Type Of Business:
Private psychotherapy practice
Marketing Area:
International
Expertise:
Art, creative and expressive therapy; Contemporary art
Major Product/SVS:
Art therapy; Psychotherapy; Creative arts; Art studio classes
Hobbies/Sports:
Visiting art studios and museum exhibitions; Attending art shows at museums and galleries
Education Degrees:
Pursuing Ph.D., Lesley University; Master of Arts in Art Therapy, New York University (2000); Master of Arts in Painting, American University (1972); Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Mary Baldwin College (1968)
Affiliations Awards:
American Art Therapy Association; Trustee, Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture; Corcoran Gallery of Art, Corcoran College of Art + Design; ArtTable, Inc.; Women's Board, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; Who's Who in American Art
State/Country of Origin:
SC/USA
Children's Names:
Mary, Lucy
Date of Distinction:
5/27/2011
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Mrs. Firestone is pursuing research so that other professionals in her field can benefit from her study, which will also expand the world of research with information on creativity in the service of healing and resilience. The creative arts are working in this way, but not enough of the work crosses disciplines and is only known in a broader context.
Expanded Biography:
Mrs. Firestone was employed by both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross. She has experience in post-Sept. 11 trauma in both a hospital setting and several schools in China town near Ground Zero. She has enjoyed working with children as young as pre-kindergarten on through college, and has learned a great deal from them.
She is interested in international exchange programs that foster collaborations with artists, as well as situations that call for art therapists. Recently, she has worked in Croatia with artists from the Balkans, and murals that have been exhibited and are not part of UNESCO cultural sites.
She is currently researching post trauma and illness resilience through interviews with women artists. Linking creativity and healing in today’s world is a goal of Mrs. Firestone's.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was working with a trauma unit and serving a diverse population in lower Manhattan following Sept. 11. Trauma is cross-cultural, and is about human rehabilitation after inhuman acts and circumstances. All are affected in their own unique way and most are remarkably resilient, especially with special attention. She is interested in those who are the most vulnerable and, with help, can hopefully mend.
Number Of Years In Profession:
32
Number Of Years In Current Position:
12
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her personal skills, education, and experience as an artist and therapist.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because of the inspiration she received from her father, a doctor, and her grandfather, who was a Rhodes Scholar at Christ Church, Oxford University.
Extended Bio Profile:
She is also an art professor.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Interviewing women artists who have had a major medical diagnosis, particularly cancer, as part of her doctoral dissertation; Working as an artist
Education Certifications:
Licensed Art Therapist, State of New York; Board Certified Art Therapist, American Art Therapy Association
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Mrs. Firestone hopes to complete a doctoral degree and continue to contribute to her profession.