Lori Boettcher, M.Ed., ATR-BC

Early interest in the arts led Lori (she/her) to the College for Creative Studies where she obtained a B.F.A. in Fine Arts. Inspired to help others, she acquired a M.Ed. in Art Therapy from Wayne State University. She joins a team of passionate and caring staff who welcome daily Open Studio participants and Artists-in-Residence. She enjoys helping and encouraging those who endeavor to create and explore individual artistic expression. 

Currently, Lori leads the Creative Recovery group for survivors of stroke, where art therapy is used to support continued skill building in a non-clinical environment. The group provides its participants with companionship, freedom of expression in a non-judgmental format, access to a variety of art materials, mediums, techniques and processes with journaling encouraged. Research indicates art therapy and the making of art is an enjoyable activity, encourages relaxation, and offers the opportunity to increase neural pathways essential in stroke recovery. Lori became recognized as a Board Certified Art Therapist in 2019, and also provides supervision to art therapy student interns at The Art Experience. 

As an art therapist, Lori has provided group art therapy at Common Ground’s Adult Crisis Unit and The Sanctuary home for youths. Daily interaction with clients was invaluable in understanding the challenges of recovery faced by clients with chronic mental illness.