Using Arts and Culture to Support, Engage and Celebrate Diverse Youth

Esther Triggs has dedicated her career to educating communities in anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Triggs’ unique experience in both theatrical and corporate settings allows her to bridge gaps in facilitating conversations which leads to empowerment of individuals and groups toward equitable solutions. Triggs is an alumnus of Cornell’s Diversity and Inclusion certificate program and a graduate of CUNY SPS’ master of arts in Applied Theatre program, that utilizes theatre for social justice work. She supports organizations in understanding the perceptual, institutional, and psychological process which impact the bottom line of an organization and how we, in community, interact with each other and create a culturally competent workplace.

Juliet King MA, ATR-BC, LPC, LMHC and is an Associate Professor in the Art Therapy Department at GWU and also holds an appointment as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Professor King received her MA in Art Therapy from Hahnemann/Drexel University and has two decades as a clinician, administrator and educator. She developed and implemented the graduate Art Therapy program at Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN and her leadership has spearheaded the development of over 30 graduate student internships in the Indianapolis community and throughout the state. She also developed and continues to oversee the first Art Therapy in Neuroscience and Medicine program at the Indiana University Neuroscience Center. Professor King’s research explores the systematic integration of art therapy and neuroscience with a particular focus on neuroaesthetics and Mobile Brain-Body Imaging (MoBI) as a method of understanding the mechanisms of change in the therapeutic process. In 2016 she wrote and edited a textbook titled Art therapy, trauma and neuroscience: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives. Currently Prof King is pursuing PhD study in Translational Health Sciences with a specialization in cognitive neuroscience.

Lauren Kiefert is a Program Manager for the National Recreation and Park Association. Lauren joined NRPA in January 2019 and supports the organization’s youth development, mentoring and mental health portfolio. Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge to NRPA, having both educational and professional experience in the public health field. Prior to joining the association, she completed her Master of Public Health degree from George Washington University, with a focus on health promotion and prevention efforts. Lauren has also been involved in substance use prevention coalitions, working with local youth and community stakeholders to address prevention, education, and awareness efforts.

Rafael Torres is a Program Manager for the National Recreation and Park Association, he joined NRPA in July 2021 and supports the organization’s youth development, mentoring and mental health portfolio. Rafael brings numerous years’ experience in grantmaking initiatives and program management to NRPA, largely  focusing on youth/education, social justice and culture. Rafael completed his Master of Arts degree from New York University, with a focus on non-profit arts administration.