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Creative Connections: Art Therapy Interns at The Willows of Living Branches

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Alex Metricarti

On the days when art therapy interns Jenna Rosenblatt and Julie Vasquez are working with residents at The Willows of Living Branches, you can tell right away.

You may hear laughter coming from the common area, where residents gather around a long table to work together on a special mural for the Souderton Mennonite Homes campus. Or maybe you’ll hear the murmur of quiet discussion as residents focus on individual painting projects, with gentle guidance from Jenna and Julie, both seniors at Temple University.

No matter what the interns are doing with residents, the mood at The Willows is always bright and creative when they’re on campus.

Jenna Rosenblatt, art therapy intern at The Willows of Living Branches, a Personal Care home in Hatfield, PA

Jenna Rosenblatt, art therapy intern at The Willows of Living Branches

Julie Vasquez, art therapy intern at The Willows of Living Branches, a Personal Care home in Hatfield, PA

Julie Vasquez, art therapy intern at The Willows of Living Branches

“We’ve been delighted to have Jenna and Julie as art therapy interns at The Willows,” says Tina, the community’s life enrichment coordinator. “With their natural positivity and enthusiasm for making art, they’ve helped many of our residents tap into their own creative sides.”

The Next Generation of Art Therapists

One advantage of working with art therapists in training is their experience as creators. But it’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect two generations, as Jenna and Julie are at the beginning of their careers as art therapists.

“Over paints, pencils, and pastels, the residents and students connect through conversation,” Tina says. “They discuss art, of course, but also their interests, opinions, and thoughts on the future.”

Both Jenna and Julie have worked with different kinds of clients, including children and people with developmental disabilities, and have thoroughly enjoyed their time working with seniors at The Willows. In fact, both are considering working with seniors after graduation.

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And this impact goes both ways. Tina shares that Jenna and Julia have positively influenced many residents, not just those experienced with painting, drawing, and crafting.

“They’ve encouraged both our experienced artists and those picking up a brush for the first time to find fun and fulfillment through the creative process.”

Jenna and Julie’s semester at The Willows exemplifies the power of creativity in fostering purpose and joy among our residents. The residents and team members at The Willows wish Jenna and Julie all the best as they head to the next stage in their careers!

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