MaKael is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Certified Art Therapist. He received his master's from Antioch University Seattle. He serves as Affiliate Faculty in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Antioch University and maintains a private practice in Longview, WA.
He has worked in healthcare, social services, and mental health treatment for over 2 decades. His work centers on empowering organic support systems in his experiences in community mental health, residential treatment, private practice, and nonprofit services. As an Art Therapist, MaKael believes in intersectionality and specializes in working with supporting Gender, Sex, and Relational Diversity. He enjoys using a collaborative approach to help clients find their voice through artistic expression.
MaKael is extremely committed to progressive systemic change in mental healthcare and clinician education. He incorporates empowerment, social justice, affirmative action, and anti-racist frameworks into his teaching, advocacy, supervision, and advising. His career and work exemplify his belief that we create the culture we need to thrive.
- M. A. Couple & Family Therapy and Art Therapy - 2020
- Antioch University Seattle (AUS), Seattle, WA
- Non-degree courses toward Art Therapy program prerequisites - 2014
- Missouri Western State University (MWSU), St. Joseph, MO – Dean’s list
- B. S. Psychology & Comprehensive Crisis Response - 2013
- B. S. Comprehensive Crisis Response - Minor in Spanish
- Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU), Maryville, MO - with Honors
- Creative Arts Therapy, Crisis Management, Disaster Mental Health, Queer Studies, Relational Therapy
- “Building & Exploring Gender: An Expressive Arts Approach to Understanding Gender Diversity Across the Lifespan” - Development and Treatment Models of Art Therapy – Antioch University Seattle - 2020 - 2025 - Seattle, WA (Recurrent)
- “Building & Exploring Gender: An Expressive Arts Approach to Understanding & Supporting Gender Development.” - Expressing PRIDE 2023 – Coalition of Queer Creative Arts Therapies - June 2023 - Symposium – LIVE Teleconference
- “LGBTQ+, Mental Health, and Emergency Management” - Emergency Management Department – State of Maryland - May 2023 - Remote Interagency Training
- “Hoarding in Permanent Supportive Housing: A mental health case manager’s perspective.” Washington State Hoarding Awareness Conference of 2018 – The Hoarding Project - 2018 - Renton, WA
- Rookie of the Year - Treatment Staff - Riverbend Treatment Center 2015
- Juror’s Choice Award 2014
- President’s Honor Roll 2014
- Student Organization President of the Year 2012 – 2013
- Robert & Doris Foster Scholar 2011 – 2013
- University Scholar 2011 – 2013
- Academic Good Standing 2006 – 2008 & 2011 – 2013
- Academic Honor Roll 2006 – 2008 & 2011 – 2013
- Academic Excellence Scholar 2006 – 2008
- American Dream Grant Recipient 2006 – 2007
- Union Bank & Trust Scholar 2006
- Inclusion Task Force – Equity & Belonging Alliance - 2025 – Present - Antioch University
- Subject Matter Expert – Board Certification Exam - 2024 - Present - Art Therapy Credentials Board
- Abstract Review Committee – Annual Conference - 2024 - International Expressive Arts Therapy Association
- Conference Volunteer – Annual Conference - 2016-2018 - American Art Therapy Association
- American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
- American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- Evergreen Art Therapy Association (EATA)
- Washington Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT)
- World Professional Association of Transgender Healthcare (WPATH)
- United States Professional Association of Transgender Healthcare (USPATH)
- International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA)
- Case Consultation for Relational Creative Arts Therapy, Pre-Internship Practicum for Creative Arts Therapy, Beginning Clinical Skills in Individual and Family Creative Arts Therapy, Family Group Art Therapy, Advanced Art Therapy Research, Ethics in Individual and Family Creative Arts Therapy