Fulltime Diploma Graduates

1996 – MANITOBA

I graduated from VATI in 1996 and returned to Manitoba where I was fortunate to find full time work in Art Therapy! Because I live in rural Manitoba, I was quite sceptical as to whether or not this would happen, but the work was interesting and challenging as I learned much from the Dakota and Ogibway people who I was working with. My private practice, Valley Art Therapy, was opened in 1999 where I have had contracts with Child and Family Services, the Compensation for Victims of Crime Program and I have been priviledged to work as a Supervisor with the Kutenai Art Therapy Insitute.

Because of my Education background, I also wanted to develop an art therapy program in local schools. This became a reality in 1999, when I became a high school counsellor/art therapist. As well, soon afte the school district decided to change their Social Worker position to a therapist position. This became a half-time Art Therapist position when I was hired in 2000. I have been employed in these positions ever since and have also since graduated from the Campus Alberta Master's of Counselling, Art Therapy Specialization program, become a Registered Canadian Art Therapist and a Certified Canadian Counsellor.

I am currently working half time for the school district as an Itinerant Art Therapist and half time in private practice where I work with two First Nations Communities, have contracts through Child and family Service Agencies and do some EAP work.

Life is full with my work in Art Therapy, my work with CATA as the Secretary, my travels to Supervision---which is one way for me to counter-act the isolation that comes from living in rural areas and my ongoing creative projects.

- Lori Boyko

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