expressive arts About Us

Vision

To encourage each person's perception of themselves as a creative, artistic individual and their life as a work of art in process. To diminish educational, physical and emotional barriers to art-making. To facilitate an individual's or group's joyful entry into "unordinary reality" through the arts and their safe re-entry to ordinary reality and ability to integrate their art-based learning into their "real" life odinary experiences. From a holistic viewpoint, to encourage each person's building of healthy connections in their mind, body and spirit.

Dawn Collins (Ouellette)

A personal story: I am a woman dedicated and passionate about bringing creativity, spiritual support, and healing into the world. I started singing early in life and always knew I wanted to bring music into other's lives. I didn't start playing a musical instrument until I was in my late 20s (acoustic guitar) and started teaching guitar in 1976. Although I always wanted a professional career as a musician (performer and educator), because of a desire for financial stability for my family, I chose to pursue music as an avocation until well after my children were grown. I retired from an administrative career with the State of New York in 2003, completed my Masters in Expressive Arts Therapy in 2006, and have continued to add to my "tool box" in music and the arts since. In every opportunity to share music or another form of expressive arts with others, I am pleased to experience joy and growth as well as a range of other emotions. I am very thankful to be blessed with family members that have shared in my joyful times and my sorrows and appreciate my gifts. Most of all, I praise my Divine Creator for giving me the gift of song and creativity and healing my heart.

Summary of Experience:

Special Training/Certifications

01/2011 Reiki Master/Teacher Certification (from Sue Coughtry, LMT, Cranio- Sacral Therapist, and Reiki Master/Teacher)

07/2010 Teacher Training,Yoga of the Voice, attended

10/24/09 Certification, Yoga of the VoiceTM, Silvia Nakkach, Vox Mundi Project

10/2008-7/2010 Yogic Mystery School, Russill Paul (Study of Mantra, Music, and Meditation) Level 1 and 2

2008 Aromatherapy certifications, Foundation & Safe Use for Seniors

2007-Completed Acutonics Level I & II therapeutic tuning fork practitioner

2005 YogaDance (Kripalu DansKinetics), expressive movement & dance

2004 Certified Provider, The Listening Program® & Sound Health®

1998 Music Together, Teacher and Center Director Training

1997 Certified Music Practitioner, Music for Healing and Transition

30 Years Plus Private and govt. education & employment services (administrative)

30 Years Plus (1975-Present) Expressive Artist; integrated arts/crafts practice & instruction; music Instructor, performer and entertainer

Recent Experience and Consultancy (See Calendar also)

3/99-Present O Let's Make Music Song, Movement, Rhythm Classes and Workshops

1/08-7/09 Avila Retirement Community, Expressive Arts/Music Consultant

5/13/08-PresentCastle Hill Senior Apartments, Service Coordinator

1/08-May 08 closing House of Light, Sr. Social Day Care, Schodack; Therapeutic

Expressive Art Consultant

11/06-12/31/07Avila Retirement Community, Albany, NY; Program Coordinator

for activities and events.

Education

2011-2012 Liberty University Online, Lynchburg, Va., Masters in Worship Studies, specialization in ethnomusicology, anticipated graduation 2012

2006Master of Arts in Expressive Arts Therapy, minor in psychology,

European Graduate School, Saas-Fee, Switzerland, affiliated with

New York Expressive Arts School, Albany, NY

1997 Bachelor of Science, SUNY Empire State, Albany, NY (Business Administration, Human Resources Mgmt., inc. 30 credits plus, Music)

Affiliations:

International Expressive Arts Therapy Association

Sound Healing Network (formerly NESHRI)

New York Expressive Arts School, Albany, NY

European Graduate School, Saas-Fee, Switzerland (Expressive Arts Therapy, Masters of Arts, 2006)

Columbia County Council on the Arts

Experienced with providing service to individuals in the following categories:

Those who seek greater self-fulfillment, self-discovery, and creative enrichment

Developmental Disablities and Physical Disabilities (Catholic Charities Disabilities Services, CoArc)

Auditory Processing Difficulties (The Listening Program)

Emotional and Mental Disorders (Columbia County Mental Health Association, and private work)

Dementia and Alzheimers and Aging Challenges (Colonie Senior Services Center, House of Light, and private work)

Chronically Ill, Critically Ill, the Elderly and Dying (Music for Healing, hospice, and private work)

Seniors (OASIS, SUNY Albany; Avila Retirement Community, program coordinator for activities (as of 11/27/06); and private work)

Learning Disorders/Challenges (CoArc client, Operation Unite, and private work)

Consultant to professionals working with the bereaved (Hospice, Albany County)

Detailed resume and references provided upon request.

NEGOTIABLE FEES:

Small Groups and Workshop Fees are determined at time of contract negotiation based on duration of each session, number of sessions, and number of participants. For example, workshop of 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours, minimum registration of six participants, at the rate of $25 per participant per hour, totals $225 to $300. plus materials, mileage. Lodging may be required when traveling out of Capital District, Hudson Valley, NY regions.

Individual Private Sessions: $60-$100, 1 1/2 hour to 2 hours (sliding scale available)

Not-For-Profit Agency Group Presentation Fee Per Hour = $150

Special payment plans or rates may be applicable for those with limited income and/or financial challenges or grant-funded programs.

Private Music Lessons in Guitar, Mountain Dulcimer or Vocal Coaching - $60. 1/2 hour lesson per month payable in advance at beginning of month. For single session, 1 hour, $27.50