Social · Emotional · Cognitive Growth
biography.
Sophia Saad worked as a special education teacher and art therapist in New York City for an extensive period of time. Working in a prestigious, private, special education school in Manhattan, she taught students with various learning differences using a multisensory, individualized approach across all content areas.
During her time in the classroom, Sophia recognized the need to provide children with (and without) language-based learning differences an opportunity to express themselves in ways other than through their words. With a B.S. in special education, Sophia pursued a master’s degree and license in art therapy in the state of New York. She saw the need for and developed a school-based art therapy program that targeted emotional and social development as well as executive functioning skills and self-awareness. Through Sophia's art therapy program, she built students’ confidence and increased their understanding of their strengths and challenges. Students were supported in recognizing and implementing individualized strategies and techniques to maintain regulation and address social and emotional situations.
As an art therapist and educator, Sophia was motivated to provide her expertise and support to other children and began Saad Art Therapy. Utilizing her experience in the field of development and education, Sophia built a therapeutic practice that addresses the whole child. Saad Art Therapy is your home for a therapeutic approach to social, emotional, and cognitive development. It is a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for children and adolescents to work through their struggles and in return find joy, confidence, and relief.
philosophy.
Sophia believes that growth, insight, and change develops when you feel confident to address your challenges, make mistakes, try something new, and learn. For many clients, whether a child, adolescent, or young adult, mistakes, expression, and being vulnerable, are intimidating and uncomfortable. If you are looking for emotional and social support, or therapeutic tutoring, Saad Art Therapy can help you confidently address your challenges. Sophia's practice is unique, referring to both art therapy and special education, her therapeutic approach naturally encourages a growth mindset, allowing clients to be active participants in their development.
Art therapy and mindfulness are provided for all individuals seeking social and emotional support. Clients are supported and guided into developing a greater sense of self, increased confidence, and mental clarity.
Therapeutic tutoring is offered for children seeking reading support. It is important to recognize that children with learning disabilities often experience self-doubt, anxiety, and physical discomfort in academic and social environments. They can develop an unhealthy view of school and insecurities of themselves as learners and as social members of their communities. By incorporating art therapy or yoga with educational services, Sophia helps students find academic success and self-esteem as learners.