Therapists/Instructors

Beverly C. Bailey Certified Tutor Marygrove College, BA Experienced tutor in MATH and READING.  Extensive work history with learners of all ages and disabilities, including, autism, Williams Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and cognitive development disorders. Experienced classroom teacher. Developed MATH and READING labs for various public schools.

Tessa Bird Tessa Bird has a Bachelor’s degree in photography, a Master’s degree in art therapy and is Board Certified. She loves working with people of all ages in both modalities. Tessa is qualified to work with various populations including AI, EI, TMI, LD, in addition to the gifted and talented K-12 and beyond. She is anxious to start more classes at FAR in both photography and art therapy. Tessa’s availability is flexible.

Lourie Davis, MEd, LSW, CCFC, ATR Art Therapist, Dance Instructor, Camp Director Marygrove College, BA in Social Science Wayne State University, Master of Education in Art Therapy Experienced social worker in creative arts therapy. Diversified background in working with special needs children and adults.

Sara Jones, CTRS Recreation Therapist Central Michigan University, BA Experienced working with adults and children with cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. Skilled at programming group activities and trips for children and adults in both community and clinical settings.

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Catherine Fresia Skating Instructor Springfield College, BA Experienced instructor in figure skating and power skating at area programs. Seven years experience coaching with FAR skating program. Certified Special Olympic Figure and Speed Skating Coach for Team FAR, Certified United States Gymnastics Association experienced instructor, Master Gardener.

Katherine Gawlowski, MEd Katherine received her masters degree in art therapy from Wayne State University and is currently pursuing a PsyD in clinical psychology at MiSPP.  She has experience working with diverse populations including autism spectrum disorders, EI, developmental and physical disabilities, grief, dementia, and cancer.

Darlene Herm, MT-BC Music Therapist Western Michigan University, BA Experienced in working individually and in groups with children and adults with developmental disabilities, mild to severe cognitive impairment and multiple impairments.

Patty Karle, MT-BC Music Therapist Mt. St. Joseph College, BA Experienced working with children with a variety of special needs including sensory integration, hearing impairments, visual impairments, a broad range of developmental issues as well as traumatic brain injury.  Fluent in ASL and a licensed Kindermusik educator.

Janis S. Kaufman, M.Ed, ATR Art Therapist Wayne State University, BFA Experienced with specialized services students (K-12), developmentally disabled children and adults, spectrum disorders, grief and loss, hospice, cancer patients, geriatric, dementia, aphasic and fully functioning populations.

Hayley Mieras, MT-BC Music Therapist Michigan State University, BA Experienced with autism and developmentally disabled adults and children. Certified in Kinder Music. Disciplines: piano, voice, guitar

Ben Niemiec Head Coach for Varsity Hockey Team University of Michigan, BGS Twelve years experience coaching and volunteering with FAR skating program. Certified USA Hockey Coach.

Tomoko Page, MT-BC Music Therapist Eastern Michigan University, BA Experienced working with children with special needs including autistic spectrum disorder, severe multiple impairments and other developmental delays.

	Carissa Pintar, M. Ed
	Experienced working with many populations and ages including persons with special needs.Trained in Play Therapy and Sandtray Therapy techniques and Improvisational Theatre.

Carolyn Priebe, MT-BC Music Therapist University of Evansville, BM Experienced with a variety of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and developmental disabilities. Classically trained with experience in band, orchestra, opera and musical theatre. Disciplines: Voice, piano, guitar, violin, flute, clarinet and saxaphone.

Christopher J. Tucker, MT-BC Music Therapist Michigan State University, BM Experienced working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorder, and developmental disabilities including cognitive, emotional and multiple impairments. Experienced using cognitive-behavioral music therapy with adults and adolescents with psychosocial disorders, addictions, and eating disorders.

Yuri Watanabe MT-BC Music Therapist Michigan State University, BA Experienced working with adults and children awith developmental delays, autism, visual and auditory impairment, SMI grief and loss, physical disabilities, Down Syndrome and learning disabilities.

Rebecca West , MT-BC Music Therapist Michigan State University, BA Experienced working with children with autism spectrum disorders, physical, cognitive and socio-emotional needs, and adults with physical and cognitive needs. Trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention.

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