Clinical Staff Biographies
Martha C. Stitt, ATR-BC, LPCC, LICDC
As Clinical Program Coordinator I am responsible for writing contracts for art therapy
services that we provide to different agencies in the community, hiring and scheduling staff to
provide those services, and presenting programs for professionals and community groups on
art therapy. I also lead “Discover the Artist” classes at our studio at Ursuline ArtSpace, teach
graduate level art therapy classes and supervise students training to be art therapists.
EDUCATION:
Moore College of Art, Philadelphia, PA - BFA
Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, PA - MS in Art Therapy
Honorary Life Membership in the Buckeye Art Therapy Association
CLIENTS SERVED: I have worked with people who have been emotionally disturbed, in
psychiatric hospitals, chemically dependent, mentally retarded, medically ill with cancer or
other serious illnesses, people who need dialysis and organ transplants (kidney, heart, and
liver), elderly people, children who have been abused, neglected, and or have learning
problems, and many folks who just want to learn to paint and create art.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS?
When I am with individual clients I really focus on being there for them, to listen to what they
say, to soak up what is not being said, and to facilitate avenues for them to express
themselves in a safe and meaningful way so that they can begin to change their life in positive
ways.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: I majored in painting but completed almost as much work in
sculpture. Photography is also a strong interest.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU?
Art therapy is a wonderful way to allow people to begin to see the real world around them.
Whether you are learning to paint a landscape or you are expressing your feelings about
something that is really important to you, art lets people see things in a different way, which
often unlocks meaning that has been hidden from them. Being a part of this process with
another person is truly a privilege. Helping people reach their goals is a lot like planting a seed
and watching it grow into a mature flower or tree. You have to water it and tend to it as it
grows; then you realize that it is complete.
Denise Cooper, MA, ATR, 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 geriatric populations including well-senior and
day care groups. I also work with adults with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and
developmental disabilities.
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 Medical Center, focusing primarily on brain injury and stroke. I have experience
conducting both in and out patient individual and group sessions, open art studios, individual
sessions in both the studio and in patient rooms, and sessions which I co-treat with the
occupational therapist from each of my perspective units. I am responsible for completing
assessments on my clients and developing treatment goals and objectives. I am a
contributing member of an interdisciplinary team that rounds and reports on patient progress
and problems on a weekly basis.
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.
Molly O'Neill Haaga, MA, AT
EDUCATION:
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - M.A. in Art Therapy and Counseling
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA - B.S. in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: I currently facilitate Discover the Artist (DTA) sessions at the Fairhill
Center where I enjoy supporting clients in expressing themselves creatively through art
making. I also lead group art therapy sessions for clients with physical and cognitive
impairments including mental retardation, developmental disabilities, and cerebral palsy.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? In working with a diverse client
population, I believe it is necessary to use an integrative and eclectic therapeutic approach
where therapeutic techniques are designed around each client's unique interests, abilities,
and needs. I attempt to create a supportive therapeutic environment where clients are free to
use art making as an outlet for self-expression while exploring and enhancing their creative
abilities and emotional well-being. It is important to honor the creative process and I
encourage clients to look beyond the aesthetics of their artwork, placing primary value in the
overall creative experience.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: My own art making is centered on acrylic and watercolor
painting. I also like working with ceramics, mixed media collage, and photography.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? As an art therapist, I enjoy assisting clients in
learning how to use the art-making process as an alternative mode of communication,
personal exploration, and self-expression. Art therapy encourages spontaneity and open
exploration; sparking the creative mind and facilitating insight and growth. Supporting others
in this creative journey is a humbling and satisfying experience.
Annette Kent, MA, AT
EDUCATION:
Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, OH - Associate of Art
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH -BA in Psychology
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH-MA in Art Therapy and Counseling
CLIENTS SERVED: I currently work with adults who have cognitive and physical impairments.
This includes people with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. I
also work with youth in a residential setting who are temporarily in the foster care system
due to emotional and behavioral disturbances, mental illness, abuse or neglect. In addition, I
facilitate groups for women who have experienced abuse, trauma and addiction.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? When I work with clients I focus on
creating a safe and trusting relationship while providing a space that is comfortable and
flexible. I aim to empower clients to explore thoughts, feelings and sensations through
creativity. Attending to unique individual needs, supporting and encouraging clients to
experience themselves through self expression, self-reflection and healing are the goals for
my therapeutic work. I utilize art therapy interventions focusing on cognitive and emotional
expression in the here and now.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: My art expression has evolved over time, beginning with
pens and markers creating detailed abstract images and collage. I then spent time working
with clay and enjoy working on the potter’s wheel creating pieces that can be carved and
glazed. More recently I have been using mixed media, often recycled or found objects, to
create shrines and alters that express spirituality and feelings connected to my work with
clients. As I learn and grow I look forward to using different media and techniques.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? Art therapy has given me a chance to meld my two
loves, the arts and sciences. Both can work hand in hand to assist individuals to broaden their
views of self and to create works of art they never would have thought capable of
accomplishing.
Why is Art Therapy fulfilling to you? I believe art is a powerful non-threatening tool that aids in
facilitating self-expression and self- awareness. Art therapy allows me as a therapist to
invite my clients to participate in the art process and in doing so provide them with the
possibility to discover something they did not know before. Art therapy is a universal means
of expression through images rather than words which can be private or shared with others.
Art provides distance, choices, and uniqueness that empowers clients to pace themselves
and express themselves in their own time and in their own way.
Susan Michelson, MA, ATR
EDUCATION:
Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH - BFA
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - MA in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: I work at the studio at Fairhill Center where I provide individual therapeutic
sessions with children and adolescents who have experienced emotional and/or behavioral
dysfunction. Painting, drawing and poetry are just a few of the creative media that helps
provide an outlet for personal expression in a safe, non-threatening and non-judgmental
space. I also see children at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. I provide a wide variety of
art material and art related projects for seriously ill children in the Pediatric Oncology &
Hemotology Department. The children, both in-patient and out-patient, range in age from 3-19
years old. Therapeutic art activities are geared to each child’s age and physical ability.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS?
I provide expressive art therapy with challenged youth using an individualized therapeutic
multimodal approach tailored to each child’s needs. We work as a “team” to explore and
develop ways to modify negative thoughts and reactions into positive appropriate behavior
patterns.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: Fine art photography, painting, drawing, collage and
enameling.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? There is no greater satisfaction for me than to
accompany a child on their creative journey to a place where self-esteem and resilience can
thrive.
Rosalia Rozsahegyi, MA, LPAT, ATR-BC
EDUCATION:
John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH - BS in Psychology
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - MA in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: Currently I work with adults afflicted by with Cerebral Palsy and MRDD
seniors. I also look forward to facilitating groups with adults as part of the Corporate Lunch-
time Relaxation Workshop and children’s art groups.
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.
Martha C. Stitt, ATR-BC, LPCC, LICDC
As Clinical Program Coordinator I am responsible for writing contracts for art therapy
services that we provide to different agencies in the community, hiring and scheduling staff to
provide those services, and presenting programs for professionals and community groups on
art therapy. I also lead “Discover the Artist” classes at our studio at Ursuline ArtSpace, teach
graduate level art therapy classes and supervise students training to be art therapists.
EDUCATION:
Moore College of Art, Philadelphia, PA - BFA
Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, PA - MS in Art Therapy
Honorary Life Membership in the Buckeye Art Therapy Association
CLIENTS SERVED: I have worked with people who have been emotionally disturbed, in
psychiatric hospitals, chemically dependent, mentally retarded, medically ill with cancer or
other serious illnesses, people who need dialysis and organ transplants (kidney, heart, and
liver), elderly people, children who have been abused, neglected, and or have learning
problems, and many folks who just want to learn to paint and create art.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS?
When I am with individual clients I really focus on being there for them, to listen to what they
say, to soak up what is not being said, and to facilitate avenues for them to express
themselves in a safe and meaningful way so that they can begin to change their life in positive
ways.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: I majored in painting but completed almost as much work in
sculpture. Photography is also a strong interest.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU?
Art therapy is a wonderful way to allow people to begin to see the real world around them.
Whether you are learning to paint a landscape or you are expressing your feelings about
something that is really important to you, art lets people see things in a different way, which
often unlocks meaning that has been hidden from them. Being a part of this process with
another person is truly a privilege. Helping people reach their goals is a lot like planting a seed
and watching it grow into a mature flower or tree. You have to water it and tend to it as it
grows; then you realize that it is complete.
Denise Cooper, MA, ATR, 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 geriatric populations including well-senior and
day care groups. I also work with adults with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and
developmental disabilities.
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 Medical Center, focusing primarily on brain injury and stroke. I have experience
conducting both in and out patient individual and group sessions, open art studios, individual
sessions in both the studio and in patient rooms, and sessions which I co-treat with the
occupational therapist from each of my perspective units. I am responsible for completing
assessments on my clients and developing treatment goals and objectives. I am a
contributing member of an interdisciplinary team that rounds and reports on patient progress
and problems on a weekly basis.
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.
Molly O'Neill Haaga, MA, AT
EDUCATION:
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - M.A. in Art Therapy and Counseling
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA - B.S. in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: I currently facilitate Discover the Artist (DTA) sessions at the Fairhill
Center where I enjoy supporting clients in expressing themselves creatively through art
making. I also lead group art therapy sessions for clients with physical and cognitive
impairments including mental retardation, developmental disabilities, and cerebral palsy.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? In working with a diverse client
population, I believe it is necessary to use an integrative and eclectic therapeutic approach
where therapeutic techniques are designed around each client's unique interests, abilities,
and needs. I attempt to create a supportive therapeutic environment where clients are free to
use art making as an outlet for self-expression while exploring and enhancing their creative
abilities and emotional well-being. It is important to honor the creative process and I
encourage clients to look beyond the aesthetics of their artwork, placing primary value in the
overall creative experience.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: My own art making is centered on acrylic and watercolor
painting. I also like working with ceramics, mixed media collage, and photography.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? As an art therapist, I enjoy assisting clients in
learning how to use the art-making process as an alternative mode of communication,
personal exploration, and self-expression. Art therapy encourages spontaneity and open
exploration; sparking the creative mind and facilitating insight and growth. Supporting others
in this creative journey is a humbling and satisfying experience.
Annette Kent, MA, AT
EDUCATION:
Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, OH - Associate of Art
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH -BA in Psychology
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH-MA in Art Therapy and Counseling
CLIENTS SERVED: I currently work with adults who have cognitive and physical impairments.
This includes people with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities. I
also work with youth in a residential setting who are temporarily in the foster care system
due to emotional and behavioral disturbances, mental illness, abuse or neglect. In addition, I
facilitate groups for women who have experienced abuse, trauma and addiction.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS? When I work with clients I focus on
creating a safe and trusting relationship while providing a space that is comfortable and
flexible. I aim to empower clients to explore thoughts, feelings and sensations through
creativity. Attending to unique individual needs, supporting and encouraging clients to
experience themselves through self expression, self-reflection and healing are the goals for
my therapeutic work. I utilize art therapy interventions focusing on cognitive and emotional
expression in the here and now.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: My art expression has evolved over time, beginning with
pens and markers creating detailed abstract images and collage. I then spent time working
with clay and enjoy working on the potter’s wheel creating pieces that can be carved and
glazed. More recently I have been using mixed media, often recycled or found objects, to
create shrines and alters that express spirituality and feelings connected to my work with
clients. As I learn and grow I look forward to using different media and techniques.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? Art therapy has given me a chance to meld my two
loves, the arts and sciences. Both can work hand in hand to assist individuals to broaden their
views of self and to create works of art they never would have thought capable of
accomplishing.
Why is Art Therapy fulfilling to you? I believe art is a powerful non-threatening tool that aids in
facilitating self-expression and self- awareness. Art therapy allows me as a therapist to
invite my clients to participate in the art process and in doing so provide them with the
possibility to discover something they did not know before. Art therapy is a universal means
of expression through images rather than words which can be private or shared with others.
Art provides distance, choices, and uniqueness that empowers clients to pace themselves
and express themselves in their own time and in their own way.
Susan Michelson, MA, ATR
EDUCATION:
Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH - BFA
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - MA in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: I work at the studio at Fairhill Center where I provide individual therapeutic
sessions with children and adolescents who have experienced emotional and/or behavioral
dysfunction. Painting, drawing and poetry are just a few of the creative media that helps
provide an outlet for personal expression in a safe, non-threatening and non-judgmental
space. I also see children at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. I provide a wide variety of
art material and art related projects for seriously ill children in the Pediatric Oncology &
Hemotology Department. The children, both in-patient and out-patient, range in age from 3-19
years old. Therapeutic art activities are geared to each child’s age and physical ability.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH WORKING WITH CLIENTS?
I provide expressive art therapy with challenged youth using an individualized therapeutic
multimodal approach tailored to each child’s needs. We work as a “team” to explore and
develop ways to modify negative thoughts and reactions into positive appropriate behavior
patterns.
FAVORITE MEDIA OR SPECIALTY: Fine art photography, painting, drawing, collage and
enameling.
WHY IS ART THERAPY FULFILLING TO YOU? There is no greater satisfaction for me than to
accompany a child on their creative journey to a place where self-esteem and resilience can
thrive.
Rosalia Rozsahegyi, MA, LPAT, ATR-BC
EDUCATION:
John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH - BS in Psychology
Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH - MA in Art Therapy
CLIENTS SERVED: Currently I work with adults afflicted by with Cerebral Palsy and MRDD
seniors. I also look forward to facilitating groups with adults as part of the Corporate Lunch-
time Relaxation Workshop and children’s art groups.
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.
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ART
THERAPY
STUDIO
THERAPY
STUDIO
| STAFF BIOGRAPHIES |
| 12200 Fairhill Road Cleveland, OH 44120 216.791.9303 |
SINCE 1967
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