Biography

Andrea Hrysko, B.F.A., D.K.A.T.I.
Art Therapist

Andrea Hrysko utilizes Art Therapy as an effective tool to communicate. Over the past 7 years, Andrea has worked clinically with children, youth and families implementing therapeutic art, speech, drama and play techniques. She has approximately 10 years experience in the social service field attending to families of all ages. Adept at leading playgroups and workshops, Andrea offers professional consultation and direct program implementation.

Acquiring a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta College of Art & Design, Andrea achieved her Art Therapy Post-baccalaureate Diploma from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute. She completed her thesis, ‘The Co-creative Aspect of Body Imagery through Art Therapy’. It is a qualitative study based on college students with Developmental Disabilities (DD) exploring plaster cast mask making and body tracing imagery. She has been specializing in DD related issues ever since the beginning of her therapeutic training.

After re-locating to the Lower Mainland in 2003, Andrea became the Co-owner of the Kangapouch Babywear Inc. She is now developing a website for her product, Andy’s Angel Balm.

For 4 years, she was a Behavioral Interventionist, assisting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and a Supervisor with Hollyburn Family Services. In 2006, Andrea introduced Art Therapy to the Nenqayni Wellness Centre where she held regular workshops for First Nations people inspiring them to create new lifestyles. In 2008, she was dedicated to the Lower Mainland Purpose Society as a Behavior Specialist, assisting youth in the Tri-Cities. Andrea is now facilitating recreational classes with the Canucks Autism Network.

Andrea is a Professional Member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association, has full professional liability insurance, and it is her responsibility to adhere to the highest possible standards of conduct as outlined in the Canadian Art Therapy Association Standards of Practice.

Facilitating workshops is rewarding for Andrea as she holds an invested interest in working with individuals and families with diverse backgrounds. She is a committed clinician familiar with populations facing stigmatization so she offers a venue for individualized, yet supported, expression. Now, With Art 4 Life Therapy established, there are regularly scheduled workshops being offered (see Services page).

 

Workshops facilitated:

• Youth and Family Programs, Nenqayni Wellness Centre
• Professional Development, Hollyburn Family Services
• Foster Parent and Child Dyad Group, Hollyburn Family Services
• Child, Youth and Teen Groups, Art 4 Life Therapy, Evergreen Cultural Centre
• Wait, Watch and Wonder, Lower Mainland Purpose Society
• Professional Development, Art 4 Life Therapy, City of Surrey
• Children's Group, Art 4 Life Therapy, Leigh Square Community Arts Village