Catalogue of Chicks

Welcome to the Catalog of Chicks — a place where you can meet everyday women and read about their extraordinary acts of bravery and courage. We hope you are inspired by their stories — we certainly are!

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<<Previous Chick Next Chick>>Lisa Bartoli
Hockessin, DE
Submitted by: University of Delaware Advocay Group"My students teach me far more than I teach them"- Lisa Bartoli

We are a group of junior girls from the University of Delaware studying Early Childhood Education, as one of our course requirements we took a class involving Professional Issues in Early Childhood fields. We were asked at the end of the semester to advocate and support any organization or cause we believed to be important. We did a lot of research and we were all drawn to the importance of art programming for young children. Through this research and word of mouth we stumbled upon “The Art Therapy Express” and Lisa Bartoli.

The Art Therapy Express is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing art opportunities and personal expression for populations with mild to severe physical or cognitive disabilities. It was founded and to this day pretty much ran by a single woman, Lisa Bartoli, following her dream of being and Art Therapist. She is an incredible strong woman who has touched thousands of children and families.

We were inspired by her determination and ability to start this program for children and adults with disabilities. We were drawn to her bubble spirited personality and her determination to keep program running even if that means stressful weeks with running programs, writing grants, organizing new events, and still finding time for her ten year old daughter and husband. Lisa has her masters degree in Creative Arts in Therapy from Hahnemmann University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and her bachelors degree from Philadelphia College of Art.

We felt she was a perfect candidate for ONEBRAVECHICK because she is following her dreams no matter how difficult it sometimes appears. We wanted all of you to understand and get to know Lisa a little better so we asked her to answer the following questions in her own words.

“What inspired you to come up with the idea for Art Therapy Express Program, Inc.?”

“I believe all people deserve the opportunity to access the arts. Therefore, I am spending my life finding the best ways to make the arts available to all individuals, even children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. The arts provide a communication tool for individuals who may find it difficult to verbally express themselves. I believe that the arts are essential for people with special needs. “

How long have you been in operation?

“I have been providing art therapy for 23 years in schools, hospitals and community organizations. Our nonprofit organization was established in 2003.”

What are the benefits of Art Therapy Express for children with special needs?

“The arts build bridges between the students' capabilities and their imagination. They provide a place where even non-verbal students can speak through the arts. The arts provide a communication tool for individuals to connect to their peers and the outside world. The art program is designed to create successful art encounters that promote self-esteem and independence. Our program enhances the learning capabilities of students with multiple and severe disabilities (physical, cognitive and communication).”

What have been the most difficult parts of starting this organization?

“The most difficult part has always been the time that it takes to create the funding for the program.”

What have been the most rewarding?

“The most rewarding part is working directly with the students and their families and/or teaching staff. It gives me such great joy when we create adaptive technology so every single student (no matter what their physical limitations) has success and joy in utilizing the arts. Another highlight in my career was being given an art studio this year that is designed exclusively for people with disabilities. Our collaboration with Delcastle High School has also been a blessing because these regular education students are creating adaptive technology (rotating tables, easel that move and holding devices) and supporting many Art Therapy Express Program needs.”

Where do you need the most help?

“I need the most help in marketing the new program so that schools and non-profit organizations know we exist. Another area that we need help is in fundraising, so that schools and community programs with decreased budgets can still attend our new "Kaleidoscope" art studio for little or no cost.”

"I have found my passion" – Lisa Bartoli <<Previous Chick Next Chick>>