SC8 - Illuminating Wellness: Integrating STEAM in Museum Education - Implications for Art Therapy (NY)

Nicholas “Nick” Denson, MA, LCPC, LCADC, ATR-BC, NCC (he/him) is a queer art therapist, licensed professional counselor, and clinical alcohol and drug counselor based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He works full time as a Military and Family Life Counselor with the United States Air Force, offering brief, solution-focused, non-medical support to service members and their families. His work centers on affirming care, trauma-informed practice, and expressive therapies that support agency and connection.

Kyrsten Harper (she/her) holds a master’s degree in Arts Administration from Southern Utah University. With a rich background as a performer and choreographer at various theatre companies, she has recently transitioned to working in museum education, focusing on STEAM initiatives. In her role as the K-12 Education and Family Engagement Manager at The Neon Museum, Kyrsten spearheaded the development and expansion of STEAM centered programming for students and families. That work continues in her role as the Community Outreach Coordinator at Discovery Children’s Museum. Kyrsten is deeply passionate about informal education and believes in the powerful role nonprofit organizations play in supporting teachers and students within their communities.

Winona Jane Caro is a YPL Children's Services Assistant for the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and has over six years of professional experience working with children and families of all backgrounds. Moving to the United States from the Philippines, she started her journey as an educator within the walls of her own home and her first students being her family. After working a full-time job while going to college, she graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a B.A. in English in 2021. From there, she became an educator for the Clark County School District where she found she wanted to continue impacting larger audiences while maintaining a passion for equal access to education and resources across all borders. While working at The Neon Museum in Las Vegas during the 2024-2025 school year as a Learning Support Assistant, she had overseen over 3,000 K-12 students across Nevada in just field trips alone, ensuring each student left the museum doors with a positive and knowledgeable experience. After working with The Neon Museum, she continues to put these passions to use in her programming and daily interactions at the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. When she’s not working with children or families, she’s baking cookies for her six guinea pigs.

Maegan “Cloud” Osmond (they/she) has been involved with K-12 museum education for over 9 years. With a B.A. from Smith College in Art History, they have interned and worked at museums big and small across the United States. Through their research in their undergraduate education, they have taken a focus on how museums, mindfulness and education can provide for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Working at the Neon Museum in Las Vegas for the ‘24-’25 school year as the Education Coordinator they would take a focus creating, facilitating and improving STEAM education programming for the museum. This work continues to follow her in her current role as the Ford Learning Center Coordinator at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.