Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics

Deanna Barton, ATR-BC, is a Board Certified Art Therapist, educator, artist, and founder of Alluma: Art and Healing LLC. Deanna uses art-making, mark-making, and the creative process to help individuals increase their social-emotional well-being and to help communities activate social change. Deanna received a Master's in Art Therapy from The George Washington University and completed her undergraduate studies at Spelman College. She is an adjunct professor in Pennsylvania Western University's Art Therapy Department, a member of the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE), and a member of the American Art Therapy Association's Multicultural Committee. In her private practice, Deanna provides art therapy services for women of color healing from anxiety, depression, and experiences of complex trauma. Her consulting and community-based work focuses on curating creative spaces for social change and developing art-based, trauma-informed curriculum. Deanna has over ten years of experience working in schools, shelters for the unhoused, mental health facilities, and non-profit community outreach programs. She has led workshops, presented at conferences, and published articles on art for self-care, race-based trauma, and cultural humility. She enjoys gardening, DIY projects, and art-making outside of work.