Xóchitl Ramírez-Roussel (she/her)
As a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and art therapist in training, my work is deeply rooted in my heritage and my commitment to empowering others through creativity. As a proud first-generation college graduate and the daughter of immigrants from México, my journey has been shaped by resilience, cultural pride, and the transformative power of art. Growing up in Chicago's vibrant Little Village neighborhood helped foster my natural curiosity for connection and community.
For over a decade, I have dedicated myself to fostering creativity and self-expression as an art teacher in Southern Louisiana, guiding students to find their voices through visual storytelling. My efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including Teacher of the Year honors and distinctions in fine arts education. These experiences have affirmed my belief in art’s ability to inspire growth, build community, and cultivate empathy.
Now back home and pursuing a master’s degree in Art Therapy & Counseling at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I am expanding my practice to bridge education and therapeutic arts. My work as an artist reflects a fusion of my Mexican roots, personal experiences, and a passion for social connection. Through vibrant, multidisciplinary creations, I explore themes of identity, belonging, and resilience - themes that resonate deeply with my story and those of the communities I hope to support.
I aspire to use my skills to empower others, particularly underserved communities, to heal, grow, and thrive through art. By integrating my background in education and my evolving practice in art therapy, I seek to foster spaces where creativity becomes a vehicle for self-discovery, emotional expression, and collective healing.