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Ron has practiced Art Therapy since 1969. A Graduate of Hahnemann Medical College Hospital's Graduate Training Certificate Program in Psychiatric Art therapy in 1972 he practiced for year working with children in a Philadelphia suburb. In 1973 he moved to Virginia Beach, VA., where he became the developer and director of the Eastern Virginia Medical School's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Art Psychotherapy Education Program, and director of Adjunctive Therapies at the Norfolk Community Mental Health Center Psychiatric Institute. Ron has also taught at Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA), Rutgers University (New Jersey), The University of the Arts,and Marywood College; both in PA. Ron has had a private practice since 1977 working with individuals(children thru Geriatrics; Eating Disorder Substance Abuse patients, groups Families). Highlights of his consultation practice include:Ten years for the Arts In Special Education Project of PA., The Vietnam Gov't. teaching innovative ways to address Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Lesley College, ABC News 20/20, Lyondell International Chemical Co., Goldsmiths College, London, England, Very Special Arts International, Tangiers, Morocco; Guest professor at Haifa University, Haifa, Israel; and several school districts throughout the country.
Mr. Hays has presented papers both nationally and internationally on various aspects of the practice of art therapy and has authored several juried publications. He has been quite active in the American Art therapy Ass'n., as well as several other professional organizations and societies.Ron has had several awards bestowed him; Honorary Life Member of the Delaware Art Therapy Association, 1995 Teacher of the Year Hahnemann Graduate School Student Government as well as their Service award in 1996, Inducted into the East High School (Des Moines, IA.) Alumni Hall of Fame-1996; The Lindback Foundation Award For Distinguished Teaching from Drexel/MCP Hahnemann University 1999, and being nominated by the governor/ approved by the Senate, and sworn in to serve on the First State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors Licensing Board for Pennsylvania; and then was appointed chair of the board .
Ron loves teaching all aspects of art therapy. He developed ten new courses for the Creative Arts In Therapy program during his tenure here and was instrumental in the development of three widely used art therapy projectives; The Dot to Dot, The Six Drawing Art Therapy Assessment, and The Bridge Drawing. He believes the Creative Arts In Therapy Education Model here at Drexel (Developed as a result of an National Institutes of Mental Health Grant in 1974) is the best way to educate future Art, Music, and Dance/Movement therapists. |
