Katherine Gibbons
Cloghane,Co. Kerry
Summary
Dynamic Artist, Director and Art Centered Educational Therapist at Creative Aid, LLC, adept at trauma-informed expressive art therapy practices. Successfully tailored support plans for neurodivergent children, fostering strong relationships through effective communication and creative rapport building. Skilled in creative facilitation and client assessment, I empower individuals to thrive and embrace their unique strengths. Seasoned professional in working with educators, therapists, parents and caregivers. Creative professional. Self-motivated and organized to thrive in both team-based and independent settings.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Director and Art Centered Educational Therapist
Creative Aid, LLC
Longmont, Colorado
01.2017 - Current
- Therapeutic support of neurocomplex and exceptional children with unique strengths and needs through the arts as well direct work with parents, teachers, and therapists.
- Adapted art therapies based on individual needs and preferences of clients.
- Reviewed case histories with clients in order to better understand their needs.
- Facilitated communication between team members regarding client goals and objectives.
- Facilitated individual and group art therapy sessions to address client issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and addiction.
Commissioned Artist
Self-Employed
01.1995 - Current
- Work includes painting, print making, illustration, photography, textiles and ceramics.
- Participated in gallery shows to promote artworks and business identity.
- Developed original artwork for private and corporate clients.
- Maintained positive customer relations throughout the commissioning process.
- Addressed client concerns and worked together to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Direct Support Person and Respite Care
Artsify Colorado
Denver, Colorado
01.2024 - 05.2025
- In-home, person centered support for adults with disabilities.
- Developed positive relationships with clients and their families by understanding individual needs and preferences.
- Adhered to facility policies and procedures while maintaining confidentiality of all information pertaining to clients' rights.
- Supported families by educating them on available community resources that could benefit their loved one.
- Assisted individuals in developing daily living skills, including meal preparation, money management and housekeeping tasks.
- Provided personal care assistance to individuals with disabilities, such as bathing, dressing and grooming.
- Attended trainings related to job duties such as CPR and First Aid certification courses.
- Maintained accurate records of services provided along with any changes in a client's condition or circumstances.
- Accompanied or transported clients to appointments, errands and social activities.
- Assisted individuals in learning and developing new skills.
Creative Director and Art Teacher
Sunflower Art Studio
Gunbarrel, Colorado
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Create and teach art curriculum to homeschool students as well as teach camps and evening classes to students ages 4-18.
- Encouraged students to think critically about artwork and discuss its meaning or purpose.
- Assisted in the selection of appropriate supplies needed for classroom use.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively using positive reinforcement strategies.
- Demonstrated techniques in a variety of mediums including charcoal, pastels, acrylics, watercolors and oils.
- Provided individual instruction and feedback on student's work.
Founder and Co-Director
Educational Cooperative Costa Rica
Brasilito, Costa Rica
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Therapeutic support of neurodivergent and exceptional children at an International School in Brasilito, Costa Rica. Direct work with teachers, administration, and parents.
Senior Educational Therapist and Assistant Director
Sage Center for Gifted
Boulder, Colorado
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Therapeutic support of gifted and twice-exceptional children as well as direct work with parents, teachers, and therapists. Supervision of Educational Therapists and Curriculum Content.
- Created support plans tailored to the individual needs of each student.
- Created accommodations as necessary for individuals requiring modifications.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for students with social and emotional difficulties.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
Remote Responder to Art Assignments
Denver University Prison Arts Initiative
Denver, Colorado
01.2021
- Assess and respond to each assignment providing encouragement and supportive feedback.
Education
B.A. - Political Science, Sociology
Moravian College
Bethlehem, PA01.1993
Expressive Arts Coach-Educator Program - Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy
Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Institute
On-line Skills
- Trauma-informed expressive art therapy practices
- Support for Neurodivergent and Neurocomplex Individuals
- LGBTQIA
- Knowledge of mental health needs of children and teens
- Art therapy techniques
- Effective communication
- Adaptability to needs
- Creative facilitation
- Relationship building
- Training and mentoring
- Client assessment
- Differentiated Curriculum
- Contemporary Political and Social Theory
- Microsoft, Excel, Social Media Platforms
- Team collaboration
- Creative problem solving
Volunteer Experience
- El Centro Humanitario, Denver, CO
- Emergency Family Assistance Association, Boulder, CO
- Boulder County Safehouse, Boulder, CO
References
- Jon Garson, +1 303-817-6697, jwgarson@gmail.com, Former landlord and colleague
- Jennifer Lucchesi, +1 720-618-8969, Jennifer.lucchesi@bvsd.org, Client/Parent/Colleague
- Lisa Smith, +1 303-260-9711, lismith100@gmail.com, Client/Parent
- Martine Conway, +1 303-829-7787, martineconway1973@gmail.com, Client/Parent
- Dr. Gary Olson, +1 610-865-7920, garyleeolson416@gmail.com, Former professor and colleague
- Paddy O'Neill +353 87 680 3346, lochcruitecottage@gmail.com, Landlord
Exhibitions
- 2025, Group exhibition at The New Local, Boulder, Colorado
- 2024, Joint exhibition with Áine Ní Chíobháin at Tig Bhric, Ballyferriter, Ireland
- 2023, Watercolor and Acrylic Landscape Paintings at Tig Bhric, Ballyferriter, Ireland
- 2021, Juried-Member Group Art Exhibition at Firehouse Art Center, Longmont, Colorado - Wild Way Landscape Tapestry series- a series of tapestry weavings that incorporate natural materials inspired by West Ireland
- 2018, Art Show at Ampersand Coffee House, Gunbarrel, Colorado- Revolutionary Portraits including Colin Kaepernick, Che Guevara, Anthony Bourdain, and Ahed Tamimi.
- 2017, Photograph Entry into Other Voices Irish Art and Music Festival, Dingle, Ireland
Communication Skills
- Designed and presented a PowerPoint in the home for caregivers and parents regarding the complex needs of a highly gifted child with Sensory Processing Disorder and anxiety.
- Designed and presented a Teacher Training to Spanish/English speaking teachers at Costa Rica International Academy regarding the cognitive, affective, and regulatory strengths and needs of gifted and twice-exceptional students.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Direct Support Person and Respite Care
Artsify Colorado
01.2024 - 05.2025
Remote Responder to Art Assignments
Denver University Prison Arts Initiative
01.2021
Founder and Co-Director
Educational Cooperative Costa Rica
01.2019 - 01.2020
Director and Art Centered Educational Therapist
Creative Aid, LLC
01.2017 - Current
Creative Director and Art Teacher
Sunflower Art Studio
01.2017 - 01.2021
Senior Educational Therapist and Assistant Director
Sage Center for Gifted
01.2014 - 01.2018
Commissioned Artist
Self-Employed
01.1995 - Current
B.A. - Political Science, Sociology
Moravian College
Expressive Arts Coach-Educator Program - Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy
Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Institute
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