Hey there! I’m Dana!
I love moss and waterfalls - wherever they are, I'm in my happy place!
I laugh loudly and often - my friends always say they can hear me before they see me.
Snuggling with my kids in the morning is my favorite part of the day.
I have a terrible memory for names, but I’ll never forget a person, a story, or the memory of being with them.
I'm obsessed with board games, my living room has a huge board game cabinet that we choose games from a few times a week.
I love watching all things superhero, Marvel or all things anime.
I love all animals, but especially my adorable cats.
I enjoy cooking, but I hate doing the dishes. In fact I hate all chores, but make myself and my family do it anyway…because life.
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"You have brightened our lives with such joy."
Privately Disclosed
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"You made my life more complete during this terrible time."
Privately Disclosed
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You might hear my clients saying that…
Dana always enters the conversation with a big smile, laugh, and gentle touch of hello. She’s fully present and focused on my goals while helping focus me on what brings me joy.
She laughs a lot, and helps me remember good times and brings them to the present. She’s able to sit with my big feelings and comforts them when the tears are rolling, or the sadness is overwhelming.
She’s creative and full of ideas to help find the project, process, or art materials to personally help me.
Dana helps me feel like I'm not alone, that I'm cared for and have a lot to offer the world.
I know how important it can be to feel like your loved one is in “good hands” as far as help and support from others - which are much needed things that help during difficult seasons in life.
I’m here to support YOU, no matter what you’re worried about.
I get it. Completely.
And that’s why I tried to pour so much of myself and the therapy I offer into these pages so you have a good idea of exactly how I am, the many ideas and meaningful art interactions I can offer, and if I might be a good fit for you or for your loved ones that you're concerned about.
I will be in the moment, challenge you/them to make changes, use approaches where we actually do something
and not just talk about it.
I’m just a person who’s going to help you find joy again (with a lot of ideas and some therapy tidbits up my sleeve, of course).
I am just going to be real. A human that’s right there next to you/them digging in the dirt, talking seasons, managing the big feelings of grief, creating legacy work or memorials, and connecting with what matters.
Heart to heart.
Professional Endorsements:
Dana is a compassionate and nurturing Licensed Professional Counselor who is committed to quality and person-centered care. Dana is most creative and imaginative with her magnificent strength of art therapy to promote healing. Dana’s profound gift of art expression and creative arts encourages both children and adults to express their grief, pain, suffering, and distress when they are unable to communicate with words.
-Beth Charnichko MA, LPC, CGCS, NCC Bereavement Counselor
My Qualifications
Over 18 years working in Hospice settings providing art therapy to the terminally ill, their families, and those processing grief. I’m constantly learning new things FOR and WITH my clients to help them achieve their goals.
Trainings in the last couple of years through Philadelphia Ecotherapy and for EMDR. I am actively engaged in supervision to become a certified EMDR therapist!
BA (Bachelors in Psychology, Minor in Art Therapy)
MA (Masters in Art Therapy)
ATR-BC (Registered Art Therapist, Board Certified)
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
BA (Bachelors in Psychology, Minor in Art Therapy) MA (Masters in Art Therapy) ATR-BC (Registered Art Therapist, Board Certified) LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Dana’s Specialties
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Eco Art Therapy
Nature will be strategically brought into any session with your elder family member. A specialized approach to melt isolation, grief, and hardship.
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Elder Art Therapy
What if you were guided to actually do something to feel better. Through art therapy, I can help you find relief and more peace with where you’re at, and actually find joy and fun along the way.
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Caretaker Art Therapy
What if you were guided to actually do something to feel better. Through art therapy, I can help you find relief and more peace with where you’re at, and actually find joy and fun along the way.
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Grief and Loss Counseling
There aren’t words for the loss of that person you loved and took care of for so long. Having someone in your corner to listen, hear you, and to use a specialized approach to help you deeply heal from that loss, is exactly what I can help you with.
