April Abesamis Knighton

April Abesamis Knighton (she/her) is a Lecturer in the Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). She holds an MAAT from SAIC (2012, Trustee Merit Scholar) and a BA from the University of Texas–Pan American (2005, Magna Cum Laude). Her credentials include Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Registered Art Therapist, and Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor.

With over 13 years of experience, Knighton has worked in private practice, academia, hospitals, and non-profits. She established the art therapy role at SAIC’s Wellness Center, leading SAMHSA-funded mental health initiatives including suicide prevention programs. Her research focuses on art therapy and neuroscience collaborations with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. She specializes in trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, and AAPI support through integrative, attachment-based approaches.

Notable presentations include workshops on art therapy techniques for child/adolescent survivors (2016-2018), mental health in college campuses (2014), and creative practices for student flourishing (2014). She teaches courses like Substance Use Art Therapy and Art Therapy Fieldwork III at SAIC.

As a Filipino-American artist, her work exhibits in Chicago, Michigan, and NYC. She emphasizes collective healing through compassionate connection in both clinical and community-based practices.