Kelli Karver is a counselor, therapist, and owner of the counseling organization, Mindfully Active. With the help of Tara O’Keefe, an Addictions Counselor Supervisor at the Stockton Wellness Center, and Sam Woodford, a peer educator and Stockton University Alcohol and Drug Educational Programming and Support (ADEPS) member, the three have created art therapy workshops to provide students a healthy outlet of healing.

On Tuesday, March 25, the aforementioned trio collaborated together to host their second workshop out of a series of eight, all of which will have pieces on display at the Atlantic City Noyes Museum on April 15, 2025, which is Collegiate Recovery Day. These workshops focused on the recovery of addiction, loss, and the real shades of life that people are faced with day to day. Through creative expression, Stockton students and even outside community members are able to enjoy a free experience that is centered on healing and recovery.

Any person interested has the opportunity to participate in one of Karver’s therapy sessions, where they learn how to process their internal state while creating sculptures from clay and a variety of other mediums. Though the environment can initially seem intimidating, Karver, O’Keefe and Woodford promote a welcoming atmosphere.

The workshop begins with a group writing prompt presented by Karver. After about ten minutes of writing, participants were given clay to shape and mold according to their desires, with the goal of reflecting on the finished piece. To view the artworks created by the student and others involved in the healing process, be sure to check out the upcoming Noyes exhibit on April 15.

For more information on these art therapy workshops, peer education, and addiction counseling, contact Mindfully Active via email at Admin@mindfullyactivenj.com or Tara O’Keefe at Tara.OKeefe@stockton.edu. Or, be sure to check out ADEPS’ instagram, @stocktonu_adeps.