Lauren Smart

Background

About Lauren Smart

Lauren has several years of experience in visual arts, photography, music education, and mentorship in her community. As an adolescent in the creative arts field, she lead as a photography editor for her school's annual publication as well as launched her own freelance business. She has done several events, creative photoshoots, and portraits for clients in the Greater Vancouver area. Her education evolved as she delved into topics surrounding education and mental health. Combining her experience working with children and youth in both music and special education, she committed herself to walking with others as they navigate their lives through artistic expression and creativity. Lauren pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Counselling Psychology and Art Therapy from Adler University. She became registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and has Professional Membership with the Canadian Art Therapy Association. As a counsellor she provided mental health services to youth through Foundry and became passionate for serving the younger generations. She is also an active member of the BC Filipino Mental Health Practitioners Collective in response to the tragedy after the Lapu Lapu Day festival on April 26th, 2025. She provides counselling and art therapy services in both public, private and grassroots level to help make mental health services more available and accessible to all.