DIEDR M.

BLAKE, MA
702 FREDRICK PLACE, KISSIMMEE, FL 34758 | 407.319.6308 | DIEDREBLAKE@GMAIL.COM
EDUCATION
John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
B.A. in Italian Studies
Minor: Creative Writing
Thesis: Language as Identity: A Heuristic Inquiry of Literary Translation
Honors: Graduated Magna cum Laude
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA
M.A. in Expressive Therapies and Mental Health Counseling
Specialization: Art Therapy
Thesis: Dialectical Behavior Therapy-Based Art Therapy
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
B.A. in Studio Art
Areas of Concentration: Painting and Printmaking
Minor: German Language
[Honors Thesis: The Female Betrayed and Modern Media]

2014

2006

2000

AWARDS
Academic Excellence in Creative Writing, John Cabot University
Pay It Forward Life Coaching Scholarship, Coaches Collective International
Premio America, Fondazione Italia USA
Presidential Merit Scholarship, John Cabot University
Finalist, Knitwear Designer Hat Design Competition, Spark Craft Studios
Nominee, Employee of the Month (January & October), Celebrity Fitness
Raina Giese Award for Creative Painting, Stanford University
Student Art Grant, Art & Art History Department, Stanford University

2015
2014
2014
2011 - 2014
2008
2003
2000
1997-2000

LICENSES
Mental Health Counselor (#000007733), Commonwealth of Massachusetts

2015

WRITING EXPERIENCE
John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
Volunteer Blogger Institute for Creative Writing and Literary Translation

2014 - present

Mind the Guide, Rome, Italy

Social Media Consultant, Translator and Blogger

2014 - 2015

DIEDR M. BLAKE, MA

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Developed social media strategy, including expansions in networks such

as Wordpress, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr.
Translated site texts from Italian to English, and created blog posts for
Wordpress.
John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
Student Writer John Cabot University Website
Wrote news articles for recent events held at the university.

2011 - 2012

The Noise Beneath the Apple, New York, NY

Freelance Writer for busking in Italy

2011

PoliReal.com, Boston, MA
Freelance Writer for politics in Italy

2011

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Osceola Library System, Kissimmee, FL
Volunteer Writing Group Leader Write On at Poinciana Library
Leading a 12-week writing group for adolescents and adults, divided by
genres: poetry, fiction, non-fiction, blogging and traveling writing.
John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
Student Language Instructor English Conversation
Developed syllabus and overall course structure for INDAP.
Lorenzo de Medici (Marist College), Rome, Italy
Guest Lecturer Using Art Therapy and Developing Protocols for Groups
Presented in the Introduction to Art Therapy course taught by
Professor Suzanne Santoro, M.A. Lectured included group therapy
simulation experiential art task.
Lorenzo de Medici (Marist College), Rome, Italy
Guest Lecturer Art Therapy and the Treatment of Eating Disorders
Presented in the Introduction to Art Therapy course taught by
Professor Suzanne Santoro, M.A. Lectured included group therapy
simulation experiential art task.
Amesbury Public Schools District (K-12), Amesbury, MA
Substitute Teacher Middle School
Substituted in various subjects, including Language Arts and Science.
Emmanuel College, Boston, MA
Guest Lecturer Art therapy with Adolescents with Eating Disorders
Presented in the Art Therapy course taught by Professor Emily Parsons,
M.A. Lectured included group therapy simulation experiential art task.

2015 - present

2012

2011

2011

2010 - 2011

2009

DIEDR M. BLAKE, MA

American Academy of Children & Adolescents Psychiatry, Belmont, MA

Presenter The Uses of Expressive Therapy in Treating Eating Disorders
Presented on the uses of expressive therapy within an adolescent
residential eating disorders treatment program at McLean Hospital for
the Clinical Practicum 3.

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2007

Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Graduate Teaching Assistant Writing and Healing Workshop
Summer course taught by Professor Pamela Post-Ferrante, M.Ed., M.F.A.

2006

Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Graduate Teaching Assistant Open Art Studio
Winter Course taught by Professor Mariagnese Cattaneo, Ph.D., ATR.

2006

Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Presenter Diagnostic Criteria and Art Therapy for Eating Disorders
Presented in the Theories in Art Therapy course taught by Professor
Susan Spaniol, Ed.D., ATR, LMHC, M.F.A. Presented on theoretical
approaches best applied in diagnosing and treating eating disorders
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA
Graduate Teaching Assistant Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents
Summer course taught by Professor Cathy Malchiodi, Ph.D., LPAT, LPCC.
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA
Graduate Teaching Assistant Open Art Studio
Winter course taught by Professor Mariagnese Cattaneo, Ph.D., ATR,
LMHC.
Celebrity Fitness, Kissimmee, FL
Fitness Instructor Boot Camp and Morning Walk"
Winter course taught by Professor Mariagnese Cattaneo, Ph.D., ATR,
LMHC.
American Computer Experience, Winter Park, FL
Camp Counselor Computer Languages: C & BASIC
Taught at the summer computer camp, hosted by Rollins College, for
teenagers.
American Computer Experience, Stanford, CA
Academic Director
Managed a summer junior computer camp at Stanford University for
children ages nine to twelve.
American Computer Experience, Stanford, CA
Camp Counselor Computer Languages: C, BASIC, and HTML
Taught at a computer camp, hosted at Stanford University, for children
ages nine to twelve.

2005

2005

2005

2002 - 2003

2001

1999

1997 - 1998

DIEDR M. BLAKE, MA

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CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Germaine Lawrence, Arlington, MA
Expressive Therapist Poetry/Writing Therapy
Conducted weekly group therapy with at-risk adolescent girls in
residential settings. Responsible for developing and implementing
dialectical behavior therapy skills through poetry writing.
Klarman Eating Disorder Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
Expressive Therapist - Group and Adjunct Individual Therapy
Conducted individual and group therapy and non-expressive therapybased clinical work with adolescents and young adults, ages 13 to 23, in a
residential setting. Participant in DBT weekly training seminar with
Michael Hollander, Ph.D., and consultation group. Mentored by
Stephanie Pinder-Amaker, Ph.D.
Klarman Eating Disorder, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
Expressive Therapy Intern Group and Individual Therapy
Conducted five weekly group and individual therapy with adolescents,
ages 13 to 23, in a residential setting. Modalities used: art and
movement. Diagnoses treated: mood disorders, eating disorders, and
anxiety disorders.
The Home for Little Wanderers, Boston, MA
Art Therapy Intern Group and Individual Therapy
Conducted clinical and milieu work with adolescents, ages 14 to 19, in
residential and home-based settings for The Childrens Community
Support Collaborative. Concentrated experience with mood disorders,
eating disorders, and adjustment disorders. Focused on individual
therapy sessions with clients who exhibit self-injurious behaviors.
Developed experience with family therapy, using Family Systems
approach. Utilized art therapy techniques, including assessments, in
both individual and group work.
The Home for Little Wanderers, Boston, MA
Residential Counselor The Waltham House
Supervision of at-risk lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and transgendered
adolescents, ages 13 to 18, in a residential setting. Responsible for
group and activity planning and development, tutoring, crisis and
behavior intervention, documentation of residents behavior, shift
supervision, dispensing medication, and teaching basic active daily living
skills. Developed therapy group focused on exploring multiculturalism
and the representation of minorities in media. Consulted on transgender

2010 - 2011

2006 - 2011

2005 - 2006

2004 - 2005

2004 - 2006

DIEDR M. BLAKE, MA

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and ethnic minority issues, related to transitioning and self-image

(specifically body image) respectively.

RELATED EXPERIENCE
John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
Reader InVerse Literary Translation Festival
Read poems by Italian poets in English.

2012- 2015

Esan Barrdia, Italy

Reader English Language Instruction program
Voice recording for language program, targeting English learners.

2013

Stefano Amorese, Rome, Italy

Reader poem In the Mirror
Voice recordings for poet Stefano Amorese.

2013

John Cabot University, Rome, Italy

Student Assistant Events
Worked as a member of the Events Team for multiple events, including
graduation and external presenters.
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA
Actress Vagina Monologues
Acted in ensemble and solo monologues.

2011 - 2014

2004 - 2007

PUBLICATIONS AND PAPERS

Translation, New Frisbees by Giulia Niccolai in InVerse 2014-2015:
Italian Poets in Translation. John Cabot University Press, Rome, Italy.
Article, Our Top 3 Parks in Rome: Take a Nature Getaway. MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Il Mercatino Giapponese: Shoule You Go? MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Valentines Day in Rome: 3 Ways to Spend It!. MindtheGuide.com.
Translation, How Did Rome Welcome Italys New President? In Between the Rain
& Fancy Dresses at the Quirinale: Teas, Chocolates & Wine!. MindtheGuide.com.
Editor, Thermal Baths: An Opportunity When Visiting Tuscany from Rome.
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, A Stop at Ex-J (Urban Wear in Rome). MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Our Top 3 Parks in Rome: Take a Nature Getaway. MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Is Giolitti (Gelateria) Worth It? Well Tell You. MindtheGuide.com.
Translation, The Centennial History: Between Traditional Cuisine & Street Food.
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Off the Beaten Path: The Protestant Cemetery (Cimitero Acattolico).
MindtheGuide.com.

2015
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DIEDR M. BLAKE, MA

Translation, Location Feature: Testaccio. MindtheGuide.com.

Article, Off the Beaten Path: 4 Museums in Rome You Should Know.
MindtheGuide.com.
Translation, Via del Pellegrino: A Street & A Little Bookstore. MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Top 5 Reasons to Travel to Rome in the Low Season. MindtheGuide.com.
Translation, Santa is Gone, but the Befana is Coming MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Italian Christmas Cuisine (A Little History & 4 Great Recipes).
MindtheGuide.com.
Translation, In Rome, Prepare for Christmas with the Tradition of the Nativity.
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Advent Calendar: 8 Days to Go8 Facts to Know. MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Winter in Rome: Markets & Holiday Events. MindtheGuide.com.
Editor, Xmas is coming. MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Superstition in Ancient Rome: Crossing the Bridge of the Dead.
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Location Feature: The Baths of Caracalla. MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Its Time for Thanksgiving! Are You Ready in Rome? MindtheGuide.com.
Translation, The Jungle Called Rome. MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Essential Rome: 6 Things to Know Before You Go (Part 2 of 2).
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, How to Travel While (Chronically) Ill: A 6-Step Approach.
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Essential Rome: 6 Things You Should Know Before You Go! (Part 1 of 2).
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Advent Calendar: 8 Days to Go8 Facts to Know. MindtheGuide.com.
Translation, Muri Puliti, Popoli Muti: Walls, Graffiti and Rome Tradition.
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, The Other Roman Art: Our Top 5 Places to View Street Art.
MindtheGuide.com.
Translation, Superstition in Ancient Rome: Crossing the Bridge of the Dead.
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Feeling the Halloween Spirit? Halloween Events Around Rome for
Children and Adults. MindtheGuide.com.
Translation, The Magic of Halloween: History, Myth and Roman Traditions.
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, No Time to Dine? Try One of These 10 Roman Street Foods.
MindtheGuide.com.
Article, How to Travel Like a Local. MindtheGuide.com.
Translation, The Roman October Days . MindtheGuide.com.
Poem, Harvard Square Gentlemen. WeAreTheSheet.com.
Article, Through the Lens of History: Archeological Research Looks to the Present.
JohnCabot.edu
Article, I Primi Della Lista Film Screening and Discussion. JohnCabot.edu.

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DIEDR M. BLAKE, MA

Article, Author Elizabeth Bettina Reveals Untold Stories of the Italian Holocaust
in JCU Presidential Lecture. JohnCabot.edu.
Article, John Cabot University Hosts Climate Reality Project Director Mario Alver.
JohnCabot.edu.
Article, JCU Entrepreneurship Panel Showcases Italys Thriving Business
Community. MindtheGuide.com.
Article, International Conference at JCU Discusses Copyright, Democracy
and Education. MindtheGuide.com.
Article, Rome Busker + U.S. Tourists = Few Dollars.
TheNoiseBeneathTheApple.com.
Article, Only a Matter of Time: Serbia, EU, and Animal Welfare. PoliReal.com.
Article, Mind & Movement. TheNoiseBeneathTheApple.com.
Article, The Politics of Performance: Meet Dino Gasperini. PoliReal.com.

LANGUAGES
English native language
Italian speak, read and write with high proficiency
German speak, read and write with intermediate proficiency
French speak, read and write with basic competency
Spanish speak, read write with basic competency
MEMBERSHIPS
Florida Art Therapy Association
Stanford Alumni Association

REFERENCES
Carlos Dews, Department Chair, English Language and Literature,
John Cabot University. Email: cdews@johncabot.edu
Gina Marie Spinelli, Academic Administrative Assistant
John Cabot University. Email: gspinelli@johncabot.edu
Jacqueline Falk Maggi, Assistant to the President for Special Projects
& Events Coordination and Coordinator of the Guarini Institute for
Public Affairs, John Cabot University. Email: jmaggi@johncabot.edu

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