Zoe Friedland: Therapist, Educator, and Advocate for Creative Healing
In the heart of Chicago, Illinois, Zoe Friedland is emerging as a compassionate therapist and dedicated community educator. With a strong background in social work, art education, and trauma-informed practice, she has built a career focused on helping young people and families navigate emotional challenges while fostering resilience and self-confidence. Since completing her Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2024 at the University of Illinois Chicago, Zoe has taken on roles that combine her love for creativity, education, and mental health. Her journey illustrates how art, social justice, and therapeutic practice can intersect to create safe, supportive spaces for healing and growth.
Zoe Friedland’s Career Path
Therapist and Community Education Coordinator at SHALVA
In January 2025, Zoe Friedland began working full-time with SHALVA, a Chicago-based organization known for supporting survivors of domestic abuse within the Jewish community. In her role as Therapist and Community Education Coordinator, she offers counseling services while also creating educational programs that empower individuals and communities. Her work emphasizes building problem-solving skills, emotional processing, and confidence, particularly among young people who may struggle to find supportive environments elsewhere.
Therapist at BUILD Chicago
Before joining SHALVA, Zoe worked at BUILD Chicago as a full-time therapist from May 2024 to December 2024. At BUILD, she was able to focus on providing direct mental health services to youth and families, often in underserved communities. This experience deepened her understanding of systemic inequities and reinforced her commitment to inclusive and anti-racist therapeutic frameworks.
Art Therapy and Creative Practice at SkyART
During her graduate studies, Zoe Friedland gained practical experience at SkyART NFP in Chicago. From 2023 to 2024, she worked as both an Art Therapy Intern and a Teaching Artist. These dual roles allowed her to merge clinical training with her passion for art. By incorporating creative methodologies such as drawing, painting, and collaborative art projects, she supported children in expressing their emotions and developing coping strategies in a non-traditional therapeutic setting.
Early Roles in Education and Museums
Her career foundation was built in both schools and cultural institutions. From 2021 to 2023, Zoe served as a Lead Tutor at Chute Middle School in Evanston/Skokie School District 65. She provided academic and emotional support for middle school students, which prepared her for the challenges of adolescent mental health.
Prior to that, Zoe’s creative expertise was evident in roles at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the Queens Museum in New York City. As an Associate Museum Educator and Teaching Artist, she engaged children and families in interactive, hands-on learning experiences. Her focus on inclusivity and accessibility in museum education shaped her holistic approach to teaching and therapy.
Zoe Friedland’s Educational Journey
Master of Social Work (MSW)
From August 2022 to May 2024, Zoe Friedland pursued her Master of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her training equipped her with clinical skills in mental health, trauma therapy, and community practice. Completing this degree marked a turning point in her career, allowing her to transition from educator and artist into licensed therapeutic work.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Before graduate school, Zoe earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Teacher Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago between 2016 and 2018. This degree fueled her creative practice and solidified her passion for using art as a medium for learning and healing.
Certifications and Professional Development
Certified Trauma Professional
In March 2025, Zoe obtained her Certified Trauma Professional credential from Evergreen Certifications. This certification highlights her expertise in trauma-informed care, a crucial skill for working with survivors of abuse, at-risk youth, and individuals navigating challenging life transitions.
Teaching Licenses
Earlier in her career, she held teaching licenses from the Illinois State Board of Education for both elementary (grades 1-8) and secondary (grades 7-12) art education. Although these licenses expired in January 2024, they represent her long-standing commitment to education and her ability to work across diverse learning environments.
Professional Philosophy
Creative Methodologies in Therapy
Zoe Friedland is devoted to integrating creativity into therapy. Whether through art-based interventions, collaborative workshops, or educational programming, she uses innovative methods to support her clients in exploring emotions and developing resilience.
Inclusive and Anti-Racist Practice
Central to her approach is a commitment to inclusive, democratic, and anti-racist frameworks. Zoe’s professional journey reflects her dedication to creating environments where all individuals, regardless of background, feel valued and empowered to grow.
Supporting Youth and Families
Much of Zoe’s work centers on children and young people. From tutoring in middle schools to guiding teens at BUILD Chicago and SHALVA, she continually demonstrates her ability to connect with younger populations. She focuses on helping them build problem-solving skills, navigate emotional challenges, and discover confidence in their abilities.
Skills and Expertise
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Mental Health Counseling: Providing therapy to individuals and groups with diverse needs.
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Trauma Therapy: Specialized in trauma-informed care for survivors of difficult life experiences.
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Art and Creative Education: Using art to facilitate emotional processing and learning.
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Community Engagement: Coordinating educational programs to raise awareness and build supportive networks.
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Youth Development: Helping young people develop tools for resilience, leadership, and personal growth.
The Impact of Zoe Friedland’s Work
Zoe Friedland has carved out a unique space where art, education, and mental health intersect. Her work is especially significant in Chicago communities that face systemic barriers to care. Through SHALVA, BUILD Chicago, and her earlier educational roles, she has made a lasting impact on children, families, and community members.
Her career demonstrates that therapy does not need to be confined to a traditional office setting. Instead, it can thrive in classrooms, museums, and community centers. By weaving together creativity and counseling, Zoe continues to redefine what healing spaces can look like.
Conclusion
Zoe Friedland stands as an inspiring example of how passion, creativity, and commitment to justice can come together to shape a meaningful career. From her beginnings as an art educator in New York City museums to her current role as a therapist and community education coordinator in Chicago, she has remained devoted to empowering others. With her MSW training, trauma certification, and years of experience in youth-focused education, Zoe is well-positioned to continue building innovative, inclusive, and healing spaces for the future.
Her story reflects more than just a career path — it is a dedication to ensuring that children and families feel seen, supported, and encouraged to take risks in safe environments. In a world where mental health challenges continue to grow, professionals like Zoe Friedland provide the creativity, compassion, and vision needed to guide individuals toward healing and resilience.
