Krista Machovina’s career encompasses over 30 years in art education, counseling and nonprofit leadership. She earned a BFA in Art Education from The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. She is a registered and board certified art therapist who has used art to help people of all ages with many of life's challenges and transitions including recovery from addiction, grief and loss, facing life threatening illness, as well as a variety of mental health diagnoses and developmental conditions. Her work has taken her to multiple settings such as schools, hospitals, senior centers, residential facilities, special needs schools, addiction treatment centers, counseling organizations, and community art centers.

 

Krista regularly exhibits her own paintings and mixed media work. This art often incorporates meditative depictions of the sea and sky with themes of resilience and memory. She loves helping people discover their own strengths and creativity (even those who say they "aren't an artist!"). As a two time cancer survivor, Krista believes in making the most of the time you have, and finding the meaning and joy in that time whenever possible. To that end you will also find her walking her dog, doing yoga, creating little field trips to explore Los Angeles, and baking things her friends both love and curse her for.