We are IATA Interview: Stephanie Clark

We are IATA Interview
Stephanie Clark LCPC, ATR-BC, LSOTP
​Position on IATA Board: President
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​Tell me a little about what brought you to art therapy.
I’m originally from a small town in Kansas. During my adolescent years, my dad was sick and I was pissed off at the world. I used art and poetry as a way to work through all of that anger and throughout high school I felt better the more I was writing and doing art. When I was a senior in high school I visited Emporia State University. I met with one of the professors in the art department and he showed me all the different areas of study in the art department along with a brochure with art therapy. I thought, oh my god that’s what I’ve been doing these past four years! I really had one of those Aha moments that I knew immediately with every part of my being that I wanted to be an art therapist. I wanted to help young people going through difficult things that I didn’t have.
Where are you currently working?
I am a child and family art therapist for the Children’s Research Triangle. I work with children and families who have experienced trauma.
What brought you to IATA? What were you hoping to gain or experience by joining?
After I graduated from SIUE (Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville), I moved to Chicago and I wanted to meet other art therapists in Chicago. I started attending programs and was invited to join the board in 2014.
What are your goals while being on the board?
My goal as president is to increase engagement and participation. And help make IATA a place where art therapists can come together to support each other, learn from each other, celebrate with each other, cry with each other, and make the world a better place.
Are you working on any special projects for IATA?
I’m here supporting everyone else’s projects. As president I see myself as a motivator and cheerleader for the rest of the board. I am a sounding board. I am really proud the work we have done collectively, which includes monthly meet-ups, new website and social media pages, and upcoming programing. I am solidifying our goals for the next few years. We are looking for art therapists to join us.
What could IATA provide the public?
As art therapists we are often isolated in our work and misunderstood. IATA is a place for both therapists to feel connected and supported, and also provide education and public understanding of our work.
What does the future of IATA look like?
I would love for IATA to grow in membership and participation, have more programing, more social events, and work towards state licensure. In the next few years, people to think of IATA and smile knowing there is a group of people passionate about therapy and working together towards being inclusive for all art therapists.