned that collaboration and teamwork are essential to managing multiple responsibilities. My self-care practices and strong support systems have been vital in helping me maintain a healthy work-life balance. Serving on AATA’s Board feels like a natural next step in my service to our discipline. I’m confident in my ability to meet the responsibilities of serving on the board while maintaining a sustainable balance. I’m genuinely passionate about supporting and advancing the art therapy community and giving back to our field, and I’m excited about this opportunity to support the work of AATA.
Tracy Weitkamp: As someone who prides themselves on being a planner, often considering events and obligations months in advance, I foresee being able to balance the requirements of time and commitment that the AATA requires with planning, organization, and a commitment of my own to the leadership position. By making the role a priority I am confident that I would be able to balance its requirements with my existing obligations.
LaToya Pegram: Balancing a leadership role in the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) with existing commitments requires prioritization, clear communication, and strategic time management. LaToya Pegram would begin by assessing her current responsibilities to create a detailed schedule that allocates time for AATA duties without affecting other obligations. LaToya would empower team members to share tasks through delegation to maintain effective distribution of tasks. Clear prioritization of short- and long-term goals would help LaToya allocate time efficiently and address potential conflicts. LaToya would focus on efficiency by streamlining meetings and using technology for collaboration. Additionally, to sustain energy and balance, self-care would be a priority to ensure physical and mental well-being. By being proactive, transparent, and adaptable, LaToya is confident she could successfully manage both leadership responsibilities and other commitments. This approach would foster productivity and ensure that both LaToya’s AATA role and personal obligations are met effectively.
Question 2: Describe how you connect with the AATA mission and share what you would add to further the mission? What actions would you take to maintain AATA’s values as an inclusive organization that respects and incorporates the perspectives and contributions of our members?
Maria Kim: I am deeply aligned with AATA’s mission to advance art therapy and promote healing through creative expression. My work emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity in the field, particularly through preventative interventions like the Open Studio Process (OSP). This approach reflects AATA’s dedication to fostering connection and growth in diverse communities. I would also focus on expanding outreach to underserved populations and developing culturally attuned resources. Supporting emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds is another area I would pay attention to. Making more efforts to elevate voices from historically marginalized groups is also an area I would like to be more mindful to strengthen AATA’s commitment to equity.
Rachel Mims: As an art therapist who works with clients unable to afford private-pay services, I understand the importance of advancing our profession to increase access to care. Additionally, having been the only art therapist in an agency, city, or region of my state, I recognize the need to build a strong sense of community within AATA. To further our mission, I believe we must focus on engaging younger professionals who bring fresh perspectives and energy to the organization. At the same time, it is essential to encourage participation from existing members to better understand their needs and create programs that address them effectively. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, we can strengthen our community and empower art therapists to provide transformative services. These efforts will ensure that AATA continues to uphold its mission and values while supporting the growth and success of our members and the profession.
Kelly Burns: I strongly align with the AATA mission, as I believe volunteering and participating at the state and national levels only helps further our mission. I would add that we can do even more for our members by fostering a diverse and inclusive community, that everyone has experiences and perspectives they can contribute to add to our success. I would actively support initiatives that seek out underrepresented voices, and encourage transparent feedback channels to ensure everyone feels heard and valued. Our mission is the framework for a diverse, fair, inclusive, and trusting organization.
Traci Bitondo: As a clinician, educator, and supervisor, I am deeply committed to the values of our profession and the mission of AATA. Guided by ethical principles, I have dedicated my career to advancing art therapy as a regulated discipline, increasing access to services, and fostering professional growth for art therapists at all career stages. While AATA has made significant strides in inclusivity, I believe there is always more work to be done. I am committed to amplifying diverse voices and ensuring perspectives from underserved and marginalized communities are actively included. I recognize that my perspective is one of many, and I am dedicated to lifting voices that may not always be heard. Creating a culture where all members feel valued and represented is essential to our profession’s growth, and I am eager to contribute to that important work.”
Tracy Weitkamp: The idea of continued advancement of art therapy as a regulated mental health profession excites me. As a sometimes siloed art therapist in a school system I am all too familiar with the duty we as individual practitioners often have to explain, advocate for, and advance art therapy. The AATA’s mission to do this as an association while building a supportive community for art therapists is no small task, but certainly a continued need nation wide. When I think of what actions I might be able to take as a member of the board in order to maintain the AATA’s values, I think of the word transparency. I would like to be able to advocate for ongoing transparency and responsiveness by the board to its members in order to foster inclusivity, respect, and the incorporation of member perspectives and contributions.
LaToya Pegram: LaToya Pegram connects with The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) mission to advance the art therapy profession. AATA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion promotes the use of art for the personal, emotional and spiritual growth of participants from all backgrounds. Art therapy offers participants an alternate way to express themselves. LaToya values the power of art for healing which, mimics AATA’s emphasis on improving mental health through creative therapies, trauma processing and emotion expression. To further this mission, LaToya would advocate for increasing community engagement, community education and workshops on art therapy. LaToya would seek to expand policy recognition, insurance coverage, and evidence-based research to strengthen the impact of art therapy in healthcare. To maintain inclusive organization values, LaToya would encourage ongoing cultural competency education, self-advocacy of underrepresented members, culturally innovative practices and offer resources to enhance art therapy application. LaToya supports AATA’s advocacy for professional growth of art therapists.
Question 3: What principles of leadership and past experiences would guide you in the work of this board?
Maria Kim: My leadership is guided by principles of collaboration, transparency, and cultural humility. These values have been shaped by my diverse professional experiences, including serving as President of the Illinois Art Therapy Association and in leadership roles on committees focused on multiculturalism, conference planning, and nominations. These roles taught me the importance of inclusive decision-making, active listening, and fostering shared ownership of outcomes. As Program Director and Teaching Faculty at Antioch University, I have honed my ability to balance strategic vision with practical implementation. My work often involves bridging diverse perspectives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while addressing the unique needs of students, faculty, and administrators. Additionally, my experience organizing international workshops on art therapy demonstrates my ability to build connections across cultures and navigate complex systems. These experiences will guide me in supporting the AATA board’s goals with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to advancing art therapy inclusively and effectively.
Rachel Mims: I have served on the AATA Board of Directors for the past two years and as a board member for my local AATA chapter for four years. These roles have given me valuable insight into the organization’s long-term objectives and the ability to assist in creating programs and policies that align with those goals. Additionally, my 10.5 years of active-duty service in the Army taught me the importance of understanding and listening to the people you lead. I learned to identify both problems and solutions collaboratively, fostering a culture of trust and shared purpose. These experiences have shaped my leadership style, emphasizing inclusivity, strategic thinking, and adaptability. If re-elected, I will continue to draw on these principles to support AATA’s growth and mission, ensuring we remain responsive to the needs of our members and the communities we serve.
Kelly Burns: I believe the principles of leadership that will guide me in the work of this board are communication, conceptual skills and integrity. As a Director, we need to have excellent communication skills as we represent the organization, and we are expected to make informed decisions, as a board, that support the best interests of AATA. This also means we need to be able to see the bigger picture, the future of AATA, so having keen conceptual skills is essential. Integrity governs any leadership skill, especially if you are a Director, and members need to be able to trust that their Board of Directors has their best interest in mind. As a former President of FATA and I will have completed one term as a Director, I have exercised these skills consistently and demonstrated my dedication to the position.
Traci Bitondo: In my leadership journey, I strive to embody servant leadership, grounding my work in service to our community. I approach leadership collaboratively and inclusively, believing it’s about empowering others, listening actively, and creating spaces where everyone feels heard and valued. Success, to me, is built on transparent communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, all rooted in accountability and a focus on long-term community goals. At the heart of my philosophy is the understanding that leadership is about our community, our work, and the clients we serve. My experiences have shown that when we come together with integrity and openness, we can elevate our profession and create meaningful, lasting change. As a board member, I would bring these values and this commitment to our shared mission, working to ensure our community thrives and our impact grows.
Tracy Weitkamp: As a board member, I would prioritize communication, humility, support, teamwork, and planning. These principles have guided my work as an art therapist and supervisor in both the art therapy and corporate sectors, enabling me to effectively lead teams and individuals. Effective communication is crucial for leadership. I believe in transparent communication that conveys both control and understanding. Humility complements communication, fostering an environment that respects and values the perspectives of all AATA members. Teamwork and support are essential for building unity within the board and among the membership. By working collaboratively and offering support, we can strengthen our collective impact. Finally, planning allows us to anticipate future challenges and opportunities, identify areas for growth, and adapt to evolving needs. This proactive approach ensures that the AATA remains aligned with its mission.
LaToya Pegram: LaToya believes effective leadership on an organization’s board involves key principles that ensure strategic guidance and oversight. These include visionary thinking, where board members focus on long-term goals and prepare for future challenges. Collaboration and teamwork are essential, as diverse viewpoints must be integrated, and consensus is critical for decision-making. Integrity and accountability are essential for transparency in actions and maintaining trust. Ethical leadership ensures decisions align with the organization’s core values and addresses conflicts of interest. Diversity of thought improves decision-making, while continuous learning and adaptability keep the board informed and responsive to changes. Clear communication cultivates agreement, and a results-oriented approach ensures measurable goals and performance evaluation. Servant leadership emphasizes serving the organization, and critical thinking supports data-driven decisions and effective problem-solving. These principles, developed through past career, educational and life experiences, would guide LaToya in working with the AATA board toward long-term success and mission fulfillment.
Candidate for Treasurer
Kathryn Snyder
With over 25 years of clinical experience, Kathryn recently completed her PhD in Creative Arts Therapy focusing her research on Preschool Art Therapy and Museum Practices in Art Therapy with the guidance of her mentor, Dr. Girija Kaimal. She has run her own group practice in Philadelphia for over 17 years, taught at numerous universities and completed her first year on the Board of Directors of AATA. Additionally, she has served on many local boards, including as president of the PAATA. She is currently the treasurer of her community garden, Bel Arbor.
Questions for the Candidate for Treasurer
Question 1: A leadership role in the AATA requires a significant investment of time and commitment. How do you foresee balancing these expectations with your existing obligations?
Kathryn Snyder: My work is flexible, affording me the opportunity to move my schedule around for current board meetings and other extracurricular activities that are important to me. Allotting additional time to be on the executive committee will not be a challenge as I believe in the importance of the role. While that may mean learning to say no to other activities in my personal and professional life, this is the season for me to focus on the ways that I can contribute to the AATA. I am at a time in my career where I believe in paying forward so that the AATA can continue to serve our community and the field of art therapy can thrive for the next generation.
Question 2: Describe how you connect with the AATA mission and share what you would add to further the mission? What actions would you take to maintain AATA’s values as an inclusive organization that respects and incorporates the perspectives and contributions of our members?
Kathryn Snyder: AATA’s mission of advancing the field of art therapy is front and center in the work that I do in Philadelphia each and every day. From forming a practice that is focused on serving children, teens, adults, and families through art therapy practice, to hiring and supervising other art therapists, I am committed to promoting this profession. We need to continue to raise visibility, fight for title protection and licensure, and develop the research evidence to support the many ways that art therapy serves and supports many different populations and needs in the wider sphere of therapy, rehabilitation, and wellness. I hope to serve this mission by advocating for licensure in PA and throughout the states, helping to define the variety of art therapy practices that are emerging, and writing about the field, including my own research.
Question 3: What principles of leadership and past experiences would guide you in the work of this board?
Kathryn Snyder: I believe in leadership where all voices are valued and shared for decision making; where voices that are often in the background are brought forward with intention, and where we look ahead to what the future may hold. I value inclusive practices that help to forge collaboration and fresh ideas. Leadership should be about bringing people and their ideas together rather than maintaining the status quo. I am also very pragmatic and while I love seeing new visions, I am someone who can also hold the pragmatic position of taking things slowly and in good time as needed-which I think is appropriate for looking at budgets and balance sheets!
Candidates for the Nominating Committee
Ric Avila
I have been in the psychiatric field for almost 19 years. Currently I direct psychoeducational behavioral programs for youth, and provide outpatient clinical services to adults. I was a member of the Springfield College Art Therapy Advisory Council and the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness. I have been an invited lecturer at different universities. I served as an Art Chair at two AATA conferences. I have worked with various cultures in Europe, México and the U.S. Being an immigrant and fully bilingual has given me a broad perspective of the psychiatric problems that affect our country and the world.
Asli Arslanbek
I am an art therapist, researcher, and educator. In my current role as Treasurer of the Florida Art Therapy Association, I have been responsible for managing finances. Previously, I served as the Social Action Task Force Leader at Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association, establishing a diversity based student grant and changing our mission statement to reflect diversity and inclusion. As an art therapist, I worked with diverse populations in both national and international settings. As an assistant professor of art therapy, I worked closely with students, faculty and administrative staff to support learning and international growth in art therapy.
Questions for Candidates for the Nominating Committee
Question 1: What principles of leadership and past experiences would guide you in the work of this committee?
Ric Avila: Throughout my years of working in the clinical branches of education and the arts, I have served with various organizations nationally and internationally. I have focused on advocating for justice, equality and tolerance within marginalized communities. Through practice of education and the arts, from outreach to private practice, I have had the opportunity to implement these principles with those affected by poverty, homelessness, isolation and abuse. The values of fairness, compassion, development and joy have all been important factors of my growth. I bring these with me everywhere I work, collaborate, or have the opportunity to interact with others. I would bring this same energy to my work with our organization, focusing on mutual growth, respect and expansion into an international arena. These attributes would enable me to work within AATA to enhance the recognition of Art Therapy and our Association, and project our unique profession onto a larger stage.
Asli Arslanbek: In my role as Treasurer of FATA, I have honed my organizational and financial management skills, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support our mission. As Social Action Task Force Leader at PATA, I led initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion, such as establishing a student grant program and updating our mission statement to reflect these values. These experiences have taught me the importance of advocacy and leadership that I believe will guide me in the work of the nominations committee. I am currently an assistant professor of art therapy at the University of Tampa where I constantly engage in mentorship of students and collaboration with faculty. I believe these professional experiences will guide me in my committee work by ensuring that I approach challenges thoughtfully, foster collaboration among the board members, and develop initiatives that are inclusive.
Question 2: What experience, characteristics, and vision do you think are important for the Association leaders to possess to move the field forward in the next five years?
Ric Avila: Undoubtedly a solid knowledge base in various areas including mental health, education and the arts is a fundamental factor in the successful development of our organization. Additionally, familiarity with international organizations, and how we can collaborate and interact with them, is a path for growth in our organization. These would be fundamental components of my work as a volunteer leader with AATA.
Asli Arslanbek: I believe first and foremost, the leaders of AATA must have experience in areas of art therapy, including clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy, and know the unique challenges of our profession. My experience working with diverse populations in international settings has shown me the value of flexibility, sustainability and cultural humility in shaping interventions. Additionally, having served in leadership roles at FATA and PAATA, I’ve developed an understanding of managing resources, taking initiatives, and fostering inclusivity. To move the field forward in the next five years, leaders must focus on expanding accessibility to art therapy services, supporting licensure efforts, and advocating for increased research initiatives. Building interdisciplinary research partnerships is also essential to solidify art therapy’s role within the broader landscape of caring professions. A leader should aim to empower art therapists, advocate for systemic changes, and support diverse voices to contribute to the growth of our profession.