The community of Pittsburgh has been home to Kiana and is where she was born and raised. Kiana completed her BA of Psychology undergraduate degree right in the heart of Pittsburgh at Chatham University. Kiana is currently an art therapy and clinical mental health graduate student studying at Antioch University of New England. Art has been an integral part of her life and is the reason why she is pursuing a degree in art therapy. Her long-term goal is to empower young children and adolescents through creative expression and sharing art.

Art therapy provides an alternative outlet for children to express themselves through creativity when they may have trouble expressing themselves verbally. Kiana’s education has taught her how to integrate art into the therapeutic environment using various mediums such as drawing, painting, and other mixed media. Although, her personal favorite is clay and sculpting!

Kiana’s inspiration to work with children comes from the desire to help kids of all ages reach their full potential through nurturing a therapeutic environment for personal growth. Kiana has had experience working with children in a residential treatment setting providing guidance and support through daily challenges and tasks while helping them to achieve their personal goals. She became a confidant for the clients and helped them to learn coping skills. She also has experience working as a rehabilitation aid, assisting clients with mental and physical disabilities learn essential social skills to be able to make connections with others. Working with children and those who have disabilities has been a transformative learning experience for Kiana through gaining the ability to build healthy relationships with clients.