Amara Bedford, MA, ATR-P®
Self-Employed
Bemidji,MN
1
Certification
9
years of professional experience
Compassionate Art Therapist skilled in facilitating therapeutic art sessions that enhance mental health and emotional well-being. Designs and implements tailored treatment plans to meet diverse client needs while fostering collaboration and adapting to dynamic therapeutic landscapes.
Work History
Activity Facilitator
1 Year 7 Months- Spearheaded activities aimed at enhancing client relationships and promoting community integration to support adults with serious mental illness in achieving their highest potential.
- Implemented art therapy techniques for Hope House members as a Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P®) under guidance of ATR-BC® level supervisors.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to assess client needs and tailor services accordingly.
Mental Health Counselor
7 Months- Delivered individual mental health counseling to college students as a clinical trainee under supervision.
- Utilized art therapy methodologies during client sessions to promote therapeutic engagement and self-discovery.
- Served as a temporary emergency hire to cover leaves of absences at the Student Center for Health and Counseling.
Personal Care Assistant
7 Months- Facilitated daily living activities for individual with special needs, including feeding, medication management, hygiene, toileting, household chores, mobility, and transportation.
- Supported engagement of individual in various community and family gatherings to enhance social connections.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and dignity.
- Developed personalized care plans to meet individual client needs and preferences.
- Provided companionship and emotional support, enhancing overall client well-being.
Sales Associate
10 Months- Provided friendly service to customers. Enhanced visual displays to attract customer attention. Assisted in stockroom organization and inventory management. Operated cash register efficiently. Maintained cleanliness of the store environment. Managed multiple tasks in a dynamic setting.
- Provided exceptional customer service, enhancing overall shopping experience and fostering repeat business.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels and accurate product displays.
- Trained new team members on sales techniques and store policies to improve performance and efficiency.
Art Teacher
8 Months- Developed and led engaging art club activities for eight 3rd to 6th graders, emphasizing a new artistic element each week, including color theory, movement, perspective, and shading.
- Developed engaging art curriculum tailored to diverse student needs and skill levels.
- Fostered a creative learning environment that encouraged experimentation and self-expression among students.
Artist
7 Years 1 Month- Created diverse art pieces, including plein air landscapes and commissioned portraits, to enhance artistic representation of the Northwoods and personal memories. Displayed artwork in a solo exhibition titled 'Paintings by Amara Bedford: A Visual Celebration of Nature as Our Healer' at Macrostie Art Center's Emerging Artist Gallery in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2021. Participated in a group show 'Opening of Fleur de Lis Gallery with Mother & Daughter Duo Gillian and Amara Bedford' in 2021; featured in a radio interview discussing the art show on Area Voices of KAXE.
- Taught art classes to children and adults both independently and through Northern Artist's Association from 2021 to 2026.
- Sold artwork at Watermark Art Center and Macrostie Art Center.
Supported exhibitions by providing art for display. - Showcased and sold original artwork at Watermark Art Festival and Ken K. Thompson Art Day Festival, enhancing community engagement in the arts.
Educator
5 Months- Enhanced student understanding of Lenape Native American traditions through immersive education at a reconstructed village. Led up to 25 students in explorations across six educational stations, fostering interactive learning. Cultivated interest and knowledge in family life, hunting, fire-making, cooking, cordage, gardening, and games through hands-on participation.
- Facilitated hands-on nature programs to enhance student understanding of ecology.
Caregiver/Companion
3 Months- Oversaw daily exercise regimen for older adult to promote physical health. Coordinated personal care activities including bathing and dressing. Streamlined household management through assistance with laundry, dishwashing and grocery shopping. Administered cleaning tasks and meal preparation. Provided transportation and assistance for swimming excursions, doctor visits and recreational trips to Longwood Gardens.
- Engaged client in meaningful conversation to deliver emotional support and companionship.
Applied Behavior Technician
4 Months- Facilitated positive outcomes for child with autism spectrum disorder through effective application of behavioral methods. Achieved improved social and life skills in client by implementing a systematic support approach.
- Collaborated with family to reinforce behavioral strategies and ensure consistency at home.
- Implemented individualized behavior plans to support clients' developmental goals.
Life Enrichment Assistant
1 Year 6 Months- Coordinated activities for both independent and assisted living residents at Willamette View. Planned monthly events to enhance resident engagement. Communicated upcoming events to residents and assisted wheelchair-bound and dementia residents with transportation to activities. Participated in weekly care conference meetings, providing insights from a life enrichment perspective. Collaborated with the life enrichment team and art therapists to enhance resident experiences.
- Designed and implemented engaging activities that enhanced residents' quality of life.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to assess individual resident needs and preferences.
- Facilitated group sessions promoting social interaction and community engagement among residents.
Education
Master of Arts - Art Therapy/Counseling
- Completed 100 Practicum hours at Tierra Nueva Counseling Center in Santa Fe and Off Center Arts in Albuquerque.
- Completed 600 Internship hours at Willamette View in Portland, OR.
- 3.95 GPA
- Passed the National Counseling Exam in July 2020.
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
- Dean's List (Fall 2010, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013)
- Dean’s Scholarship Award, Scholarship Recipient
- 3.58 GPA
- cum laude
- Extracurricular Activities: Member of A Capella Group "The Never B Flats" (2010-2011); Volunteered to provide therapeutic art activities at Universal Institute, a traumatic brain injury center (August - October 2013)
Associate of Arts - Biology
Skills
Artistic techniques
Problem-solving abilities
Team collaboration
Interpersonal communication
Stress reduction
Cultural sensitivity
Emotional intelligence
Patience in interactions
Innovative thinking
Professional courtesy
Individual counseling
Professional boundaries
Certification
Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P®) is the provisional credential issued by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) to art therapists who have met the educational requirements but are still completing the supervised post-graduate clinical experience needed for the full Registered Art Therapist (ATR℠) credential
AWARDS
Dean’s List Spring 2013, Dean’s List Fall 2012, Dean’s List Spring 2012, Dean’s List Fall 2010, Dean’s Scholarship Award 2009, Academy of the New Church Girls School Science Award 2007
Timeline
Activity Facilitator
Hope House
02.2025 - CurrentRead More
Mental Health Counselor
Bemidji State University
09.2023 - 04.2024Read More
Personal Care Assistant
Accra Care
04.2022 - 11.2022Read More
Sales Associate
Patterson’s Clothing
06.2021 - 04.2022Read More
Art Teacher
Headwaters Music and Arts
09.2020 - 05.2021Read More
Educator
Churchville Nature Center
09.2019 - 02.2020Read More
Artist
Self-Employed
08.2019 - CurrentRead More
Caregiver/Companion
Elder Care
06.2019 - 09.2019Read More
Applied Behavior Technician
Centria Autism Services
02.2019 - 06.2019Read More
Life Enrichment Assistant
Willamette View
04.2017 - 10.2018Read More
Southwestern College
Master of Arts from Art Therapy/Counseling
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Bryn Athyn College
Bachelor of Arts from Psychology
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Bryn Athyn College
Associate of Arts from Biology
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