Mac Shelton is a 2^nd-year student at Southwestern College (Santa Fe, NM) pursuing her master’s degree in art therapy counseling (ATC). Mac Shelton’s academic studies began in 1990-1993 attending the Art Institute of Dallas and earning an Applied Arts degree which launched her graphic design career. Moving to Austin led her to a 14-year career with a Fortune 500 company. A year later Mac would experience the wreckage of a house fire losing all personal possessions, artwork and portfolio, tools and supplies. It is this experience that would seed her interest in volunteer work with the American Red Cross. At age 50 she experienced another life transition which led to a return to Dallas. Having access to a studio she began to paint again after 25 years, building new applications while harnessing previously learned skills. In 2017 Mac fulfilled a calling to move to San Antonio allowing her to find her purpose through service while creating new paths of discovery through various connections made. The shutdown of the pandemic permitted the time necessary to complete her BA in Psychology. Mac immediately enrolled in a Master’s study program in Clinical Counseling. During the 2^nd year of the pandemic, she discovered a new program that was true to her heart’s nature and transferred to Southwestern College based in Santa Fe, NM. The pandemic has made it possible to attend this program as an online student in which she is currently enrolled. Mac is a true believer in art’s ability to heal and has a most sincere desire for making it accessible to all.