When you find out more about the people who work each day to help these brave kids, you will understand why Friends has been around for more than 30 years with the same passion and vigor that it took to launch it in 1992.
Mercy Clinic:
Natasha Westrich Hanson, MA, ATR-BC®
Natasha is the Hematology and Oncology Art Therapist at Mercy Cardinals Kids, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Center.
Natasha began the art therapy program with Friends of Kids with Cancer in 1998, spearheaded Art from the Heart® in 2010, is a part of the multi-disciplinary team that founded the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program at Mercy, and has been co-leading the Adolescent Young Adult monthly support group since 2017.
She feels blessed to be able to help cancer patients through their journey, knowing that art therapy is a powerful means of expression, connection, and healing.
“I have loved being able to walk along side each and every one of the families I have had the privilege to work with. Art therapy provides an outlet for our patients and our families to share their stories and journeys with cancer in a deeply impactful and powerful way. When I introduce myself as a FOKWC Art Therapist at Mercy, faces light up, because they know what FOKWC means. It means they have an entire community around them who are seeking to support them in the most beautiful and meaningful way.”
When not at work, you can find Natasha playing with a women’s drumming circle called Jabula, gardening, spending time with her husband, two children, and two cats, and Tango dancing.
St. Louis Children's Hospital:
Daphne Dierkes, LPC, ATR
Daphne is an art therapist who works with cancer patients at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Her goal is to provide a healing space and opportunity for the kids to explore their feelings and empower them to embrace the importance of play and creativity during their treatment process.
The art therapy program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital is made possible through a grant from Friends of Kids with Cancer.
“My time at St. Louis Children’s Hospital has taught me the importance of allowing these kids to share their stories and how best to practice positive coping in order to support treatment-based needs. FOKWC has supported all the above-mentioned goals and so much more! When I introduce myself and identify myself as a FOKWC Art Therapist, kids' and families’ faces light up. It is apparent how much FOKWC has impacted these children’s day-to-day lives, and I am honored to be able to support them further as their art therapist.”
In her free time, Daphne enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, and working on her own art.
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital:
Chris Liljedahl, LCPC, ATR-BC®
Chris is a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist℠ at The Costas Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. He graduated in 2001 from Millikin University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Therapy. He graduated in 2003 from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a master's degree in Art Therapy Counseling. He has had more than two decades of work in community behavioral health. This has included work to build full and meaningful lives with adults, children, and families.
Chris practices recovery-focused art therapy, which uses art materials and the creative process to promote wellness and growth. Recovery focuses on collaborating with others to connect to their emotional experiences, values, aspirations, passions, interests, and strengths to promote a sense of accomplishment, growth, health, resilience, and meaning.
“I am honored to be a part of people’s journeys. I strive to encourage connection with creativity, support curiosity about experiences, promote acceptance of a person and their family as a whole, and to help people remember they are more than their present circumstances.”
Chris enjoys time with his family, making art, playing and listening to music, carpentry, reading, movies, and cooking.
Know a child or family who could benefit from our services? Contact the patient's hospital social worker or care team for a referral to Friends.
