N/NY-0820 - Mental Health on the Front Lines of COVID-19

James Bulosan's (MAAT, ATR) scholarship interests are rooted in the application of quantitative research design to art therapy settings. He began his professional life at Rush Medical Center as a Research Director, where he managed large data sets, was involved in the analysis of data, and developed proposals for in-depth research based on outcomes studies. His research experience has informed him about the intricate details of his work as an art therapist in a medical setting, an addictions treatment program, a program for clients with disabilities, and, currently, an inpatient hospital setting for individuals dealing with acute mental illness.

At this point, James continues to apply his knowledge of research design and methods to various art therapy approaches. He has served as Ethics Chair for the Illinois Art Therapy Association, and is currently serving as a board member on the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Internal Review Board (IRB). James also maintains his work in the Chicago art scene as co-director of Lion VS Gorilla, a concept gallery focused on creating shows where artists and viewers are collaborators in an aesthetic experience, and where the integration between artists and the larger community is promoted.

Susanne Marie Bifano, MPS, MSED, LCAT, ATR-BC is a visual artist, Board Certified Art Therapist, and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center. Susanne holds both a Masters in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute and a Masters in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Miami.

Throughout her 18 years of clinical work she has co-presented internationally on mental health and urban poverty, art and writing with pediatric patients and wellness strategies for healthcare workers. Susanne’s experience spans various settings such as the public schools, transitional living spaces, department of juvenile justice, in-patient psychiatry and in-patient medical/surgical pediatric settings.  

Susan Ainlay Anand, MA, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPAT is a graduate of the New York University art therapy program, and has worked with children and adults in inpatient and outpatient settings since 1983. She is a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of Mississippi Medical Center where she provides clinical services, and teaches/supervises psychiatry residents and medical students. Her clinical interests include art therapy with medically ill patients having worked extensively with cancer patients. She has published journal articles, book chapters and is co-editor of The Legacy of Edith Kramer: A Multifaceted View (Routledge, 2018). Susan provides workshops and training both in the US and abroad.

In 2019, Susan was elected to the American Art Therapy Association’s Board of Directors. She has also served on numerous committees of the Association. Her involvement with the Governmental Affairs Committee led her to work towards professional licensure for art therapists in Mississippi, which was achieved in 2000. She was a board member and the treasurer of the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), and currently serves as a member of the Advisory Council of the Division of Professional Licensure with the Mississippi Department of Health.

Kat Michel, MA is Sr. Manager of Member Services with the American Art Therapy Association. She is responsible for member retention and recruitment and for developing programs and resources for AATA members that focus on professional development, such as continuing education offerings and virtual webinars. 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.