Gabriela Gamez |
Gaby graduated Cum Laude as graphic designer from UDEM in Monterrey, Mexico in 2003. She moved to New York City and worked in the advertising industry as a graphic designer and later as an art director. Her interest in creativity, child development, human connections and in providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable populations led her to pursue a Masters degree in Art Therapy from School of Visual Arts, graduating in 2009. As a registered and board certified art therapist, (ATR-BC) Gaby worked at NYU Langone Medical Center where her leadership skills took her to move quickly into a senior role and became coordinator of services for 3 pediatric units. During that time she gained experience with medically fragile children, adolescents and young adults and participated in various conferences as a presenter. She has been a guest lecturer at NYU University and at Long Island University and a supervisor to art therapy and medical students in New York City.
In 2013 Gaby relocated to San Antonio. In these past years she has worked at Methodist Children's hospital through Tracy's Kids - a grant based art therapy program born in Washington DC. She has also done contract work with organizations such as Center for Health Care Services and The Epilepsy Foundation and she has been an active participant and advocate of Art Therapy through various local events in the San Antonio community. Currently she is leading enrichment services at Annie Creative Studio while also teaching Middle School Art at St. Anthony Catholic school. Gaby has a deep interest on the growth and development in individuals of all ages, all abilities, all cultures and all walks of life. Her profesional and personal experiences have lead her to give birth to “Annie”. This project is the beginning of an inspiration she has held close to her heart for many years. Her years of experience with underserved populations, missionary work, community work, clinical interventions and many volunteering hours, have lead her to focus on providing enrichment services to enhance life experiences. She is a critical thinker, yet driven by her heart, who will work hard to help people find their authentic voice and to share their story. |
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When I begun my transition into becoming an art therapist in the Fall of 2007 a couple of months later, Aidan was born. My sister’s first child. When she was almost 6 months into her pregnancy doctors found an abnormal development in the his brain. The damage was unknown and it was a matter of waiting until his birth and following his own thrive for us to learn day by day what his abilitites would look like. He is almost 11 years old now and has a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and before his first year he was diagnosed with epilepsy.
Despite the fact that he is entirely dependent (no head and trunk control, can’t sit on his own and is non-verbal), Aidan is a happy, hard working, loving boy. He is smart and enjoys all the things every child his age likes. He reads, loves math, sports and music. There is no doubt that what’s been the main contributor for his achievements has been the personalized, tailored, loving-caring approach his parents and family along with a dedicated team of therapists have provided to him all along. I too, have been closely involved in the support of his growth and development. Constantly in quest of the things that will help him fulfill his potential and become the healthiest, happiest boy. While always on the search for medical advances, psychological input, and physical goals, it has always been a “one-day -at-a-time”, meeting him where he is, on his highs and lows and introducing him to new challenges as it is fit in the process.
I like to think that it is no coincidence that life took me into this professional path. The decision to become an art therapist and my interest in developmental growth working with medically fragile children, chronically and terminally ill patients has been in my heart even before Aidan was born. Yet, this drive and passion that lived in my heart are meant to continue to service him and to be put at the service of others who I have the privilege to meet or even just see through the backseat window of this drive.
In the uniqueness of each individual lays a heart that holds a story that is waiting to be heard. There is no perfect, or right way to get somewhere, to learn, to achieve. There are many ways. The most important lesson is that it is much richer and effective when you don’t do it alone. Sometimes having an active witness, sometimes a silent one, but always the supporting presence of another beating heart. I feel called to be a witness of their story, to serve as a holding space, to provide presence in a rushed, fast paced world. I don’t feel special because I get to do this. It is a humbling experience every single time.
Creating opportunities makes a huge difference in someone’s life. Everyone's life. These are windows for growth, enrichment, empowerment that bring joy and happiness. I strongly believe it and I would like to join the efforts that you as a parent, or a caregiver are already doing towards providing the most enriching life experiences for your loved ones. To join you in this search of how to best support a healthy development and ongoing growth for your loved one, or perhaps for yourself.
I thank you for the opportunity to contribute in the fulfillment of your child’s potential or your own. In experiencing the joys of life, friendships and connections.
I look forward to sharing a space in "Annie"
Warmly,
Gaby Gámez
Despite the fact that he is entirely dependent (no head and trunk control, can’t sit on his own and is non-verbal), Aidan is a happy, hard working, loving boy. He is smart and enjoys all the things every child his age likes. He reads, loves math, sports and music. There is no doubt that what’s been the main contributor for his achievements has been the personalized, tailored, loving-caring approach his parents and family along with a dedicated team of therapists have provided to him all along. I too, have been closely involved in the support of his growth and development. Constantly in quest of the things that will help him fulfill his potential and become the healthiest, happiest boy. While always on the search for medical advances, psychological input, and physical goals, it has always been a “one-day -at-a-time”, meeting him where he is, on his highs and lows and introducing him to new challenges as it is fit in the process.
I like to think that it is no coincidence that life took me into this professional path. The decision to become an art therapist and my interest in developmental growth working with medically fragile children, chronically and terminally ill patients has been in my heart even before Aidan was born. Yet, this drive and passion that lived in my heart are meant to continue to service him and to be put at the service of others who I have the privilege to meet or even just see through the backseat window of this drive.
In the uniqueness of each individual lays a heart that holds a story that is waiting to be heard. There is no perfect, or right way to get somewhere, to learn, to achieve. There are many ways. The most important lesson is that it is much richer and effective when you don’t do it alone. Sometimes having an active witness, sometimes a silent one, but always the supporting presence of another beating heart. I feel called to be a witness of their story, to serve as a holding space, to provide presence in a rushed, fast paced world. I don’t feel special because I get to do this. It is a humbling experience every single time.
Creating opportunities makes a huge difference in someone’s life. Everyone's life. These are windows for growth, enrichment, empowerment that bring joy and happiness. I strongly believe it and I would like to join the efforts that you as a parent, or a caregiver are already doing towards providing the most enriching life experiences for your loved ones. To join you in this search of how to best support a healthy development and ongoing growth for your loved one, or perhaps for yourself.
I thank you for the opportunity to contribute in the fulfillment of your child’s potential or your own. In experiencing the joys of life, friendships and connections.
I look forward to sharing a space in "Annie"
Warmly,
Gaby Gámez
A peek into your creative nest located
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Annie Creative Studio for Wellness LLC, "Annie" is born in 2016 in Olmos Park on Annie Ave.
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