I’m non-binary trans man (labels are tricky) who fell in love with books as a young child thanks to my mother, who teaches HS English. My experience in DEI work includes both corporate and non-profit settings, including redesigning GM’s LGBTQ+ training and running an intersectionality book club.

 

In my spare time I enjoy rock climbing, yoga, and nature when the weather is good. I am a huge baker who constantly has to give away baked goods (this might be why I have a D&D group). And my favorite cozy activity is…Reading.

 

Books can be an escape to other worlds, a way to explore our own identities, and to learn about others. I’m excited to read and discuss some fabulous books with the community!

 

 

 

Kelly Darke is a board-certified art therapist, published author, certified K-12 art teacher, professional artist, and speaker. Darke has extensive experience working with groups and individuals of all ages with various developmental and emotional needs for over a decade.

She has presented at the Expressive Therapies Summit national conference on the topic Using Digital Tablets & Tools in Creative Therapy, and has a chapter published in the book, Digital Art Therapy: Material, Methods, and Applications, all based on the case study she developed from her experience providing art therapy services to adults with traumatic brain injuries. Darke has presented at local and national conferences, both in person and virtual, on the use of art therapy with transgender youth, and the neuroscience of art in art therapy for self-care. She co-authored the book, Art Therapy with Transgender and Gender-Expansive Children and Teenagers, which was published in 2020.