Selected notes about some of our Salve ECA – CGS

Brief Bio notes about: some of our Salve ECA – CGS/CAGS Graduates 2013
Jonna Tufts: CGS in Expressive & Creative Arts
Previous college(s) and degree(s):
Darmouth College B.A. Anthropology and Psychology 1996
Salve Regina M.A. Holistic Counseling, 2011 CAGS Mental Health 2012
Career to date:
Currently working as a clinician for CODAC in Newport, RI
working with those referred for substance abuse issues and anger management.
I do individual therapy and run groups in anger management, Expressive Arts, and parenting.
What inspired you to enter Holistic Programs / Specifically Expressive and Creative Arts?
My lifetime love of dance initially sparked my interest in the Expressive and Creative Arts.
After my first class I was sold on the therapeutic value it has to surprise me and circumvent patterning.
Outstanding experiences in the program?
All I can say is poetry came back to me at 35
after being lost, frozen, discarded somewhere at 21. Each class brought me home.
This program helped me to Rediscover the importance of expression in itself, and as part of a process of transformation
Accessing my own creativity – Accessing Zest for Life!
Your vision and plans for the future:
Receive and give love.
Any parting remarks /goodbye thoughts:
I am thankful for the teachers, students, and legacy of the Expressive Arts Program which has added necessary depth
and texture to my clinical work, and personal growth.
Jeanne Cavanaugh: CGS in Expressive & Creative Arts
Previous college(s) and degrees.
Middlesex Community College: associate degree in Human Services and Fine Arts.
Charter Oak State College, bachelors degree in psychology.
What inspired you to enter Holistic Programs / Specifically Expressive and Creative Arts?
Self-discovery and change of career focus.
Outstanding experiences in the program?
Courses provided me with therapeutic value and helped redefine my career goals.
Overall: One of the best experiences of my life – It was extremely meaningful to me!
It’s given me the confidence to act on my dreams and goals
Believing more fully in myself and believing in the power of Spirit .
Your vision and plans for the future:
Currently starting a business venture: Reiki healing and Expressive Arts consultations
Also just landed a new job in Therapeutic Recreation with Seniors.
Any parting remarks /goodbye thoughts
I have found this program to be extremely valuable as a source of self-discovery and healing.
It provides a process where I could reevaluate myself.
Florine Lecompte: CGS in Expressive & Creative Arts
My educational background reflects my lifelong commitment to help those in need. My
focus as an undergraduate student majoring in Special Education and Communication Disorders with
a minor in Psychology and concentration in Early Childhood was to work with language-impaired
children. After graduating from Bridgewater State College I gained employment as a speech teacher
in the Fall River, Massachusetts school system. My Master of Arts Degree in Holistic Counseling
was obtained from Salve Regina University in 2011. In December of 2012, I completed the
requirements for the CGS in Expressive and Creative Arts and this May I will receive my CAGS in
Mental Health Counseling. For the past two years I have also been actively enrolled in the Doctoral Program in
Clinical Psychology at California Southern University.
I was born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts, however; for the past 27 years I have lived in Portsmouth
Rhode Island. I am blessed to be surrounded by my loving children Janessa, Justin and Jean as well as my precious
granddaughter, Jessleanna who all live within walking distance from my home. My two loving dogs, Razzle-Dazzle
and Stewie make my family complete. I was drawn to the Holistic Counseling Program while still in the process of
healing from the untimely passing of my husband Jean. At that time, I was searching for a way to help others cope
with the pain and emptiness that often follows death. Throughout my time at Salve I have been honored to have my
daughter Janessa join me on my journey. Along the way we have shared many moments of joy and sorrow mixed with
laughter and tears. Her encouragement and reassurance fortified me and gave me the strength to achieve my goals.
While at Salve there have been many moments that have impacted my life both spiritually and academically.
Dr. Jack Childs’ 504 class opened my heart and mind to a world of possibilities. Jack’s compassion and humor
encouraged me to make my dream a reality. Dr. Peter Mullen introduced me to meditation and taught me how to quiet
my mind and find peace within, and most especially demonstrated the importance of being a loving presence. Through
her wit and empathy Professor Christine Mullen demonstrated the qualities of an outstanding counselor. Dr. Nancy
Gordon inspired me to take a closer look at my own gifts. She has a unique way of honoring and encouraging the
beauty within to blossom. Dr. Barbara Ganim’s passion for her work ignited my own interest in the expressive arts.
Professor Christopher Carbone enlightened me to numerous creative alternative modalities, and empowered me with
the courage to implement them throughout my advanced internship. Professor Susan Fox, illuminated a world of
possibilities for the application of expressive and creative arts in a therapeutic setting. Professor Catherine Carbone
showed me ways to use creative movement to integrate the mind, body and soul in the healing process. Professor Faye
Sotirakis awakened me to the healing power of nature. The professors and students I have met at Salve all played and
an integral part in my development. During the past six years I have personally experienced a positive transformation
that far exceeded my expectations.
I am looking forward to bringing what I have learned and experienced at Salve out into the world. Janessa and
I have taken the first steps towards opening the “LEAP Center” (LeComte Expressive Arts Practitioners), in
Portsmouth. With a grateful heart I would like to thank my family for their love, support and patience. Keep peace in
your heart, be kind to others and be true and gentle to yourself.
Namaste my Friends. +
~ Florine ~