Welcome back to school!  I am excited about returning to Bayou View Elementary School for the 2023-2024 school year. I have been a staff member since January 2020.   

I was born and raised in Biloxi, MS.  I received my bachelor’s degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL, and my master’s degree from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM.  Besides being licenced as an art therapist, I am also licenced as an educator in Mississippi and have six years of teaching experience.

 Art therapy is similar to counseling except it uses art during the therapeutic process to help people express themselves.  Art therapy groups that focus on various social emotional learning topics will be offered throughout the school year.  The topics will rotate, and students will be referred to groups by the school counselor or their teacher.  Individual sessions are also available for students.  Parental consent is required for both individual and group sessions, and sessions will occur during students' activity periods such as music, art, library, and P.E. If you have any questions about art therapy services or need a parental consent form, please email me at: teresa.ballinger@gulfportschools.org .  I look forward to speaking with you and serving your student(s).