DKATI

Kim Elizabeth Cookson is an Art Therapist and treasurer of the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, with over 20 years of experience integrating art therapy and psychotherapy.

She specializes in working with diverse populations facing challenges such as depression, trauma, addiction, and identity exploration.

Kim holds a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Art Therapy (Expressive Arts) from Kutenai and is pursuing her Registered Therapy Counselor (RTC) designation. She has worked with organizations including Social Development Housing of New Brunswick, Crescent Valley Resource Centre, and Loch Lomond Villa.

Her contributions have earned multiple awards, including the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute’s Special Recognition Award and the New Brunswick Palliative Care Association’s Innovation Award. A founder of Trinity Enterprise Inc., Atlantic Canada’s first digital publisher, she secured a $100,000 grant for eBook research.

Kim is passionate about mental health, art, and healing, and continues to advocate for the transformative power of art therapy.

BFA (hons), DKATI, RCAT

Blake Henry is an integrated member of the KATI team, bringing her expertise in therapeutic spaces and anti-oppressive approaches to her role on the board. As a newcomer to board leadership, Blake is eager to contribute her knowledge to support and drive meaningful change and decision making to strengthen academic systems. Blake is passionate about fostering a community that prioritizes belonging, equal access to education, and healing through relationships. She is committed to advocating for policies and practices that uphold these values. Blake feels privileged to collaborate with her colleagues to shape an academic environment that empowers future art therapists!

When not working, you can find Blake in the mountains, dancing, running, or laughing with friends.

Deb Kozak made history as Nelson's first female mayor, serving four terms on City Council. She led the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments as President and chaired the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments Committee, fostering cross-border collaboration on Columbia Basin issues. As mayor, Deb was a Director of the Regional District of Central Kootenay and contributed to the Nelson and District Recreation Commission. She co-founded the Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership and served as 1st Vice President of the Union of BC Municipalities. With experience in both private and non-profit sectors, Deb has been active in volunteer organizations at local, provincial, and national levels.

Kirkland has over 25 years of experience caring for the land and managing the BC Parks Ranger in the West Kootenays. He’s also worked as a Wilderness/Primitive Skills Instructor and Youth at Risk Counsellor in Nelson.

Additionally, Kirkland has served 25 years as Program Director, health instructor, and hiking guide at Mountain Trek Health Retreat in Ainsworth. A Certified Life Coach and Certified Relational Somatic Therapist, Kirkland combines nature-based wisdom with trauma-informed care to support personal transformation and deep connection to the natural world.

DKATI, RTC, RP(Q)

Born and raised in Alberta, Chari Tomczak is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying), professional art therapist, and registered therapeutic counsellor who believes in the power of creativity and our innate capacity to heal.

A published author with a graduate-level Diploma from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, she is also a mother, wife, and friend. Her personal journey through turbulent times has reinforced her belief in art as a healing tool.

As the founder of Tidewaters, Chari's graduate research focused on ocean metaphors, reflecting her view of the human experience. She embraces all aspects of personal stories, guided by the teaching that "tears keep the heart soft."

With Polish and Ojibwe heritage, Chari is committed to culturally humble psychotherapy practices, considering the impact on seven generations. Residing in Water Valley, Alberta, with her family and pets, she enjoys homeschooling, paddle boarding, biking, gardening, reading, and aspiring to homestead farming.