Emily Stordahl VITA

Summary Statement

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in June 2015.

I retired from my professional career as a School Counselor and Mental Health Counselor/Art Therapist (ATR) in June 2014. Below, I have outlined my education, work history, and volunteer work related to Parkinson’s advocacy since April 2019.

Since my diagnosis, I have remained active in maintaining my health through exercise, diet, medication, and creative pursuits, including painting and drawing.

Parkinson’s Advocacy & Volunteer Work

Involvement with Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, American Parkinson’s Disease Association, and PENN Medicine Neurology Department’s Living Well at Home series:

February 2024 – Co-led a 4-week remote workshop, Expressive Arts and Brain Health, for PENN Medicine Neurology Department’s “Living Well at Home” series.
May & August 2021 – Facilitated “Connect Through Art” workshop for the NW chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.
April 2019 – Co-led organization of a Health Forum, HOPE Conference, with the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, Olympia, WA (Volunteer).
April 2020 – Participated in the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation April Artists Gallery for Parkinson’s Awareness Month (Volunteer).

Credentials

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – Washington State (License #00008147 – Inactive)
Registered Art Therapist (ATR) – Retired

Professional Memberships

American Art Therapy Association
Chapter Affiliation: Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association

Education

Post-Master Certification in School Counseling – Oregon State University, August 2005
Master of Arts in Art Therapy Counseling – Marylhurst University, June 1999
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services & Art – Western Washington University, December 1988

Professional Experience

School Counselor

Lebanon Community School District, Lebanon, OR
August 2005 – June 2014 (Retired)

Mental Health Counselor / Art Therapist

Easter Seals Children’s Guild Therapy Center, Salem, OR
September 1999 – February 2003

(Professional and educational experience prior to 1999 available upon request.)