Kathleen Downie

In-Person + Virtual

Thursdays 4-7

Art Therapist Intern

Kathleen is an intern Art Therapist currently completing her clinical training at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (VATI). She brings decades of experience as a teacher, arts educator, and creative arts facilitator, with a career dedicated to supporting emotional wellbeing through artistic expression.
Kathleen has developed and led arts-based programs in hospitals, dementia care, community organizations, and long-term care settings, including SickKids, Baycrest, the Alzheimer Society of Toronto, and the Waterford Healing Arts Trust in Ireland. She co-founded the Creative Arts Program for the SickKids Diabetes Clinic and has conducted art-based research exploring drawing as a meaningful way for parents to connect with hospitalized newborns in the NICU.
She has a particular passion for working with children, adults, seniors (especially individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer). Kathleen helps clients strengthen communication, identity, resilience, and emotional expression through the creative process.

Approach & Professional Experience

Kathleen’s approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. She believes every individual has a unique voice, and that art can foster connection, restore vitality, and create meaningful opportunities for healing and growth.