Susan Chong
Melissa's Mother
"They say, “A picture paints a thousand words.”
With Melissa, that is definitely true. Melissa has Autism. For her, the spoken word, especially rapidly spoken words that come at her in long and complex sentences, is a sensory overload. The written word, in simple, concrete phrases, works a little better. But, what works best for Melissa is visual expression - a picture is definitely worth a thousand words in her world."
"And she especially loves the awesome Lisa Bartoli, whom she has known for more than twenty years since her first Art class with Lisa. Melissa’s artistic creations at Lisa Bartoli’s Art Therapy Express (ATE) program are a joy. Lisa has created a very friendly, supportive, warm, and caring environment at ATE that allows Melissa to create all forms of wonderful, precise artworks. Art always endures!"
"For Melissa, being able to visually express herself is a joy; color is a joy; hanging out with friends is a joy. Melissa may not be able to say it in words, but everybody knows Melissa loves her ATE art lessons and all her ATE interns and friends."
"Every Thursday, she looks forward to her art classes and continues to express herself artistically in a caring and supportive environment. It is so important that Melissa continues to stay connected to her friends and fellow artists through the ATE art and to know that her world is still bright and colorful and joyful and that some things do stay the same, and friendships will last."
"In Lisa’s ATE world, everyone is an artist; everyone is given the opportunity to express themselves through art. Everyone is supportive of each other. What a wonderful world!"
