Individual Support Team

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Nala Turner is a Brooklyn-based ceramics artist and creative art therapist, working primarily with themes related to race-issues, cultural identity, femininity, social stereotype, and popular culture perspectives.

In her own practice, Nala has explored the ardor of various mediums within both educational and mental health forums; including non-profit organizations for housing and health, workforce development institutions, and inpatient psychiatry. She has been working with clay for 12 years, previously operating as a family programs educator at the Whitney Museum of American Art and in other numerous institutional, workshop, and private-lesson settings. 

As a creative art therapist, Nala practices a multiform art therapy approach, exercising Humanistic, Behavioral, and trauma-informed frameworks, within the distinguished and individualized experience of the client. Nala holds interest in clay therapy, bottom-up approaches, body-integration; and mental health outcomes for people of color.

Her mission is to share art + narrative’s ability to create a symbol of one’s inner world, living experiences and  bring insight to one’s Self; and to facilitate positive transformation and connections with both individuals and communities in effort to influence more creative spaces for people of color.

What is your favorite part of the animation  pipeline?

Much like my work as an creative art therapist, I am moved by the process and narrative that is developed within the animation pipeline. I find myself gravitating towards the concept of story + narrative. The creative arts therapy process can be seen as resembling that of storyboarding. The question “what is the story you want to tell?”, and the individual and collective narratives are built within visual form for a larger transformation. Storyboarding leads you through this narrative –– the beginning of a journey that fosters an idea, creates intention, and brings life + impact.

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Stef Syfert is a NY state licensed (LCAT), nationally registered and board certified (ATR-BC) Creative Arts Therapist. She works collaboratively with her clients to navigate through the external and internal obstacles they are facing in order to create the change they seek. The bravery it takes to begin therapy, or continue with a new therapist, will be rewarded with a greater quality of life.

Stef’s inclusive, affirming, trauma-informed approach integrates various disciplines, yet mindfulness practices within an evidence-based framework lead her practice. In an environment where clients feel heard and understood, treatment goals include increased self-awareness and esteem, strengthened coping skills, improved communication in personal and professional relationships, and reduced anxiety and stress. Art making is used in session as an additional tool for self-expression, relaxation and meaning making.

Stef received her MA in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts. Her thesis research focused on the use of tech-based art making to reduce stress and encourage insight. Her 14 years of clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in inpatient psychiatric, in-home preventative , school, and community-based settings. In addition to her role as the Community Relations Manager and Art Therapist at TAP, Stef is also in private practice.

What is your favorite part of the animation pipeline?

I really love to support, witness, and participate in the character development process. We call on characteristics we identify with, relate to, aspire to, and that challenge us in order to create characters who didn’t exist before. We get to decide who they are and how their story unfolds. Sometimes, we even get to rewrite our own story through the characters we create. How powerful is that!?