Staff Biographies
Karen B. Peterson, MA
Executive Director
EDUCATION
Miami University, Oxford, OH – BS Business Management: Organizational Behavior
Antioch University McGregor, Yellow Springs, OH – MA Humanities
Karen Peterson earned her undergraduate degree in Business Management: Organizational
Behavior which provided a solid business background combined with liberal arts classes
such as communications and psychology. Her work experience includes a variety of non-
profit groups from large national organizations to smaller local agencies. She began her
career in Special Events and Fundraising for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in North
Carolina, moved on to being a Regional Manager for the American Heart Association in Los
Angeles, and later in Development and Community Relations for the Lake Erie Nature and
Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
Peterson has also served in a variety of volunteer roles from Hospice respite care to Board
President for Heartbeats, a group that supports self-sufficiency for women and third world
artists through fair trade. She has earned her Master’s Degree in a self-designed program
focusing on Spirituality where she studied the use of creativity and rituals for transformation
and healing. She is currently in her 6th year as the Executive Director for the Art Therapy
Studio in Cleveland, Ohio where she enjoys being in the intersection of art and healthcare.
Denise Cooper, MA, ATR-BC, PC
EDUCATION:
Kent State University, Kent, OH - BFA; Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - MA in Art Therapy
and Counseling
CLIENTS SERVED: I am currently working with intellectually and developmentally delayed
populations as well as clients who have physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy. I also
work with clients with spinal cord injuries at the VA Hospital, Cleveland. I facilitate “Discover
the Artist Within You” classes at our studio at River’s Edge on Rocky River Drive where my
“students” have become quite the watercolor artists!
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? I work at accentuating the positive and
focus on the strengths of the client. One goal is to help the client recognize and appreciate
their own creativity.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: I specialized in printmaking and did research with art
therapy and printmaking. I believe drawing is an important basic and I am especially drawn to
the figure. Lately I have been working on collage and mixed media.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? Creating art is universally appealing. Even people
who feel limited in any capacity are given an opportunity and outlet to express themselves
through their own creative process. As an art therapist I am dedicated to this ideal and
healing method. To be able to offer this to people is satisfying and meaningful. Sharing
peoples’ lives through art encourages my personal and creative growth as well.
Kim Gazella, MA, ATR
EDUCATION:
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH - BA in Art Therapy; Cleveland Institute of Art,
Cleveland, OH - Foundation Program; Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - MA in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: I work with the in-patient rehab population at the Art Studio located at
MetroHealth, focusing primarily on brain injury and stroke. I have experience conducting in
and out patient individual and group sessions, open art studios, individual sessions in the
studio and in patient rooms. I am responsible for completing assessments on my clients and
developing treatment goals and objectives.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? I approach my clients in a non-
threatening and “non-medical” manner. I give them an opportunity to make choices and have
a little bit of control in an environment where everything else is determined for them. I provide
them with an outlet for personal expression and instill a sense of mastery with success
oriented therapeutic art tasks.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: Contour line drawing with watercolor washes, silk painting
and design.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? I love art and have done so for as long as I can
remember. It is such an awesome experience to be able to share something that is such a big
part of me with others and to help them in the process. To see a sense of pride and
accomplishment in someone who doubted not only their ability but also doubted themselves,
to see a spark of life, or hope in the eyes of someone who is depressed or at a loss for
happiness, to see the “person” behind the patient is the ultimate reward.
Lynn C. Lee
Office Manager
WHAT DO YOU DO AT THE ART THERAPY STUDIO? Every day is different! I answer the
phones and handle administrative functions related to billing, fundraising, scheduling, and
class registrations. I designed and maintain the website and database as well.
WHY IS WORKING AT AN ART THERAPY ORGANIZATION FULFILLING TO YOU? I believe in the
importance of art in people's lives and see first-hand how it therapeutically helps so many
people who have no other outlet. I find the process of art therapy fascinating.
WHAT HAS KEPT YOU HERE 18 YEARS? I enjoy being in a creative atmosphere and getting to
know our clients and seeing their artwork--especially when it is displayed in our gallery. I love
to visit the classes to see what everyone is working on. Our clients inspire me because of
how creative and dedicated they are! I have signed up for several “Discover the Artist Within
You” classes myself! I like to create art and enjoy being around other “aspiring artists” to get
my own creative juices flowing. Sometimes we all need a little guidance to get where we
want to be!
Linda S. Merriam, MAA
Business Development Specialist
EDUCATION
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH - Bachelor of Music Performance,
Business Minor
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI - Master of Arts in
Arts Administration
Linda Merriam is responsible for generating business for Art therapy Studio’s therapeutic
arts programs among healthcare organizations, social service organizations, and
corporations. She brings a mix of marketing and management experience from for profit and
non-profit organizations.
Linda earned her Bachelor of Music degree with a minor in business from Bowling Green
State University and her Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. She began her career as Business Manager for
Syracuse Stage in Syracuse, New York then moved back to Cleveland, her home town, to
work in the business office for The Cleveland Orchestra. She moved on to become Director of
Marketing for Playhouse Square Foundation, Marketing Director for Live Publishing Company
and later served as a Marketing Manager for The Cleveland Orchestra.
Linda is also involved in a variety of volunteer activities. She is currently a board member for
Inlet Dance Theatre and has served on the board for Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio
including one year as Vice Chairman-Development. She enjoys her current position in which
she can combine her marketing experience with her love of the arts to help people.
Rosalia Rozsahegyi, MA, ATR-BC
EDUCATION:
John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH - BS in Psychology
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - MA in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: The Art Therapy Studio at Fairhill provides various studio art classes for
the community including painting and ceramics classes as part of our "Discover the Artist"
program. I facilitate most of these classes and I am also available for individual counseling. I
serve those with Developmental Disabilities from Brooklyn Adult Activities Center. At the
Cleveland Clinic, I provide art therapy services for children and adolescents with cancer and
blood disorders. Other contract work has included serving clients at New Directions, a
chemical dependency program, and at Taussig Cancer Center where I worked with clients to
help them create art while receiving their treatment.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? It is my belief that everyone has the
potential to tap into a “Creative Self” which can transform emotional energy into creative
passion. Each person is different and my challenge is to find out how to bring about this
transformation. Creating a safe place is essential, and I may explore a mind, body and
spiritual connection through artistic media as well as other techniques suited for “being in the
moment.” The focus thus is on the process.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: I particularly enjoy painting portraits and plein air painting
using oils and pastels.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? I find art therapy fulfilling primarily because it can
take a person in any direction depending on the individuals needs. Seeing someone get
excited about an art project is satisfying enough, but art therapy can offer so much more. An
individual can use the art process to sidestep the ego, and tap into a self from which they can
attain guidance and wisdom. As an art therapist, I enjoy taking people down the path of self
discovery. The art not only provides a physical frame of reference whereby one can relate to
an individual, but also asserts each persons unique and creative voice.
Jennifer Schwartz Wright, MAAT, ATR-BC
Program Manager
EDUCATION:
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - BA in Studio Art and Psychology
Vermont College of Norwich University, Montpelier, VT - Master of Arts in Art Therapy
As the Program Manager, Jennifer oversees all the clinical services that Art Therapy Studio
art therapists provide, provides art therapy services for a variety of clients, and spearheads
Employee Wellness programs. Collaborating with our Business Development Specialist,she
helps develop new programs in agencies whose clients could benefit from the enriching and
healing effects of art therapy.
CLIENTS SERVED: I have worked closely with urban-dwelling medically ill people facing renal
failure, cancer, stroke, HIV, chronic pain, hypertension, developmental disabilities, amputation
and organ transplant. In art therapy I have helped people navigate the challenges of
depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, and find healthy ways of coping through art. I am a
mentor for art therapy graduate students, and in supervision help them to understand their
clinical experiences and developing skills through art making.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS?
I have always used a studio-based approach, knowing that the process of art making holds
many health benefits. I have a “Fresh Fruit Philosophy.” Art making is like fresh fruit: it
reconnects us with our senses, replenishes our feel-good brain chemicals, helps us feel
stronger and more effective, and also helps us better see what’s inside. My job as an art
therapist is to attend carefully to the artist(s), discover their unique needs, skills and
interests, and tailor everything I offer towards helping them have a successful and meaningful
art experience that they can own.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: I majored in painting and printmaking, but I am always
seeking new experiences and challenges in art. I really love mixed media and collage, and
also the soft and tactile fiber arts.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU?
Art therapy celebrates the uniqueness of each person and brings out the best in people. This
process is incredibly joyful and is full of new adventures. Art therapy sees the value in life’s
struggles. In it, we learn to see things as they are, attune to beauty and the metaphors in our
lives, approach problems in new ways, and make changes in our art and in ourselves. My
world view has expanded tremendously and I have gleaned much wisdom as I have been
witness to the stories and expressions of my artists. Being an art therapist has allowed me
to help people from all walks of life access their creativity and transform themselves using
simple, everyday materials. Every day, I exercise my creativity in the service of others, and
help grow the reach of art therapists in our region.
Kate Strazisar, ATR-BC, LSW
EDUCATION:
University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio-BS in Art Education
Kent State University, Kent, Ohio-MA in Education
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, Ohio-MA in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: As an art educator and art therapist, I currently lead “Discover the Artist
Within You” classes at our studio at Ursuline ArtSpace. At Fairhill I lead an art group for those
with Multiple Sclerosis and facilitate a group for adult clients through United Cerebral Palsy.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? I believe that clients are innately
creative and can develop healthy solutions for solving challenges in their lives when they are
supported in a safe, positive environment that encourages them to express their feelings, to
develop stronger coping skills, and to engage in creative problem solving.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: As a fiber artist I have always been fascinated with color
and design. I also enjoy making many crafts and combining media to create assemblages.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? I have loved art since I was a child and have
always been fascinated by both psychology and the creative process. I enjoy sharing my love
of art with others. It is rewarding to help clients develop their creativity and to support them
on their journeys of self discovery, growth, and healing.
Karen B. Peterson, MA
Executive Director
EDUCATION
Miami University, Oxford, OH – BS Business Management: Organizational Behavior
Antioch University McGregor, Yellow Springs, OH – MA Humanities
Karen Peterson earned her undergraduate degree in Business Management: Organizational
Behavior which provided a solid business background combined with liberal arts classes
such as communications and psychology. Her work experience includes a variety of non-
profit groups from large national organizations to smaller local agencies. She began her
career in Special Events and Fundraising for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in North
Carolina, moved on to being a Regional Manager for the American Heart Association in Los
Angeles, and later in Development and Community Relations for the Lake Erie Nature and
Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
Peterson has also served in a variety of volunteer roles from Hospice respite care to Board
President for Heartbeats, a group that supports self-sufficiency for women and third world
artists through fair trade. She has earned her Master’s Degree in a self-designed program
focusing on Spirituality where she studied the use of creativity and rituals for transformation
and healing. She is currently in her 6th year as the Executive Director for the Art Therapy
Studio in Cleveland, Ohio where she enjoys being in the intersection of art and healthcare.
Denise Cooper, MA, ATR-BC, PC
EDUCATION:
Kent State University, Kent, OH - BFA; Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - MA in Art Therapy
and Counseling
CLIENTS SERVED: I am currently working with intellectually and developmentally delayed
populations as well as clients who have physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy. I also
work with clients with spinal cord injuries at the VA Hospital, Cleveland. I facilitate “Discover
the Artist Within You” classes at our studio at River’s Edge on Rocky River Drive where my
“students” have become quite the watercolor artists!
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? I work at accentuating the positive and
focus on the strengths of the client. One goal is to help the client recognize and appreciate
their own creativity.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: I specialized in printmaking and did research with art
therapy and printmaking. I believe drawing is an important basic and I am especially drawn to
the figure. Lately I have been working on collage and mixed media.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? Creating art is universally appealing. Even people
who feel limited in any capacity are given an opportunity and outlet to express themselves
through their own creative process. As an art therapist I am dedicated to this ideal and
healing method. To be able to offer this to people is satisfying and meaningful. Sharing
peoples’ lives through art encourages my personal and creative growth as well.
Kim Gazella, MA, ATR
EDUCATION:
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH - BA in Art Therapy; Cleveland Institute of Art,
Cleveland, OH - Foundation Program; Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - MA in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: I work with the in-patient rehab population at the Art Studio located at
MetroHealth, focusing primarily on brain injury and stroke. I have experience conducting in
and out patient individual and group sessions, open art studios, individual sessions in the
studio and in patient rooms. I am responsible for completing assessments on my clients and
developing treatment goals and objectives.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? I approach my clients in a non-
threatening and “non-medical” manner. I give them an opportunity to make choices and have
a little bit of control in an environment where everything else is determined for them. I provide
them with an outlet for personal expression and instill a sense of mastery with success
oriented therapeutic art tasks.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: Contour line drawing with watercolor washes, silk painting
and design.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? I love art and have done so for as long as I can
remember. It is such an awesome experience to be able to share something that is such a big
part of me with others and to help them in the process. To see a sense of pride and
accomplishment in someone who doubted not only their ability but also doubted themselves,
to see a spark of life, or hope in the eyes of someone who is depressed or at a loss for
happiness, to see the “person” behind the patient is the ultimate reward.
Lynn C. Lee
Office Manager
WHAT DO YOU DO AT THE ART THERAPY STUDIO? Every day is different! I answer the
phones and handle administrative functions related to billing, fundraising, scheduling, and
class registrations. I designed and maintain the website and database as well.
WHY IS WORKING AT AN ART THERAPY ORGANIZATION FULFILLING TO YOU? I believe in the
importance of art in people's lives and see first-hand how it therapeutically helps so many
people who have no other outlet. I find the process of art therapy fascinating.
WHAT HAS KEPT YOU HERE 18 YEARS? I enjoy being in a creative atmosphere and getting to
know our clients and seeing their artwork--especially when it is displayed in our gallery. I love
to visit the classes to see what everyone is working on. Our clients inspire me because of
how creative and dedicated they are! I have signed up for several “Discover the Artist Within
You” classes myself! I like to create art and enjoy being around other “aspiring artists” to get
my own creative juices flowing. Sometimes we all need a little guidance to get where we
want to be!
Linda S. Merriam, MAA
Business Development Specialist
EDUCATION
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH - Bachelor of Music Performance,
Business Minor
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI - Master of Arts in
Arts Administration
Linda Merriam is responsible for generating business for Art therapy Studio’s therapeutic
arts programs among healthcare organizations, social service organizations, and
corporations. She brings a mix of marketing and management experience from for profit and
non-profit organizations.
Linda earned her Bachelor of Music degree with a minor in business from Bowling Green
State University and her Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. She began her career as Business Manager for
Syracuse Stage in Syracuse, New York then moved back to Cleveland, her home town, to
work in the business office for The Cleveland Orchestra. She moved on to become Director of
Marketing for Playhouse Square Foundation, Marketing Director for Live Publishing Company
and later served as a Marketing Manager for The Cleveland Orchestra.
Linda is also involved in a variety of volunteer activities. She is currently a board member for
Inlet Dance Theatre and has served on the board for Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio
including one year as Vice Chairman-Development. She enjoys her current position in which
she can combine her marketing experience with her love of the arts to help people.
Rosalia Rozsahegyi, MA, ATR-BC
EDUCATION:
John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH - BS in Psychology
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - MA in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: The Art Therapy Studio at Fairhill provides various studio art classes for
the community including painting and ceramics classes as part of our "Discover the Artist"
program. I facilitate most of these classes and I am also available for individual counseling. I
serve those with Developmental Disabilities from Brooklyn Adult Activities Center. At the
Cleveland Clinic, I provide art therapy services for children and adolescents with cancer and
blood disorders. Other contract work has included serving clients at New Directions, a
chemical dependency program, and at Taussig Cancer Center where I worked with clients to
help them create art while receiving their treatment.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? It is my belief that everyone has the
potential to tap into a “Creative Self” which can transform emotional energy into creative
passion. Each person is different and my challenge is to find out how to bring about this
transformation. Creating a safe place is essential, and I may explore a mind, body and
spiritual connection through artistic media as well as other techniques suited for “being in the
moment.” The focus thus is on the process.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: I particularly enjoy painting portraits and plein air painting
using oils and pastels.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? I find art therapy fulfilling primarily because it can
take a person in any direction depending on the individuals needs. Seeing someone get
excited about an art project is satisfying enough, but art therapy can offer so much more. An
individual can use the art process to sidestep the ego, and tap into a self from which they can
attain guidance and wisdom. As an art therapist, I enjoy taking people down the path of self
discovery. The art not only provides a physical frame of reference whereby one can relate to
an individual, but also asserts each persons unique and creative voice.
Jennifer Schwartz Wright, MAAT, ATR-BC
Program Manager
EDUCATION:
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - BA in Studio Art and Psychology
Vermont College of Norwich University, Montpelier, VT - Master of Arts in Art Therapy
As the Program Manager, Jennifer oversees all the clinical services that Art Therapy Studio
art therapists provide, provides art therapy services for a variety of clients, and spearheads
Employee Wellness programs. Collaborating with our Business Development Specialist,she
helps develop new programs in agencies whose clients could benefit from the enriching and
healing effects of art therapy.
CLIENTS SERVED: I have worked closely with urban-dwelling medically ill people facing renal
failure, cancer, stroke, HIV, chronic pain, hypertension, developmental disabilities, amputation
and organ transplant. In art therapy I have helped people navigate the challenges of
depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, and find healthy ways of coping through art. I am a
mentor for art therapy graduate students, and in supervision help them to understand their
clinical experiences and developing skills through art making.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS?
I have always used a studio-based approach, knowing that the process of art making holds
many health benefits. I have a “Fresh Fruit Philosophy.” Art making is like fresh fruit: it
reconnects us with our senses, replenishes our feel-good brain chemicals, helps us feel
stronger and more effective, and also helps us better see what’s inside. My job as an art
therapist is to attend carefully to the artist(s), discover their unique needs, skills and
interests, and tailor everything I offer towards helping them have a successful and meaningful
art experience that they can own.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: I majored in painting and printmaking, but I am always
seeking new experiences and challenges in art. I really love mixed media and collage, and
also the soft and tactile fiber arts.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU?
Art therapy celebrates the uniqueness of each person and brings out the best in people. This
process is incredibly joyful and is full of new adventures. Art therapy sees the value in life’s
struggles. In it, we learn to see things as they are, attune to beauty and the metaphors in our
lives, approach problems in new ways, and make changes in our art and in ourselves. My
world view has expanded tremendously and I have gleaned much wisdom as I have been
witness to the stories and expressions of my artists. Being an art therapist has allowed me
to help people from all walks of life access their creativity and transform themselves using
simple, everyday materials. Every day, I exercise my creativity in the service of others, and
help grow the reach of art therapists in our region.
Kate Strazisar, ATR-BC, LSW
EDUCATION:
University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio-BS in Art Education
Kent State University, Kent, Ohio-MA in Education
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, Ohio-MA in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: As an art educator and art therapist, I currently lead “Discover the Artist
Within You” classes at our studio at Ursuline ArtSpace. At Fairhill I lead an art group for those
with Multiple Sclerosis and facilitate a group for adult clients through United Cerebral Palsy.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? I believe that clients are innately
creative and can develop healthy solutions for solving challenges in their lives when they are
supported in a safe, positive environment that encourages them to express their feelings, to
develop stronger coping skills, and to engage in creative problem solving.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: As a fiber artist I have always been fascinated with color
and design. I also enjoy making many crafts and combining media to create assemblages.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? I have loved art since I was a child and have
always been fascinated by both psychology and the creative process. I enjoy sharing my love
of art with others. It is rewarding to help clients develop their creativity and to support them
on their journeys of self discovery, growth, and healing.
| All rights reserved. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
ART
THERAPY
STUDIO
THERAPY
STUDIO
| STAFF BIOGRAPHIES |
| 12200 Fairhill Road Cleveland, OH 44120 216.791.9303 |
SINCE 1967
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
