NYATA Awards
Honorary Life Member
The Honorary Life Member award (HLM) is granted to a New York Art Therapy Association member who has been an inspiration to The New York Art Therapy Association and it’s membership. The purpose of this honor is to recognize outstanding and significant contributions to the New York Art Therapy Association and the field of Art Therapy.
Rachel Brandoff, PhD, ATR-BC, ATCS, LCAT
2017 Honorary Life Member Award Recipient
Rachel Brandoff has promoted, fostered, educated and mentored many art therapists. She was one of the founders of the Expressive Therapies Summit and her expansive and welcoming attitude has encouraged many to present and to attend. Rachel has been and will continue to be a driving force as the creative art therapies work together to bring best practices to our clients and colleagues.
Samantha Hasher, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT
2016 Honorary Life Member Award Recipient
Samantha has made many valuable contributions to NYATA including providing scholarships to our members, correcting the organizations tax status with the IRS, and writing and receiving 2 advocacy grants from the national organization. Samantha has met with our local legislators to advocate for the field of art therapy and has had many important roles in NYATA over the past 7 years: President- Elect, President and Governmental Affairs Chair. Samantha has been a devoted board member to NYATA, always there to assist and volunteer her time and knowledge wherever and whenever needed. She has been instrumental in helping create “Advancing Mental Health” packets to be distributed to the public to advocate for establishing art therapy as a form of mental health treatment in New York State. She has been an asset in the field of art therapy through her work at UCP. Samantha is a very deserving recipient for this esteemed honor.
The Pam Clark Distinguished Service Award
The Pam Clark Distinguished Service Award is granted to an art therapist who has devotedly served NYATA. Candidates for this honor have served the New York Art Therapy Association, contributed passion for the field, and dedication to the organization and it’s members. Pam Clark was the first recipient of this award, a dedicated art therapist, board member and volunteer who had a passion to promote an educational component to NYATA and was dedicated to the overall progress and excellence of the New York Art Therapy Association in the 1980s.
Alisha Rappaport Zubrow, MA, M.S.Ed, ATR-BC, LCAT
2016 Pam Clark Distinguished Service Award Recipient
Alisha was the Director of Child Life at New York Hospital Queens from 1999 to 2013 implementing Family Centered Care for the Pediatric population. Alisha began volunteering on the Executive Board of The New York Art Therapy Association in 2005, initially serving on the Nominating Committee and later taking on the role of Corresponding Secretary, which she maintained until 2016. Alisha was appointed by her peers as Co-President of the New York Art Therapy Association in 2009 during a very tough time for the organization. Due to her level headed point of view and ability to make fair decisions in stressful situations Alisha helped move NYATA forward through a tumultuous period.
Michelle Anne Hololob MS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS
2016 Pam Clark Distinguished Service Award Recipient
Michelle has been Student Liaison Board Member for the past 6 years. Michelle has been an integral part of keeping New York schools and students informed with current issues in the Art therapy field. Michelle has helped future art therapists in New York further their education and learn about their field. Michelle has advocated that art therapy students become members of NYATA and AATA and connect with the art therapy community.
Past Award Recipients
2015
Pat St. John - HLM
Susan Paradise Goodman - Pam Clark
2014
Michele Amendolari - HLM
Robert Wolf - Pam Clark
2013
Gabrielle G. Bellettieri - HLM
Susan Antelis - Pam Clark
2012
Michele Amendolari - Pam Clark
2011
Margaret Carlock Russo - HLM
2010
Deborah Adler - HLM
Gabrielle G. Bellettieri - Pam Clark
2007
Susan Boxer Kappel - HLM
Margaret Carlock Russo - Pam Clark
2006
Gustly Lange - HLM
Deborah Adler - Pam Clark
2005
Jessica Beth Berg - Pam Clark
2004
Dr. Paula Luzzatto - HLM
Dr. Christine Kerr - Pam Clark
Susan Boxer Kappel - Pam Clark
2003
Joan Wittig - HLM
Betsy Lazarus - Pam Clark
2002
Delores Wolf - HLM
LaShae Brigmon - Pam Clark
Chriss Berk - Pam Clark
2001
Beth Gonzalez - HLM
Barbara Levy - Pam Clark