Conly Basham
New York,NY
Summary
Arts-based practitioner with a background in expressive arts teaching, restorative justice facilitation, and youth program coordination. Combines creative instruction, compassionate communication, and student-centered support to guide learning, connection, and personal development.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Professor
Winnipeg Holistic Expressive Arts Institute
Winnipeg, Manitoba
09.2021 - Current
- Delivers remote and in person expressive arts lectures for Winnipeg Holistic Expressive Arts Institute students.
- Delivers course lectures in-person and online, enhancing accessibility for diverse learners.
- Designs holistic curriculum aligned with institute wellness and creativity goals.
- Facilitates arts-based workshops integrating music, movement, and visual expression to foster creativity and personal growth.
- Mentors learners through personal growth and artistic development.
- Guides group dialogue on healing, self-awareness, and creative practice.
- Collaborates with institute staff on program planning and course delivery.
- Maintains inclusive classroom spaces supporting diverse artistic expression.
- Provides academic guidance on issues and career paths, supporting students' educational journeys and aspirations.
Youth Cordinator
Land of Sky United Church of Christ
Asheville, North Carolina
02.2025 - 08.2026
- Coordinated youth ministry programs to advance mission of Land of Sky United Church of Christ.
- Planned weekly gatherings, retreats, and faith formation activities for youth groups.
- Shared schedules, updates, and needs with parents, volunteers, and church staff.
- Recruited and trained volunteers to enhance youth events, lessons, and service projects.
Teaching Artist & Creative Assistant
The Yip Harburg Foundation
NYC
03.2014 - 01.2024
- Developed original content by integrating traditional musical theater materials with contemporary works, enhancing student engagement and artistic expression.
- Taught musical theater, team building, and leadership skills, fostering creativity and collaboration among Lower East Side High School students.
- Taught songwriting activities inspired by Yip Harburg lyrics and musical theater themes.
- Designed arts lessons for foundation education programs and community workshops.
- Facilitated interactive group discussions around music, poetry, and social justice.
Restorative Justice Faciliator
The Ahimsa Collective
Berkeley, California
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Worked inside prisons and in community, fostering restorative practices through in-person and remote engagement.
- Led restorative circles for participants navigating conflict and harm.
- Guided mediation sessions using calm, compassionate communication.
- Supported participants through active listening and de-escalation.
- Established a safe environment for participants to share their thoughts comfortably. for participants to express their opinions without fear of judgment or criticism.
- Designed group activities supporting healing-centered learning spaces.
- Facilitated workshops that empowered teams to create actionable strategies for organizational goals.
MFT Clinical Trainee
YMCA of the East Bay, West Contra County Branch & BACR- Bay Area Community Resources
Richmond
08.2018 - 01.2020
- Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Clinical Trainee working with high schoolers, family, teachers, and other care providers within Kennedy High School through the Y-Team. Conducted one-on-one and family therapy sessions, addressing diverse needs of medical and non-medical clients. Facilitated groups focused on social engagement, life transitions, adaptation for newcomers to the United States, and building self-esteem. Applied strengths-based, trauma-informed, and arts-based therapy techniques in case management. Onsite supervision, trainings on multiple subjects and modalities pertaining to youth and family services in the West Contra County and Bay Area, with Medical paperwork and billing experience.
- Supervised daily activities for participants at YMCA West Contra Costa Branch and BACR youth programs.
- Tracked attendance and managed check-in routines to streamline program operations.
- Facilitated recreational activities that promoted community engagement and aligned with YMCA program objectives.
Education
MA - Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy
California Institute of Integral Studies
San Francisco, CA05-2019
BA - Theatre Arts
University of Arkansas At Little Rock
Litte Rock, ArkansasCAGS/PhD Canidate - Expressive Arts
CAGS/PhD Canidate
Saas Fee, SwitzerlandSkills
- Curriculum design
- Course delivery
- Creative teaching
- Lesson planning
- Workshop facilitation techniques
- Experiential learning methods
- Creative arts integration
- Arts-based research
- Inclusive learning
- Student-centered learning
- Student motivation
- Student advising
- Cross-cultural communication
- Community outreach
VOLUNTEER & OTHER EXPERIENCE
- VocalEase, Musical Outreach, NYC, 2010-03, 2015-08, Performed as a member of this non-profit, volunteer organization in NYC providing musical outreach performances in residential and rehab facilities primarily for elders.
- Teaching Artist, CA, NYC, AR, Cultivated and maintained a personal network over the course of a lifetime, particularly when living in NYC for 10+ years. Utilizing professional training and connections as a professional performer and teaching artist.
- Actor, Vocalist, and Songwriter, CA, NYC, AR, Community, regional, and professional experience as a performing artist and creative over the course of 4 decades. Member of the Actors Equity Union.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
With ongoing education and training in counseling psychology and a background in theatre arts, Conly has diverse experiences and capabilities as a therapist, group leader, teaching artist, performer, and caregiver. Extensive therapeutic training as an expressive arts and drama therapist, and in utilizing intermodal arts exploration. Trauma-informed, strengths building, and person-centered approaches with individuals- particularly with young people of all ages. Group facilitation skills include utilizing arts interventions, narrative therapy techniques, family systems theory, ritual creation, and community building. Learning differences and Neurodivergent paradigm experienced.
Timeline
Youth Cordinator
Land of Sky United Church of Christ
02.2025 - 08.2026
Professor
Winnipeg Holistic Expressive Arts Institute
09.2021 - Current
MFT Clinical Trainee
YMCA of the East Bay, West Contra County Branch & BACR- Bay Area Community Resources
08.2018 - 01.2020
Restorative Justice Faciliator
The Ahimsa Collective
01.2018 - 01.2023
Teaching Artist & Creative Assistant
The Yip Harburg Foundation
03.2014 - 01.2024
MA - Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy
California Institute of Integral Studies
BA - Theatre Arts
University of Arkansas At Little Rock
CAGS/PhD Canidate - Expressive Arts
CAGS/PhD Canidate