Welcome to Grace Creative.

I'm Melissa Gates, and I'm a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner. 

I've always been a creative person, dabbling in a lot of artistic hobbies. I use my own creative times and artwork to help myself through stressful life situations (trust me - there's been a lot of those). Aside from creating products and artwork, I greatly enjoy being outdoors (camping, hiking, beach trips) and taking my two kids on lots of adventures. We live in Ontario so it's easy to appreciate the natural beauty we have here. Throw in a good book and coffee and I consider that a great day. 

My educational and work background includes:

• Therapeutic Arts Practitioner Certificate (CIIAT - Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy)
• including additional training in Navigating Neurodiversity
• Post-Grad Certificate in Community and Social Service Management (Mohawk College)
• Bachelor of Theology and Intercultural Studies (Emmanuel Bible College)
• and a few more! (Office Administration and Pre-Health Science from St. Lawrence College)

I guess you could say I also love learning. I hope I get a chance to add even more someday. For now - I have wrapped all of those things together with my various life experience in creativity, faith, navigating intense life changes, and parenting a child with special needs (her name actually means grace), into one unique focus of helping others learn how to embrace their emotions with creativity, and foster a sense of peace, slowing down, and appreciating the creative process versus the product. I'm so glad you're joining me! 

Be sure to join the Grace Creative Instagram community! Click the link below.

https://www.instagram.com/gracecreative_therapeuticarts

And if you're interested in learning more about my own personal artwork and decor, such as any new pieces for sale or commission openings, please contact me here, or follow along on my art/decor Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/melissa_mmgdecor