HEATHER CAPLAN
Danbury,CT
Summary
Innovative Therapeutic Art Educator with expertise in developing and facilitating engaging programs for diverse groups. Skilled in coordinating creative therapeutic initiatives aligned with clinical goals and community engagement. Demonstrates strong leadership and decision-making abilities in fast-paced environments. Certified Positive Discipline Educator.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Alpine Ski Coach
New Canaan High School
New Canaan, CT
11.2024 - Current
- Led girls' team to 2nd place podium finish for the season.
- Conducted dry-land training sessions to improve ski team members' physical fitness and skills.
- Developed strong relationships with ski team members and parents to foster team cohesion.
Director and Teacher
Longview School
Brewster, NY
08.2022 - Current
- Doubled enrollment, utilizing a self-created outreach model.
- Develop curriculum and facilitate middle school and high school lesson plans for fine arts, civics, middle school chemistry, biology, earth science and physics, HS biology, MS - HS mathematics, and musical theatre.
- Communicate with parents and staff to foster a thriving educational environment.
- Conduct mediation sessions to resolve conflicts, utilizing non-violent communication and Collaborative and Proactive Solutions methodologies.
- Facilitate ski club sessions to enhance physical fitness and build community among participants.
Therapeutic Art Teacher - One-Year Contract Position
JCC of Mid-Westchester
Scarsdale, NY
09.2018 - 06.2019
- Created year-long therapeutic arts program lesson plan for children with ASD and cognitive impairments, ages 5 - 18, enhancing emotional expression and engagement.
- Modified weekly Sunday art lessons to meet sensory and behavioral needs, facilitating emotional processing and improving participant interaction.
- Developed engaging art curricula for diverse student groups at community center.
- Facilitated hands-on workshops to encourage creative expression in students.
- Organized art exhibitions showcasing student artwork and fostering community involvement.
Museum Art Educator and Education Committee Board Member
Westchester Children's Museum
Rye, NY
08.2011 - 05.2017
- Created innovative arts and multicultural programs tailored to meet diverse educational needs of participants.
- Developed and facilitated multidimensional arts programs that engaged children ages three through 12 in creative learning experiences.
- Collaborated with board members to design educational programs and plan impactful outreach events.
Castle Gallery Art Outreach and Special Events Lead Organizer
College of New Rochelle
New Rochelle, NY
07.2008 - 06.2012
- Planned and coordinated outreach educational arts events for local community, developing interactive activities such as Family Day, Take Your Son/Daughter to Work Day, Strawberry Festival Art Spot, and two large-scale pop-up playgrounds that engaged diverse audiences.
- Developed multimedia educational kits illustrating Gallery's exhibitions and led engaging educational tours to enhance visitor understanding.
- Established an organizational system for over two hundred gallery submissions, streamlining the selection process for the exhibition season.
Art Therapy Intern
Four Winds Psychiatric Hospital
Katonah, NY
09.2009 - 05.2010
- Facilitated group and individual art and verbal therapy for psychiatric clients, including children, pre-adolescents, adolescents, and dually diagnosed adults, enhancing their emotional expression and coping skills.
- Adapted therapy directives for neurodiverse children in Sunset Unit, addressing psychosocial, creative, and expressive needs to promote engagement and therapeutic progress.
- Facilitated art therapy sessions for diverse patient populations at a psychiatric hospital.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to develop individualized treatment plans.
- Assisted patients in expressing emotions through various art mediums and techniques.
Art Therapy Intern
Westorchard Elementary School
Chappaqua, NY
01.2009 - 05.2009
- Implemented art-based learning directives for children with cognitive and emotional delays, fostering creative expression and emotional growth.
- Developed art directives for children (5-10 yrs.) with autism diagnoses, enhancing engagement and communication through creative activities.
- Facilitated art therapy sessions for patients to explore emotions and enhance well-being.
- Assisted in developing individualized therapy plans based on patient needs and interests.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate art therapy into treatment programs.
Art Therapy Intern
Stamford Hospital, Bennett Cancer Center
Stamford, CT
09.2008 - 12.2008
- Facilitated supportive interactions in art therapy group, enhancing emotional expression for cancer patients and families.
- Developed and led art directives for eight cancer survivors, fostering creativity through painting, beading, and sewing activities.
- Facilitated art therapy sessions for patients to express emotions creatively.
- Assisted therapists in developing personalized art projects for individual needs.
- Organized and maintained art supplies to ensure a productive environment.
Program Manager and Fine Arts Director
Boys and Girls Clubs
San Francisco, CA
09.2005 - 11.2007
- Supervised five staff members and seven volunteers. Developed, organized, and managed programming for a Club that served over 100 inner-city, at-risk children, many with special needs, ages six through 18, and their parents/families.
- Developed fashion design program for young women ages eight through 18, focusing on positive body image and creative design, resulting in increased engagement and popularity among Club members.
- Introduced children and adolescents to creative movement, theatre performance, and various dance styles, enhancing their artistic expression and confidence.
- Created a Humane Education program called 'For the Love of Animals.' This program utilized art to teach the Club's members about animal welfare issues and empathy. Utilized dogs to provide pet therapy.
- Provided 'Storytime Magic' to the younger students, K-1st grades. This program focused on literacy development and fine arts exploration.
Acting, Dance, and Art Teacher, Costume Designer, Stage Director
LaMaR Productions
Danbury, CT
09.1999 - 08.2005
- Developed 'Master Art' program for children, ages eight through fourteen, enhancing appreciation for famous artists and fundamental techniques.
- Created a 'Story Time Art' program for children, ages three through seven years old. This project included acting workshops, storytelling, dance, and sculpture.
- Supported theatre program for low-income children, promoting creativity and self-expression through performance arts.
- Designed and constructed costumes for all company productions, ensuring visual storytelling aligned with artistic vision.
Art Camp Director, Theatre Camp Choreographer/Director
Richter Park
Danbury, CT
06.1998 - 08.2002
- Created and supervised 'Summer of Art' program for 40 students, ages six through twelve, providing diverse art lessons and engaging projects.
- Designed over fifty lesson plans and produced an end-of-season art show, which received outstanding comments from staff and parents.
- Developed choreography for large-scale dance performances, engaging over 30 children in collaborative creative expression.
- Designed large-scale painted sets for 'Summer on Stage', enhancing visual storytelling for performances.
Education
M.S. - Art Therapy/Counseling
The College of New Rochelle
New Rochelle, NY05.2010
B.A. - Communications/Theatre
Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT05.2000
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Program management
- Educational leadership
- Assessment strategies
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Outreach strategy
- Arts programming
- Creative problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Collaborative projects
- Emotional intelligence
Degree
MS ART THERAPY
Accomplishments
2010: Awarded the Catherine Haage Award for academic achievement, commitment to the field of art therapy, and service to the community and to the College.
2008-10: Awarded a Full-Tuition, Merit-Based Graduate Assistantship.
1998-2000: University Scholar; Received a Full Academic Scholarship; Alumni Scholarship; Dean's List (8 sem.)
2000: Selected for Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities; Graduated Magna cum Laude.
2008-10: Awarded a Full-Tuition, Merit-Based Graduate Assistantship.
1998-2000: University Scholar; Received a Full Academic Scholarship; Alumni Scholarship; Dean's List (8 sem.)
2000: Selected for Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities; Graduated Magna cum Laude.
Affiliations
Theatre director, skiing, tennis, singing, improv, acting, triathlon, mountain biking.
Timeline
Alpine Ski Coach
New Canaan High School
11.2024 - Current
Director and Teacher
Longview School
08.2022 - Current
Therapeutic Art Teacher - One-Year Contract Position
JCC of Mid-Westchester
09.2018 - 06.2019
Museum Art Educator and Education Committee Board Member
Westchester Children's Museum
08.2011 - 05.2017
Art Therapy Intern
Four Winds Psychiatric Hospital
09.2009 - 05.2010
Art Therapy Intern
Westorchard Elementary School
01.2009 - 05.2009
Art Therapy Intern
Stamford Hospital, Bennett Cancer Center
09.2008 - 12.2008
Castle Gallery Art Outreach and Special Events Lead Organizer
College of New Rochelle
07.2008 - 06.2012
Program Manager and Fine Arts Director
Boys and Girls Clubs
09.2005 - 11.2007
Acting, Dance, and Art Teacher, Costume Designer, Stage Director
LaMaR Productions
09.1999 - 08.2005
Art Camp Director, Theatre Camp Choreographer/Director
Richter Park
06.1998 - 08.2002
M.S. - Art Therapy/Counseling
The College of New Rochelle
B.A. - Communications/Theatre
Western Connecticut State University