For PennWest graduate student Brooke Christensen, art is more than just creative expression; it’s a lifeline.

As she pursues her master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in art therapy, she’s channeling her own healing journey into research, advocacy, and community-based wellness programs that are shaping the future of the field.

Christensen’s path to studying art therapy began in a deeply personal place. After experiencing postpartum depression following the birth of her first son, she chose to participate in a research study at Virginia Commonwealth University during her second pregnancy.

“They were studying perinatal and post-partum mental health in mothers like me, and the feeling of being able to help others and contribute to research that would help other women was so inspiring,” Christensen said. “That experience lit a fire in me to go back and get my master’s, which was quite the choice to make with two toddler boys at home as a stay-at-home mom.”

Initially considering a degree in museum education, Christensen’s academic direction changed after discovering the work of Dr. Carolyn Treadon, a PennWest assistant professor leading research in museum-based art therapy.

“I sent her a cold email, and to my surprise, she replied,” said Christensen, who lives in Texas – more than 1,200 miles away from the closest PennWest campus. “We set up a Zoom call and talked in depth about PennWest’s program and its emphasis on integrating art, research, and clinical counseling. That conversation completely changed my trajectory.”

Mentorship that transcends distance

Christensen was accepted to several art therapy programs, but PennWest’s supportive faculty, flexible online format, and affordability sealed her decision.

“The professors are incredible. They don’t just teach; they mentor,” she said. “Even though I’m in Dallas, they’re always just a Zoom call or email away.”

Faculty mentorship has shaped nearly every step of Christensen’s journey. With the guidance of PennWest faculty member Dr. Sheila Lorenzo de la Peña, Christensen transformed a classroom project into a research study she presented at the American Art Therapy Association’s national conference.

She continues to collaborate with Dr. Treadon on museum-based art therapy research and has begun working with PennWest Professor Dr. Penelope Orr on an upcoming master’s thesis project.

Beyond the classroom, Christensen serves on the Graduate Student Advisory Board with Interim Dean Craig Coleman, an experience she describes as both delightful and meaningful.

“It’s given me insight into academic leadership and the broader vision of graduate education, as well as strengthened my skills in collaboration, communication, and advocacy for student needs,” she said.

Guided growth and ambitious goals

Christensen credits PennWest career coach Bridgett Nobili as a key influence on her professional development.

“Working with Bridgett has been transformative. She helped me clarify my long-term vision – combining research, community engagement, and art therapy – and identify tangible steps to move toward it,” she said. “Her guidance has been instrumental in helping me build confidence, refine my professional identity, and recognize possibilities beyond traditional therapy settings.”

Nobili encouraged Christensen to gain research experience to explore whether that route resonated with her, which led to earning a scholarship and presenting her work at the national American Art Therapy Association conference.

Christensen joined a research team at the University of North Texas Positive Psychology Lab, where she contributes to studies exploring gratitude and spirituality across diverse populations, and began writing for Museotherapy.org, an online platform exploring how museums can serve as restorative environments for mental health.

She is also developing her own consensual qualitative research project at PennWest focused on artistic identity among art therapists.

Closer to home, she recently launched an Art for Wellness program for the ARORA Club at Life Time Fitness – a group for adults 55 and older who use creativity to strengthen community and well-being.

“One of my dream projects is to apply for the Dallas ArtsActivate grant to create an eco–art therapy group in partnership with the Dallas Arboretum – a space that would combine environmental awareness, creativity, and mental wellness.

Ultimately, Christensen hopes to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting art therapy as an effective, research-based practice. Her long-term goals include completing her internship, becoming a licensed art therapist, and eventually pursuing a Ph.D. in counseling psychology.

“I’m most passionate about expanding the scientific efficacy of art therapy,” she said. “While the transformative power of art in healing is something many of us witness firsthand, I believe building a stronger empirical foundation is essential for broader recognition and integration within healthcare and educational systems.”

From her home in Dallas, Christensen is proving that healing and creativity can coexist – and that even through a screen, purpose and passion can flourish.

“PennWest’s online program has shown me that meaningful connection and mentorship can thrive in a virtual space,” she said. “The relationships you build will shape your academic and professional journey in ways you might not expect. This program has not only equipped me with the skills to become an art therapist but also given me the confidence to contribute to the field in new and evolving ways.”