Art can have a strong impact on a person’s life, and Professor Lynn Cukaj, who teaches Psychology, educates her students on the role that creativity can play in this field. Professor Cukaj has been working on the Pleasantville campus since Spring of 2023, teaching Psychology 203, “Psychology of Expressive Therapies.”  

Professor Cukaj enjoys the positive impact she has on her students.  

“I’m deeply committed to mentorship as part of teaching—you go through so much growing in these [undergraduate] years and having professors who also guide and support makes a big difference.”  

In addition to teaching, Professor Cukaj is the founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Creative Expressions Consulting, LLC, an organization that provides art therapy to adults and children. To learn more about Creative Expressions Consulting, LLC, you can access the organization’s website. 

Professor Cukaj highlights how students can improve their well-being with art.  

“On my blog at Creative Expressions Consulting, I’ve written about how creativity isn’t just a pastime, but something deeply tied to well-being. Art can help students understand themselves and their emotions better.” The website states, “explore the impact of creativity on personal well-being, as we delve into the transformative potential of expressive arts & self-reflection.” 

Creative expression can also allow students to understand and cope with any difficulties they may have. The website shares, “by transforming difficult experiences into art, we can navigate healing, gain deeper self-awareness, and find true meaning in our struggles.” 

Professor Cukaj has an array of hobbies that connect with her career in education and therapy.  

“Outside of my work, my interests also feed into my work: I run, kayak, paint, write, walk my dog, travel, cook, bake, go to concerts—all of it helps me bring energy and real life into the classroom and consulting.”