Creativity has always been the compass guiding Dr. Carolyn Treadon's journey. "Creativity has always been a cornerstone in who I am and how I interacted with the world around me," she shares, reinforcing this guiding principle. This deep connection was evident early on; during high school, any free period found her in the art room. It was there that her art teacher handed her a flyer about a field she hadn't encountered: art therapy. Intrigued, she sought out practicing art therapists in her native Cleveland area. "I met with some art therapists and had them explain to me what this profession was and how it helped people. And I was hooked at that point."

This discovery set her on a path to use the creative process not just for self-expression, but as a tool for healing and wellness, helping individuals navigate significant life challenges. After earning her degrees, including studies at the University of Louisville, and working in the field, she pursued her doctorate. Teaching wasn't initially part of her plan. "If you had asked me going into my doctorate, are you going to teach? I'd be like, oh, heck no. I'm not an educator," she admits. However, a teaching opportunity during her doctoral program ignited a "secondary passion." When a chance arose to teach in the Art Therapy program at PennWest, recommended by a mentor, she embraced it wholeheartedly. "I haven't looked back," she says, "And I'm incredibly thankful to be in an environment where I get to help shape the future of a profession that I love."

As a registered and board-certified art therapist, Dr. Treadon approaches art therapy from a humanistic perspective, meeting individuals "where they're at" and honoring their lived experiences. When someone struggles to articulate their feelings, her response is simple yet profound: "Okay, then don’t try to explain, show me." Art becomes the language, allowing exploration of worst-case scenarios, reality checking, and goal setting through visual means. It’s about using the creative process to break down large goals into manageable steps. Beyond clinical applications, she champions "art for wellness," integrating mindful doodling or creative pauses into daily life. "Creativity can be a beautiful way to engage in a mindful practice," she notes.

At PennWest, Dr. Treadon helps students understand that asking for help is a strength. "We are much stronger when we work together than when we work in isolation," she emphasizes. Through initiatives like the online Virtual Studio for Wellness, accessible across all campuses via Eventbrite, the Art Therapy program embodies PennWest’s commitment to community and empowering students with diverse tools for well-being, putting purposeful growth within reach through creative exploration. Her simple advice for overwhelming moments? "Pause and exhale."