Dianne Monroe of San Antonio, TX is an Expressive Art Facilitator who combines eco-psychology in her work. She shares what she does and why she is called to this work.GJC: What do you do?DM: I am an Expressive Arts Facilitator, writer and photographer.Much of my work is about facilitating reconnection (with our inner selves, with others, and with the natural world) and guiding people to discover, explore and deepen their understanding of their unique gifts and how they live them in this world. Through workshops, classes and consulting I offer my own blend of Expressive Arts and Eco-Psychology – using arts, creativity and nature to offer tools and pathways for healing, connection, a deeper understanding of self and as a guide in one’s journey through life.GJC: How have you prepared for your career?DM: My life experiences have prepared me for what I do!An early love of art and deep connection with others led to my work as a writer and photographer, and many years as an Arts Educator working with both children and adults.Through my work as a writer and photographer I personally experienced the power of art and nature to touch hearts, change lives and express the intimate mysteries of the human spirit. As an Arts Educator, I felt great joy in my ability to offer this experience as a gift to others.My personal journey to better understand this profound power led me to study Expressive Art, through the program led by Barbara Ganim at Salve-Regina University. During my studies, I discovered Eco-Psychology and began to develop my own way of blending these two fields (Expressive Arts and Eco-Psychology). Since that time I have deepened my conversation with the natural world, pursued further learning, and continued to evolve my work and what I offer to others.GJC: Why are you called to this work?DM: Again, life called me to do this work.It was through my own artistic journey and life journey that I experienced again and again the profound power of art – to touch, heal, change. My many years as an Arts Educator showed me that this power lies within everyone.For me, art and creativity are as natural and intrinsic to humanity as breathing – and can open us to new ways of experiencing, knowing and being in relationship with ourselves, others and our world. We are all artists and the most important artwork we are creating is our lives, our unique selves, and how we live our gifts in this world.I am called to this work because I want to share the joy of this discovery with others.GJC: Do you work with individuals? Groups? Workshops? Conventions? Conferences?DM: I work with both groups and individuals. I offer workshops, classes and consulting. I have presented and brought workshops to conferences and also trained therapists, counselors, teachers and others in ways to integrate the arts into their work. I offer consulting on Expressive Arts and nature activities with youth. I can also work by phone.GJC: Will you travel?DM: Yes, I enjoy traveling.