CORAL A. VEDDER

EDUCATION

Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA
Bachelor of Arts: Art Therapy – Cum Laude (May 2008)

Ringgold High School, Monongahela, PA
AP and Honors Coursework (June 2004)

ART THERAPY/ART EDUCATION OVERVIEW

Art Therapy is defined as experiences, education and training in art and psychology which provides a
vehicle for nonverbal expression and communication. Art Therapy utilizes the creative process as a means
to reconcile human emotional conflicts and fostering self-awareness, personal health and growth. The
Certification Program in Art Education provides students with opportunities for observing and
teaching at the elementary and secondary levels. Methods of teaching art are covered with special
emphasis on motivation, classroom management skills and ways of nurturing creativity.

ART THERAPY INTERNSHIP
Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center, Erie, PA
Art Therapy Intern: St. Mary’s Preschool/Kindergarten Program, (Summer 2007)
* Completed Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training.
* Participated in therapist, medical, and staff meetings.
* Conducted individual art therapy sessions with own clients.
* Documented treatment progress of clients using proper procedures.
* Facilitated art therapist, Erica Schwartz, in working with her clients.
* Assisted and co-led art therapy activities within a classroom/group setting.
* Prepared exercises and therapeutic activities based on client’s individual needs.
* Shadowed head therapist, Tracey Sampson, during meetings and other daily tasks.

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
The Achievement Center, Erie, PA
Summer Treatment Program (STP)
Camp Counselor (Summer 2008)
*Lead group recreational activities and skill drills.
*Recorded daily progress notes and behavior tracking.
*Utilized Pellum behavior modification treatment plan.
*Determined and evaluated daily report card goals (DRC’s)
* Completed Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Program.
*Worked as a counselor for children diagnosed with ADHD, ages 5-7

BG’s Gymnastics, Monessen, PA
Coach/Instructor (2001-2007)
* Developed and implemented creative lesson plans.
* Instructed students in gymnastics form and techniques.
* Conducted the Mommy and Me and Pre-School classes.
* Co-Coached cheerleading classes and the BG’s All Star Squad.
* Assisted with birthday parties, gymnastics camps and facility maintenance.

HONORS/SCHOLARSHIPS

Psi Chi, National Psychology Honor Society, 2006-2008
Phi Eta Sigma, National Honor Society, 2005-2008
Mercyhurst College Presidential Scholarship, 2004-2008
NSS Life Scholarship, 2005-2008

Mercyhurst College Dean’s List Scholar, 2004-2006

MEMBERSHIPS/CLEARANCES/CERTIFICATIONS

National Art Education Association Member 2008-2009
Completed Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training, June 2008
Obtained Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearances, August 2008
Criminal Background Check, August 2008
Completed FBI Fingerprinting, July 2008
American Art Therapy Association Student Affiliate, 2007-2008
American Psychological Association Student Affiliate, 2007-2008
Certified in CPR and First Aid, May 2007

REPRESENTATIVE COURSEWORK

Crafts, Ceramics, Child Psychology
Drawing I , Senior Art Thesis, Intro to Psychology
Printmaking I, Intro to Sociology, Clinical Psychology
Painting II/ Oil, Two-Dimensional Design , Abnormal Psychology
Painting I/ Acrylic, Three-Dimensional Design, Motivation and Emotion
Secondary Art Education, Art Therapy I, II, III, IV, V, Statistics for Psychology
Elementary Art Education, Ancient to Medieval Art History, Psychology of Personal Adjustment
Foundations of Education, Independent Studio- Drawing/Painting, Client Assessment/Intervention Techniques

PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH PROJECT

Vedder, C. A. & Pettijohn, T. F. II (2007, April). Product Variations to Create Choice, Locus of Control, and Product Desirability. Poster presented at the 35th Annual Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate Psychology Conference, Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania.

Vedder, C. A. & Pettijohn, T. F. II (2007, April). Product Variations to Create Choice, Locus of Control, and Product Desirability. Poster presented at Mercyhurst College Research Symposium, Erie, Pennsylvania.

ART THERAPY RELATED RESEARCH PROJECTS

“Communicating Without Words: Art Therapy and Individuals with Autism” (Winter 2008)
Primarily defines and explains Autistic spectrum disorders including diagnosis. The benefits of art therapy as a treatment option as well as artwork characteristics of autistic individuals are also examined.

Counseling Theory Paper: Reality Therapy (Spring 2007)
Reviews the history and defines the theoretical basis of reality therapy. In addition it discusses the therapeutic techniques used in this therapy.

“Traumatic Experiences Seen Through the Eyes of a Family” (Fall 2005)
Focuses on how art therapy can be used to help families cope with traumatic experiences.

“My Wacky Family”: A Journal about Family Art Therapy (Winter 2005)
A brief overview of art therapy used in a family setting.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPATION
Mercyhurst College Teaching and Learning Expo (2009)
Pennsylvania Art Education Association State Conference (2008)

EDUCATION PRACTICUM

School Subject Setting Grade
Elk Valley Elementary Center- Art - Suburban - K-5
Union City Elementary Center- Art -Suburban - K-5
James W. Parker Middle School- Art -Suburban - 6-8
Union City Middle/High School- Art- Suburban- 6-12
Erie Art Museum- Art - Urban- Pre K- 1

ACTIVITIES

Mercyhurst College Juried Student Art Show, 2009
Mercyhurst CollegeArt Education Club, 2008-2009
Mercyhurst College Cheerleading Squad, 2004-2008
* Captain, 2008
Mercyhurst College Art Therapy Club, 2004-2008
Mercyhurst College Psychology Club, 2006-2008
Mercyhurst College Senior Gift Committee, 2008
Mercyhurst College Note Taker, Learning Differences Dept., 2007
Mercyhurst College Green Team, 2005-2007
Amnesty International: Mercyhurst College, 2005-2007

SERVICE

Mercyhurst College Art Fair, Volunteer/Teacher 2009
Mercyhurst College Cheerleading Tryouts, Judge/Assistant/Organizer, 2008
Strong Vincent High School, Volunteer Cheerleading Advisor, 2007-2008
St. John’s Holy Rosary (Eastside), Volunteer Mural Painter, 2008
Mercyhurst College, Christmas on Campus, 2007
March of Dimes, Walk Participant, 2007
Quality of Life Learning Center, 2007
Kid’s Café, 2005

REFERENCES

Available upon request