Karina Sorensen
MAATC, LPC, ATR
Karina is an art therapist/counselor and has been with Artlighten since 2021. Karina takes special interest in women's issues and empowerment, and is also an active ally and safe space for LGBTQ+ clients. Karina feels honored with every opportunity to be part of a client's story and witness them on their healing journey.
Karina has experience working with adults, teenagers, and children struggling with anxiety and depression, among other mental health conditions. She has worked as both an individual and group therapist and also enjoys hosting public art workshops (check out our shop page to see what we're currently offering). Karina also is a content creator for our social media.
Karina earned her MA in Art Therapy and Counseling from Albertus Magnus College after receiving my BA in Photography from WCSU. Like most art therapists, she has loved and created art for as long as she can remember. Also having fallen in love with psychology, discovering a path that brings together her love of art and her passion for helping others has been the greatest gift.
Francesca Siano
MAATC, LPC-A, ATR-BC
Francesca is an Art Therapist and Counselor. She received her dual degree Masters of Art Therapy and Counseling from the CAAHEP, ACATE and AATA accredited school Albertus Magnus College located in New Haven, CT. Francesca has art therapy experience working with a diverse group of populations of all ages both domestic and abroad and in a variety of settings. Francesca has worked as both a group and individual therapist serving those who are struggling with mental health conditions and illnesses including co-occurring substance use and addiction issues.
Francesca is passionate about her line of work and has an instinct to help people access ways for expressing their feelings through creative channels. She has a genuine and calming demeanor which encourages an open space for an individual to feel comfortable and at ease with one’s emotions and vulnerabilities. She is dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages with their mental, physical, and emotional well-being with the wholehearted notion that art therapy is an immensely powerful therapeutic intervention that fosters the mind-body-spirit connection and facilitates healing and growth in the most intrinsic way.
Francesca offers art workshops and groups at Artlighten LLC. Visit our Shop Page to register for a workshop/group today.
Colleen Warner
MAATC, LPC-A, ATR
Since Colleen was a child, she loved to create art and help others. Colleen has always found psychology fascinating and art-making thrilling; when she discovered that she could combine her two passions, it all clicked into place and she knew that being an art therapist was what she was meant to do. Colleen continuously marvels at the magic that creativity and expression can bring, and is passionate about sharing that magic with clients.
Colleen graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, CT with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Studio Art. She earned her Master of Art in Art Therapy and Counseling from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT. Colleen is excited to continue her journey in this profession and to have the opportunity to connect to people through art making.
Jenna Reeser
MAATC, LPC-A, ATR-P
All Jenna's life, art has allowed her to express herself when words could not. She knew from the age of 4 years old that she wanted to grow up and have a job that involved art making. Jenna's interest in psychology peaked when she had to experience grief at a young age and found that art was her coping mechanism and allowed self-expression through those hard times. Discovering art therapy allowed her to bring both her passion for art and the desire to help others through hard times, together.
Jenna graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT with a Bachelor of Art in Studio Art and a minor in Psychology. Jenna received her Master of Art in Art Therapy and Counseling from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT. Jenna is thrilled to continue using art therapy and the power it has to heal.
Alissa Zemering
ATR, LCAT
Alissa is a seasoned creative arts therapist with over 16 years of experience, has worked across diverse healthcare settings including memory care, skilled nursing, physical medicine and rehabilitation, chemical dependence and detox facilities. Her extensive journey has fueled a mission to address the myriad questions surrounding mental health. Specializing in aiding individuals with compromised health and mental conditions, Alissa integrates various modalities such as art, music, animals, technology, and community engagement to enrich lives. She encourages individuals to embark on a journey of creative exploration by setting goals and crafting personalized plans to create and maintain a fulfilling life. Through her therapeutic approach, Alissa offers empowerment and tools to gain insight into living one's best life.
Rachel Chiappa
GRADUATE INTERN, ALBERTUS MAGNUS COLLEGE
Rachel is a third-year graduate student at Albertus Magnus College of New Haven, CT interning with Artlighten. She first earned an Associate in Fine Art at Housatonic Community College of Bridgeport, CT in 2015. She later graduated from the University of Bridgeport, CT in 2022, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Cum Laude.
Rachel discovered her passion for art therapy through her own mental health journey and personal experiences as an independent artist searching for a purpose. When the universe began showing her undeniable synchronicities, it ultimately called her to pursue the art therapy profession in 2019. She later became a Milieu counselor at a mental health residential facility for adolescents in 2021 - present day. She also formally interned at a hospice setting from September 2023 - May 2024.
As such, she has experience with vulnerable populations, including those suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, death/dying, and grief. Rachel is passionate about sharing how innate and meaningful the art process can be for all walks of life. She strives to practice with an emphasis on existential and CBT approaches, and is enthusiastic to be a guide for individuals wanting to better their lives.
Margaréta Salek
GRADUATE INTERN, SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS
As far back as Margaréta can remember, she has always been someone people confided in. Her passion for observing and creating art naturally led her to the world of art therapy. She is currently enrolled as a graduate student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, pursuing a Master's degree in Art Therapy with a focus on counseling. Margaréta is dedicated to fostering respect, trust, and receptiveness while upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity and advocating for inclusivity and diversity. Furthermore, she aims to create a safe, therapeutic space and help people make positive changes. Margaréta enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with family, traveling, making art, and practicing yoga in her leisure time.
