Nicole Sherrod, LMFT, ATR-BC

President 

Nicole Sylvia Imhof Sherrod (she/her/hers) is a Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Infant Family Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist who graduated in 2015 from Phillips Graduate Institute with an MA in Psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy. Nicole attended California Lutheran University obtaining a BS degree in Math and Physics. After seeing the power of art in her own life, Nicole decided to pursue a profession which offers art therapy in other’s lives. Nicole has clinical experiences in community mental health, in non-profit agencies, in school-based settings, in medical settings, in higher education, and in supporting those working with young children. Nicole loves seeing the positive impact in other’s lives that the process of creating can offer. 

Nicole served as the SoCalATA Treasurer for 2023 and 2024 as well as President Elect for 2025.  She values the connection and understanding that SoCalATA offers art therapists. Nicole is interested in becoming President to continue the wonderful legacy that has been established and to encourage others in sharing their amazing gifts.

Nicole "Nic" Rademacher, LMFT, ATR-BC

Secretary

Nicole “Nic” Rademacher is a Board Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a practicing professional artist and reunited Latine adoptee. In her clinical work, she combines somatic and creative therapies to support clients, with a specialization in helping adults who have experienced childhood trauma, particularly adoptees. Nicole holds an MA in Marital & Family Therapy with a specialization in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University, an MFA in Electronic Integrated Art from Alfred University, and a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A dedicated community and team builder, Nicole excels in communication, interpersonal relationships, and organizational skills. She would be a valuable addition to the board and an asset in fostering collaboration and growth.

Susan Lee, LMFT, ATR-BC

Treasurer 

Susan Lee, ATR-BC, is a dedicated art therapist with a deep passion for the field. She has extensive experience working with children in school settings, is currently a docent at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and has served on their docent board. Susan’s strong organizational skills and attention to detail enhance her professional contributions. With an undergraduate degree in mathematics and art history, combined with her background in the financial sector, she possesses a strong understanding of financial matters that would be invaluable in the treasurer role. Susan would be a fantastic addition to SoCalATA, bringing expertise and enthusiasm to the board.

Suzanne Deisher (she/her)

ATR-BC, LCAT, AMFT, APCC

Chapter Delegate

Coming soon!

Genia Young, LMFT, ATR-BC

Genia Young (she/her/hers) is a Board Certified Art Therapist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in art therapy, from Loyola Marymount University (LMU) as well as a Master’s Degree in Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College.

Currently, she provides clinical art therapy services and art therapy supervision in both her private practice and at LMU where she is a part-time faculty member.  She is also a member of the Active Cultural Explorations Committee (ACE) that advises the art therapy department on cultural considerations in education and community outreach, including professional development to alumni on cultural awareness. 

Genia has been a member of SoCalATA since she was an art therapy student.  A few years after graduation, she volunteered as Co-Chair of the Membership Committee, then was elected President-Elect and succeeded as President in 2020.  

“Over the years I have become deeply invested in art therapy education and practice and the welfare of art therapists.  I believe that if I want to see a difference I need to make a difference.”

Chao Zhao, AMFT, ATR

Los Angeles County Regional Liaison

Chao Zhao is a Registered Art Therapist and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working in Los Angeles, California. She is a former financial planner, client relationship, and product manager. Driven by a passion for art and human lived experiences about mental health, she obtained her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with Specialized Training in Art Therapy. Currently, her work focuses on community engagement and mental health stigma reduction, providing accessible mental health services for Asian Americans, immigrants, and their families to reconnect to their inner strengths.

Teresa Grame LCSW, ATR-BC, RPT-S

Madoka Urhausen, LMFT, ATR-BC

ethics@socalarttherapy.org 

Ethics Committee Chair

Madoka Urhausen (she/her/hers) works as a field instructor and art therapy supervisor in Loyola Marymount University’s graduate department of marital and family therapy with clinical art therapy. Additionally, Madoka is a program manager at the Guidance Center’s school-based program and runs a private practice offering intermodal expressive therapies. At SoCalATA, she was the Co-Chair of the Multicultural Committee, the Chapter Delegate, and is currently the Ethics Committee Chair.

Madoka volunteers at SoCalATA because she wants to help build a strong community of art therapists and make art therapy a viable choice of modality for consumers. 

“The leadership and learning opportunity I gained by serving in SoCalATA has been useful for my professional development. Inspirations and a sense of comradery with fellow art therapists are immensely satisfying. I hope to see more people get involved.”

Jessica Edelstein, LMFT,

ATR-BC

Membership Committee Chair

Coming soon!