Fort Lauderdale, FL - The Broward Health Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital is pleased to announce the launch of the Taft Art Therapy Program for pediatric patients. American Art Therapy Association-registered art therapist Joan Schreier manages the program funded by the charitable organization, The Taft Foundation. Joan brings more than 20 years of art therapy experience working with adults, children and families.
Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy, in which pediatric patients, facilitated by an art therapist, use the creative process of making art to explore their feelings. Based on cognitive ability and mobility, Joan assesses each patient’s eligibility for participation in art therapy. Private and group sessions are offered throughout all areas of the children’s hospital.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joan and get the art therapy program underway,” said Nicole Sant’elia, RN, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, CCRN, Director of Women and Children’s Services at the Children’s Hospital at Broward Health Medical Center. “It’s an exciting time for the children’s hospital as we continue to grow both in size - through our KIDS Campaign renovation - and in the scope of the services and programs we offer to our patients.”
Joan earned her Master’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, and is a licensed creative arts therapist through the University of the State of New York. She works closely with the hospital’s Child Life Team, as well as the Music Therapy Team and the Pet Therapy volunteers.