December 17, 2020 | Kat Michel, Sr. Manager, Member Services
Dear Members,
It’s been a year like no other. As we count down to the beginning of 2021, I just wanted to take the time to express my gratitude for this community, for our chapters, and for all the members who joined together in AATA to support each other during the challenging times of the past year.
Art therapists were no strangers to difficulty, stress, and uncertainty during the pandemic. And it was inspiring to see so many people volunteer their time to help, whether it be by sharing their knowledge through webinars or articles, weighing in on our online forums, or just being present for each other. Thank you, members, for taking the time to support your colleagues and clients during a year when time was so precious.
As our community knows, art making remains a vital outlet for health and wellbeing. I saw so many members share their art through our inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Gallery, as part of the Multicultural Committee’s Healing Quilt project, and with our ongoing Featured Member series. Thank you, members, for reminding all of us that art can give voice to experiences that may be difficult to speak about.
Through all this, we continue our work because of a shared passion for art therapy and a belief in the importance of access to mental health. As a membership community, there are so many things to highlight from the past year, and together we have made an impact. Thank you, members, for continuing to engage with us and lending your voice in the delivering of this shared vision.
So in the spirit of renewal – renewal for a new year, renewal for a bright future and thriving, diverse community – I invite you to renew your AATA membership and continue your art therapy journey with us. Or, if you’re not a member yet, join us and start that journey today. There’s a lot to look forward to in 2021 and I hope to see you there.
Thank you, members, for being a part of our community, this year and beyond.
Kat Michel, Sr. Manager, Member Services
Kat is responsible for developing programs and resources for AATA members that focus on professional development, such as continuing education offerings, webinars, and the online career center. Additionally, she oversees online member engagement and experience through the MyAATA community. Art therapy is a cause near and dear to her heart, and in 2015 she graduated with her Master’s degree in Art Therapy from The George Washington University.