Meet the Team

President: Asli Arslanbek

Asli Arslanbek, Ph.D., ATR-BC, is an Assistant Professor and program coordinator of the BA in Art Therapy at the University of Tampa. She teaches art therapy courses including Introduction to Art Therapy, Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents, Art Therapy with Adults, and Capstone Project.

Asli earned her Ph.D. in Creative Arts Therapies from Drexel University, specializing in arts-based psychosocial support interventions in humanitarian emergencies. Her research interests span a wide range of topics, including the therapeutic role of indigenous and traditional art forms, qualitative visual methodologies, and trauma-informed practices. Her scholarly contributions include numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, where she advocates for strength-based and inclusive approaches to art therapy. Her work emphasizes four key areas: integrating community-based healing practices and traditional art forms into therapeutic interventions; developing arts-based well-being intervention trainings in humanitarian emergencies; exploring the use of written and visual journals to process and make sense of experiences and beliefs; and examining the relationship between personal trauma history and emotional responses to artistic imagery.

Vice President: Jennifer Suárez

Jennifer Suárez, MS, ATR-P, RMHCI is an Art Therapist with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where she provides individual, group, and dyadic services to students across grade levels within Exceptional Student Education programs. She collaborates closely with teachers, clinicians, and school staff to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic engagement through art-based interventions.

Jennifer earned her Master’s in Art Therapy from Florida State University and has prior experience in private practice, inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, and community-based programming. She is passionate about making art therapy accessible and visible, often leading workshops in the community and engaging in conversations that introduce the field to those unfamiliar with it.

As a Colombian-American art therapist, Jennifer is dedicated to bridging cultural gaps within the profession while fostering collaboration and mentorship among colleagues. She is committed to supporting both current and future art therapists across Florida and expanding opportunities for connection, advocacy, and growth within the field.

Secretary: Ilayda Koenigsberger

Ilayda Koenigsberger, ATR- P, is an art therapist based in South Florida, currently providing services in private practice to children and adolescents.

Ilayda earned her Master’s in Art Therapy from Pratt Institute, where her clinical experience included addiction treatment settings, inpatient psychiatric care, and work with children and adolescents. Her practice is client-centered and grounded in an individualized approach, integrating mindfulness, somatic work, and creative expression to support each client’s unique therapeutic goals.

Treasurer: Natalee Bigger Stockdale

Natalee Bigger Stockdale received her undergraduate degree in Studio Art and Business from the University of Northwestern and holds her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy from Adler Graduate School. She is certified as a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Natalee recently finished the certificate program in the Psychology of Coercive Control through Salford University, and is working towards certification in EEGer Neurofeedback. In private practice, Natalee has emphasized exploring her clients' internal experiences, as well as how this inner world is impacted and influences others through various boundaries. Natalee is a current student in the Florida State University Art Therapy doctoral program.

Social Media Chair: Kailey Krupar

Kailey Krupar, MS, ATR, RMHCI is an Art Therapist providing virtual group services within an intensive outpatient program for adolescents and young adults. Her work centers on trauma-informed and LGBTQIA+ affirming care, creating space for identity exploration, emotional regulation, and authentic expression through art. She earned her Master of Science in Art Therapy from Florida State University and has extensive experience in community mental health and substance use recovery.

Kailey’s clinical approach integrates structured and exploratory creative methods, drawing on fiber arts, creative journaling, tarot imagery, and collaborative narrative frameworks such as tabletop role-playing games. She is interested in how these modalities can support reflection, regulation, and meaning-making within a therapeutic relationship. Kailey is currently developing her private practice, The Creative Sanctuary, LLC, which emphasizes accessibility, community, and creativity in healing spaces.

Governmental Affairs Chair: David Gussak

David Gussak, PhD, ATR-BC is a nationally recognized art therapist, educator, and advocate whose work has significantly shaped the field of art therapy. He is a Professor of Art Therapy at Florida State University and has served in numerous leadership roles at the state and national levels. Dr. Gussak is widely known for his research and practice in forensic and correctional settings, as well as for his longstanding commitment to professional advocacy, ethics, and policy. As FATA’s Governmental Affairs Chair, he brings deep experience in legislative engagement, licensure advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance and protect the profession of art therapy in Florida.