Dana is a licensed and board certified art therapist, and holds Masters degrees in both Art Therapy and Social Work. She has over ten years of clinical experience working in outpatient mental health clinics, schools, homes, and hospitals. Prior to joining New York Creative Arts Therapists, Dana was the Senior Trauma Therapist at The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, where she provided trauma therapy to children, adolescents, and caregivers. In this role, Dana also facilitated crisis debriefing sessions with social service workers to support them with work-related stress, vicarious trauma, and bereavement.
Dana is endlessly fascinated with learning about new therapeutic approaches. She has sought ongoing training at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Theory and Training, Ackerman Family Institute, and in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her broad expertise and experience allows her to work flexibly with her clients based on their individual needs. Fundamental to her clinical work is the belief that everyone has the ability to heal, and to find their creative voice. By using art making, play, and talk, Dana provides a safe environment for clients to explore their deepest fears and conflicts. These creative interventions allow to make meaning of life experiences, discover strengths, and find a sense of peace.
As a trained social worker, Dana encourages conversation that explores social location such as race, ethnicity, class, religion, gender, and sexuality. In her own art, Dana creates large scale watercolor paintings and occasional clay sculptures inspired by dreams, music, and nature.