Ryan Spies
Student Art Therapist | Educator | Advocate for Creative Healing
Ryan is a dedicated student art therapist currently studying at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute (TATI). With an MFA in Media in Design and over 16 years of experience teaching post-secondary art and design, she has guided countless young artists on their creative journeys.
Ryan believes in the transformative power of art to calm the nervous system and foster deep healing. Her work is deeply informed by the growing challenges faced by youth, including stress, anxiety, and social disconnection—issues amplified by the pandemic’s lasting effects.
In her art therapy practice, Ryan employs a human-centred approach, meeting clients where they are emotionally and creatively. She uses art to cultivate body awareness, facilitate emotional naming, and provide a safe space for self-expression. Through diverse media and interventions, Ryan encourages open narratives and supports her clients through every step of their creative process.