Deborah Nathan, Ph.D., LMHC, ATR - Founder & Executive Director

Deb is a psychotherapist specializing in art therapy, conflict mitigation and trauma. She founded Artsbridge, Inc. in 2008 in order to bring together teens from communities in conflict.

In addition to Artsbridge, Deb has a private practice outside of Boston, MA where she works with families, couples and individuals. and teaches in the Counseling and Expressive Therapies Graduate Program at Lesley University

Deb received her PhD from the University of Twente in Behavioral Management and Social Sciences. Her research is focused on the development of relational resilience in youth living in the midst of intractable conflict and is based on the work of Artsbridge. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University. Deb has presented and conducted workshops internationally on topics such as the use of arts in areas of conflict, how trauma impacts relationships, and how to engage constructively in the midst of conflict.

Kristin Pries, C.G.S., P.E.L. - Program & Operations Manager

Kristin is a Chicago native with ten years of experience working as an Arts Educator for students from diverse backgrounds. She holds a BA in Arts Education from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, along with a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Boston University. She has a passion for promoting growth and leadership in youth, and applies that passion to her work with Artsbridge.

As the Program & Operations Manager at Artsbridge, Kristin works closely with Founder & Executive Director, Deborah Nathan, to increase outreach, continue to build lasting partnerships with individuals and organizations that share similar objectives, and expand efforts in training proponents of the Artsbridge model.