Kate Testa brings a vibrant, deeply practical approach to her clinical practice, operating at the powerful intersection of art education and creative art therapy. Specializing in youth from grades K–12, Kate has a dedicated clinical focus on supporting neurodiverse children and adolescents, including those on the autism spectrum, English language learners, and students with learning or physical disabilities. By blending creative self-expression with therapeutic principles, she helps young people unpack complex emotions, build self-esteem, and find their unique voice when words alone feel out of reach.
Kate’s journey to clinical therapy is rooted in a rich history of creative production and advocacy. She began her career as a scenic artist in the theater industry before pursuing her lifelong passion for working with children, earning a Master’s degree in Art and Design Education from the Pratt Institute. Kate then spent four years teaching middle school art in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where her profound commitment to her special education students inspired her to expand her clinical impact.
She went on to complete advanced clinical training in the Art Therapy program at New York University, gaining robust experience across high-stakes inpatient and outpatient settings. Her clinical background includes dedicated work at the New York City Children’s Center, Bellevue Hospital’s Chemical Dependency Outpatient Program, and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. Kate proudly identifies as both an educator and a therapist, utilizing the overlapping tools of both fields to provide a highly engaging, safe, and supportive space for the families at PPG.
When she is not in the clinic, Kate enjoys making art, watching cartoons, spending time with her husband and her cat, and cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies.