2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Deborah  is a Board Certified Art Therapist and Certified Child Life Specialist. Deb received her Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Binghamton in studio art with a concentration in psychology and holds master’s degrees from Hofstra University in Art Therapy and from Touro College in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Deb has been an administrator and clinician for the past 15 years and is the Coordinator of Creative Arts Therapies in the Healing Arts Program at Atlantic Health System. She has a private art therapy practice in NJ.

Joanna Flora is a licensed art therapist, clinician, and entrepreneur dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, parents, and first responders through creative and relationship-centered care. Her work is rooted in the belief that art can provide a powerful and accessible pathway for expression, healing, and connection—especially for those who may struggle to put their experiences into words.

Joanna specializes in working with children and families, using art therapy to help clients build emotional awareness, strengthen relationships, and process complex experiences in a safe and engaging way. She also has a strong passion for supporting first responders, offering trauma-informed care that honors both their service and the unique challenges they face.

She is the founder of Flora & Associates, a growing group practice and the creator of The Connected Family Method, an innovative therapeutic approach designed to help families feel more connected, understood, and supported in their daily lives.

In addition to her clinical work, Joanna is a published author of a guided art-based journal that encourages self-reflection and emotional processing. She is also the founder of The Flora Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to mental health resources and supporting families in need.

As President-Elect of the New Jersey Art Therapy Association, Joanna is committed to advancing the field of art therapy, advocating for the profession, and fostering a strong, supportive community for clinicians across the state.

Alyssa Remantas is an art therapist, counselor, and training psychoanalyst who earned her master’s degree at Caldwell University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Art Therapy specialization. Alyssa is continuing her education at the Academy of Clinical and Applied Psychoanalysis, where she is training in psychoanalysis.

Alyssa currently practices in the outpatient level of care, working with diverse populations and running open-studio art therapy groups in PHP and IOP levels of care with adolescents.

She is dedicated to honoring the creative potential within every individual through art therapy as a clinically grounded and deeply human practice.

Brandon Colle is a Licensed Associate Counselor and Registered Art Therapist working toward full licensure. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy from Caldwell University in 2023, and his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an Art minor from Rowan University in 2018. He is currently a student at the Academy of Clinical and Applied Psychoanalysis.​

Brandon works as a Creative Arts Therapist at Inspira Health, providing individual and group therapy to adults on a voluntary inpatient psychiatric unit. His clinical experience includes residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and work with individuals on the autism spectrum.​

His clinical approach integrates modern psychoanalytic interventions and trauma-informed perspectives, using art-making to support emotional expression and insight, embracing the idea of 'letting the art do the talking' when words are not enough. He has presented at the American Art Therapy Association Annual Conference on “Autistic Drawings: Solidifying Developmental Characteristics within the Autism Spectrum” highlighting and advocating for the role of creative expression in understanding the lived experiences of autistic individuals.

Brandon is committed to fostering professional connection and engagement, and hopes to involve more professionals and future students in the South Jersey area.

Meghan McQuaide finished her undergraduate degree at Rutgers College double majoring in art history and psychology. Continuing her studies of Clinical Art Therapy at CW Post, LIU graduating 2004.  Initially working with children with ADHD and Autism Spectrum building social skills and confidence. Then moving to Adult clients working in inpatient and partial hospital settings, providing art therapy, recreation and case management services. Now working for the state of New Jersey at Greystone Park Psychiatric hospital as a Therapist of Art. Meghan has been on the board as a programming chair since 2015.

NJATA is currently looking for a Programming Co-chair to join our board of directors! If you are interested in joining the board of directors, please contact us by email by clicking here.

Danielle serves as membership chair for the NJATA board of directors. Danielle is currently a counselor and art therapist at Integrated Care Concepts and Consultation and works as a clinician in their adolescent PHP/IOP program. Danielle also provides art therapy and counseling services in outpatient and school settings. Danielle earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Art Therapy Specialization at Caldwell University. She previously earned her undergraduate degree in Studio Art at Rowan University. Danielle enjoys making art and exploring a variety of art mediums, including painting, printmaking, embroidery, papercrafts, and metalworking, and encourages others to embrace their own creativity. Danielle also spends her free time reading, enjoying nature, and spending time with friends and family. Danielle was inspired to become a member of the board to further build connections within the art therapy community and provide support to fellow art therapists.

Dawn Ippoliti is a registered and board-certified art therapist licensed in both New Jersey and New York. She earned her Master's in Art Therapy from New York University and her undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University.

With twenty-five years of experience, Dawn has worked extensively with children and families across a diverse range of clinical settings and institutions, addressing adolescent development, family crisis, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. Since 2009, she has owned and operated a private practice serving clients in both New Jersey and New York.

Dawn holds certifications in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy & Integration and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and is currently working toward her Level 1 certification in Internal Family Systems (IFS) In her role as Government Affairs Chair for the New Jersey Art Therapy Association (NJATA), she is a dedicated advocate for the profession and is passionate about the meaningful role art therapy plays across all innovative modalities that advance mental health and wellness — including the exciting and emerging intersection of art therapy and psychedelic integration.

NJATA is currently looking for a Government Affairs Co-chair to join our board of directors! If you are interested in joining the board of directors, please contact us by email by clicking here.

NJATA is currently looking for a Public Relations Chair to join our board of directors! If you are interested in joining the board of directors, please contact us by email by clicking here.

Gabriella is currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy at Caldwell University. She recently graduated from Ramapo College with a B.A. in Psychology. She has experience with adolescents in inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care. Aside from Gabriella's interest in art, she also loves nature, traveling, and spending time with others. As a student liaison, Gabriella is eager to explore student engagement ideas that foster community and spread awareness for art therapy. If you have any ideas, please contact us!

Andrew is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy at Caldwell University. He holds a BFA in Graphic Design from Montclair State University and a Master’s in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. For over 25 years, Andrew has worked at the highest levels of the fashion and advertising industry, providing expert photo retouching services to leading brands and publications.

Since beginning his graduate studies at Caldwell University, Andrew has gained valuable experience working with diverse populations across a variety of settings, including Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Vantage Health System, and Journey Hospice. In addition to his work experience, Andrew serves as a Student Liaison with the New Jersey Art Therapy Association, where he actively advocates for the advancement of the profession, supports student engagement and enrollment, and contributes his creative skills toward fostering healing and personal growth within the art therapy community.