Jiayi Zhang
Tai'an,Shandong
Summary
Psychology undergraduate with experience supporting neurodiverse and neurotypical children, adolescents, and young adults across a range of settings, including marginalised communities, transitional programmes, and community initiatives. Experienced in facilitating creative activities that promote emotional expression, self-awareness, and social engagement. Committed to developing as a culturally responsive, reflective, and ethically informed art therapist through postgraduate training in art therapy.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Full-time Intern
Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Assisted special education teachers in delivering Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) interventions for autistic adolescents and young adults (16+), with additional experience supporting children aged 8–16.
- Independently designed and facilitated 45-minute art healing group workshops once or twice weekly, adapting creative activities to participants’ developmental needs; occasionally collaborated with volunteers.
- Translated key English-language training materials obtained through the Heartspring (USA) teacher exchange program into Chinese to support local teacher training and professional development.
- Translated clinical case studies and documentation for internal training and professional development.
- Accompanied autistic students in social integration activities, promoting social participation and real-world skill development.
- Trained in crisis intervention, including safe and compassionate responses to self-injurious or aggressive behaviours.
- Created personalised visual support materials using Boardmaker to enhance communication and task engagement.
- Lived onsite in the residential hall during the internship, observing nighttime routines and receiving close exposure to the lived experiences, sensory needs, and daily challenges of autistic individuals.
Volunteer
The Green Machine, Bristol Tree Craft (BTC)
07.2025 - 09.2025
- Supported weekly nature crafts workshops under the supervision of BTC staff, assisting local children and families in completing projects using natural and upcycled materials.
- Provided safe presence and emotional support, helping children build confidence in exploration, creativity, and self-expression with high empathy and sensitivity.
- Assisted children with hands-on and light physical activities, including weaving, dyeing, and decorative crafts, to enhance sensory engagement, fine motor skills, and social engagement.
- Strictly followed safeguarding protocols and was familiar with risk-assessment processes in children’s activity settings.
- Worked collaboratively with staff, children, and families in an English-speaking setting, demonstrating strong cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills.
Art Workshop Assistant (Volunteer)
YuZhi Learning Centre
11.2025 - Current
- Supported the preparation and delivery of weekly 90-minute art healing workshops for adolescents (mostly aged 14) in a private school transition programme.
- Supported students on leave for anxiety, depression, or challenging family circumstances, offering emotional support and closely monitoring behavioural and emotional changes.
- Helped set up and tidy materials before and after workshops, ensuring smooth and safe group activities.
- Supported the workshop leader in facilitating group engagement, promoting self-expression, and maintaining a supportive, inclusive environment.
Art Teacher's Assistant
EOR Art Lab
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Assisted in children’s art lessons, supporting classroom management and creative activities.
- Guided students in painting and craft projects, providing individual feedback to overcome technical or expressive challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers to adapt lessons and communicated with parents on student progress.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Bristol
Bristol, UK07-2025
Skills
- Cultural sensitivity
- Respectful of neurodiversity
- Empathy, active listening, and non-judgmental communication
- Strong ethical awareness and responsible practice
- Collaborative teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Research, critical thinking, and analytical ability
- Reflective practice, self-care, and self-awareness
- Clear written/verbal communication
- Good project management
Timeline
Art Workshop Assistant (Volunteer)
YuZhi Learning Centre
11.2025 - Current
Full-time Intern
Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism
09.2025 - 12.2025
Volunteer
The Green Machine, Bristol Tree Craft (BTC)
07.2025 - 09.2025
Art Teacher's Assistant
EOR Art Lab
01.2022 - 01.2024
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Bristol
Research Experience
Dissertation Project, Investigating the Moderating Role of Alexithymia in the Relationship between Autistic Traits and Negative Facial Emotion Recognition
• Designed and conducted an independent observational study to investigate how alexithymia moderates the relationship between autistic traits in typical populations and emotion recognition ability.
• Applied experimental research skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting, significantly enhancing my research capabilities.
Research Proposal, Recognising Facial Emotion Expression: Investigating the Effectiveness of a New Art Therapy Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Conducted an extensive literature review on autism and emotional cognition, integrating Expressive Therapies Continuum to design an art therapy intervention aimed at enhancing emotional recognition in autistic children.
Professional Development
Scholistico Art Therapy Practitioner Training
- Gained a deeper understanding of the therapeutic application of art by completing the training.
Simple Psychology Art Therapy System Course (China)
- Developed a deeper understanding of the history, theory, media use, ethics, and applications of art therapy for diverse populations by completing the system course.