[Student Version] Queer Worldmaking in Art Therapy: Affirming Queer/Trans Lives Through Creative Practice

Kachina Mooney, MA, LPC, ATR-BC is a leader in the field of art therapy and counseling, dedicated to clinical practice, advocacy work, and fostering inclusivity and belonging. With her expertise in using art as a therapeutic tool, she has made significant contributions to the mental health, well-being, and resilience of diverse populations, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and asylum seekers. These contributions include facilitating individual, family, and group art therapy, and being a tireless advocate in the pursuit of the highest quality of care for her clients, and dedicating her time and practice to promoting meaning-making and personal transformation. Kachina’s leadership extends beyond her clinical expertise as she also serves as a clinical supervisor, art therapy educator, and strong advocate for an art therapy license in Pennsylvania, where she resides. The strategic vision and commitment that Kachina holds to ethical art therapy practices have earned her recognition as a leader in the community. Outside of the art therapy world, Kachina enjoys spending her days with her elder cats and partners in the Pittsburgh region. 

Sara Blevins-Ranes, MA, LPC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a queer art therapist based out of San Antonio, TX. Sara works with the LGBTQIA+ population and neurodiverse populations to assist with trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth. They are actively involved in the arts therapies community- co-authoring chapters and volunteering with both the Coalition for Queer Creative Arts Therapies, South Texas Art Therapy Association, the AATA mentoring program, and the Arts in Healing International Film Festival. 

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.