Fulltime Diploma Graduate

1998 – White Rock, BC

Upon graduation from VATI, I felt very fortunate to find employment at my second-year practicum placement at Brenson Family Program. I joined a multi-disciplinary team of 6 practitioners working with children and families. Several years later, our program was merged with The Children’s Foundation. We are still essentially the same program, but are now known as The Cedarwood Family Program, one of several different Children’s Foundation services. The camaraderie on our team is outstanding, and is probably the primary reason that the work has remained so fulfilling and enjoyable.

As the resident art therapist, I have found many ways to share and promote the practice of art therapy with my colleagues. When I first joined the program, there was one designated room, which served as both my office and the art room. Today, there are two adjoining art rooms, and I have my own separate office to boot!

One of the greatest pleasures of my work has been the opportunity to work with interns. The Cedarwood Program services around 50 families at a given time, and we can accommodate several internships each year. Along with students from UBC, The Adler School, and Trinity Western, we have had quite a few students from VATI join our team for their second practicum placement.

At the beginning of this year, I was also contracted by SOS Children’s Village to initiate and develop an art therapy program for children in care. One day each week I see clients at their site. In February, I introduced a former VATI student, who will begin a half-time art therapy position this spring.

It is exciting and inspiring to see the practice of art therapy proliferate, as people come to know its power and efficacy.

– Cora Li-Leger

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