Maria studied biology, illustration, sculpting and psychology through her career as a student. Her varied interests and passions led to a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a heavy influence in Art Therapy. Maria’s work experience has included working as the interim Art Therapist for Esther B. Clark School, a Case Manager and Intake Coordinator for a Psychiatric Hospital, Art Group Leader for a nonprofit program aiding the homeless needing mental health assistance and a nonprofit aiding underprivileged families in the San Jose area. The opportunity of being able to work with various age groups and demographics has been a beneficial learning experience. The influence of both science and art gives the inner thoughts an opportunity to speak through expressive form for so many.
There are many people that are talented in art, but art is more than the finished product. Art can come from anything. It is the experience of making the art, and putting words and imagination into non verbal expression. You just have to try. Come to Maria’s office and color sometime for a quick break. 🙂
Education
- MA in Psychology, NDNU for MFT and Art Therapy
- BA in Psychology, San Jose State University
- AS in psychology, AA in Sculpting, DeAnza
Licenses
- ATR 18-093, AMFT 99952
- SMBN 56202
Professional Affiliations
- CAMFT, NorCATA, AATA
Languages
- Vietnamese
- Conversational Spanish
Recent Presentations
- Working with the Art media spectrum and age groups in a psychiatric hospital
- Kaleidoscope study of Coloring Mandalas versus Digital Animation
Publications
- Kaleidoscope study of Coloring Mandalas versus Digital Animation
