Alumni Spotlight! Meet Jo-Ann Dellaposta

Published: Sat, 04/01/23

Meet Jo-Ann Dellaposta, a 2022 graduate of our Certificate Training Program.

We are excited to feature her as our very first monthly Alumni Spotlight!

We think you will enjoy the blend of skills and practices Jo-Ann brings to her life and work as an Expressive Arts Facilitator!

Jo-Ann Dellaposta

Expressive Arts Facilitator

Reiki Practitioner

Sound Healer

Art Teacher

Manorville, Long Island,

New York, USA

Bio

Jo-Ann holds a BFA and an MFA in Imaging Arts. She is a New York State certified art teacher and has taught students of all ages and skill levels for 30 years. Additionally, she has been a Reiki practitioner for 14 years and has recently become certified
in crystal sound healing. Jo-Ann designs and facilitates workshops that integrate the expressive arts, Reiki and sound healing for the empowerment and well being of her participants. She also combines energy work and intermodal expressive arts into her own personal practice.

Jo-Ann, what drew you to the field of Expressive Arts,

or motivated you to get Expressive Arts training?

I've always believed in the power of the creative process. It has provided a place of comfort, security and home for me. However, for many years, I allowed responsibilities and obligations to take precedence over creating. In 2009, after experiencing the loss of my oldest brother and a failed marriage, only months apart, I found myself just going through the motions. I was a grieving middle-aged woman with two teenage daughters to raise and many different hats to
wear. I used to consider myself to be a strong, independent woman with a loud voice. I handled life's challenges with grace. So, in search of myself, I spent years studying and researching metaphysics, crystal healing and Reiki, looking for ways to feel grounded again. When agitated and overwhelmed, I surrounded myself with crystals, color, positive energy and a sketchbook. For the past decade, I have been working diligently to bring to others what my soul has always known to be true: creating
provides a host of healing benefits. I strongly believe the emphasis is on the process, not the product.

As you began to immerse yourself in this work, were there any unexpected gifts or surprises?

Absolutely! I found that by combining healing and expressive modalities, not only was I able to relieve stress and
minimize anxiety; I was also able to enter an intuitive state, accessing the wisdom of my higher self. My images started to speak and they had plenty to say.

How are you currently implementing EXA in your personal and/or professional life?

I create daily. Sometimes my visual pieces are larger and detailed; pieces that I will work on over time. Other times, I'll make simple sketches or doodles. I've also become proficient at dancing around (usually when I'm alone). I'm finally paying attention to my need to express. The movement of energy is important. It keeps the doors open. Professionally, I've planted the seeds of JD Expressive ArtStudio. I design and facilitate workshops that integrate the creative process with Reiki and crystal sound healing for a total wellness experience.

What are your goals in this work, and how to you envision your involvement with Expressive Arts unfolding in the future?

It is my goal to grow my business and offer my services to a wide audience. I believe that everyone has the ability to control their own journey and path while learning, healing and growing.

"The Power of You' workshop focused on the solar plexus chakra, connecting to the unique energies of each person. Reiki, meditation, sound healing integrated with expressive arts modalities.

How has Expressive Arts enriched or expanded your career path?

I've been an art teacher for well over 30 years. However, teaching a skill is incredibly different than facilitating an art process for the purposes of healing and growth. I have been able to find simple ways to encourage the concepts of expressive arts. Mindful minutes, animal allies, and nature based expressions are lessons that have enhanced my current curriculum.

What is your current personal practice and how does it enrich your life?

Expressive Arts reduces my stress and keeps me grounded. My personal practice involves check-ins with myself. I'm always creating something. It's like breathing; it's something I have to do.

What do you wish you could tell the world about Expressive Arts?

It works. I find that when the intentions are good and there's a
willingness to explore, grow or heal, the higher self will respond. It's amazing how everything just comes together and falls into alignment. Put forth the intention of whatever you'd like to accomplish and let the expressive arts work for you.

What are you currently offering, and what are the ways that people can work with you?

I offer group workshops,  private sessions tailored to the needs of the individual, consulting, and private events. 

I am available to work in person or online.

'Circling The Circle' Workshop. Exploring our life sustaining connections to our natural world. Integrating Reiki, sound healing, meditation and intermodal expressive arts.

Anything else you would like to say?

I am grateful for the professional training and guidance from
Expressive Arts Florida Institute. This is a community of people rich in acceptance, support and love. I have finally found what I had spent years searching for. I believe the timing was perfect in placing me gently along the path that I was destined for. Thank you.

"I breathe warming, nurturing energy. I fuel the fire, cultivating the seeds to grow. Meeting in the center, the door is open. Light emanates forth. Energy prevails."

Professional links - Learn more about Jo-Ann

All
artwork by Jo-Ann Dellaposta

Watch for our Alumni Spotlight on or about the 1st of each month. We will feature graduates of our Certificate Training Program - Expressive Arts Facilitators, Therapists, and Educators. We hope this series will inspire you, help spread the work of our alumni, and demonstrate the scope of practice of the expressive arts field.

For more information about our Certificate Training Program, Professional Development, and Workshops - both online and in-person, visit us at www.expressiveartsflorida.com

Tamara Teeter Knapp, MA, NCC, MHC Intern, REACE®
Kathleen Horne, MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT®

Expressive Arts Florida Institute

P.O. Box 52335
Sarasota FL 34232
USA

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