Kathryn Vercillo
Writer | Artist
Summary/Objective
Writer and artist with over two decades of experience exploring the complex relationship between art and mental health, specializing in crochet-as-therapy. Dedicated to honoring the therapeutic benefits of creativity while addressing the impact of mental health on the creative process, productivity, content, medium, artistic identity, and business. Dual Masters in Psychological Studies and Visual and Critical Studies. Skilled in crafting engaging narratives that delve into the intersection of mental health and creativity, adept in social media management, content marketing, and business development for personal and small business brands, particularly in the art and therapy sectors. With a passion for speaking on panels and facilitating workshops, seeking opportunities to leverage expertise in craft-as-therapy, mental health advocacy, and creative storytelling to contribute to projects fostering healing, awareness, and understanding. Eager to collaborate with diverse teams to amplify voices within the art and therapy sectors, driving meaningful impact and positive change.
Skills
- Two decades of full-time freelance writing experience working with diverse creative and wellness businesses and varied team sizes
- Proficient in various writing formats, including books, articles, and essays.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, adept at conducting interviews in varied formats to meet neurodiverse needs.
- Exceptional research acumen with proficiency in insightful analysis, able to curate wide-ranging materials into digestible formats
- Proven track record in project management, organization, and goal achievement, working remotely as a member of varied teams
- Social media management and content marketing for personal and small business brands
- Experience speaking on panels, facilitating workshops, leading group exercises
Publications
- “The Artist’s Mind: The Creative Lives and Mental Health of Famous Artists” (Schiffer Publishing, 2023)
- “Internet Addiction” (Health and Medical Issues Today, ABC-CLIO, 2020)
- “Mandalas For Marinke: A Collaborative Crochet Art Project to Raise Awareness About Depression, Suicide, and the Healing Power of Crafting” (2017)
- “Hook to Heal!: 100 Crochet Exercises For Health, Growth, Connection, Inspiration, and Honoring Your Inner Artist” (2015)
- “Cracked Wide Open: Essays, Musings, and Observations from my First Year as a Counseling Psychology Grad Student” (2014)
- “Crochet Saved My Life: The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Crochet” (2012)
Magazines:
- Monthly columnist for Happily Hooked magazine column “Crochet Heals” (2014-2022)
- Monthly craft columnist for Plymouth Yarn Magazine (2017 – 2020)
- Interweave Crochet Print Magazine Columnist, (2013-2016)
- Articles published in print magazines including The Coloring Studio, Crochet! Magazine, Interweave Crochet, Knit Edge, Edibles, By Hand, and Latina Magazine
Online Writing:
- Head of website, newsletter, and social media development and content for Center for Mindful Psychotherapy (2021-present), similar work previously for other therapist umbrella sites including Counseling Wise, Well San Francisco, and Goodman Creatives
- Art exhibit reviewer and art history writer for Sartle and Masterpiece Artist Canvas
- Blogging, content writing, tutorial author, and social media for wide range of small and large businesses; samples including Psych Central, Red Heart Yarns, About.com Crochet, Saving Advice, Frugal Gardening, Craftsy, Lion Brand Yarn, Houzz, SF Travel
Projects and other experience
- Mandalas for Marinke (2015-2018): Founded and developed collaborative crochet project with 1000+ contributions from over 300 crafters around the world, raising awareness about depression, suicide and crafting to heal
- Crochet Concupiscence (2011-2018): Established and developed successful crochet blog and social media presence, sold for five figures
- Spoken word performer for People Like Us Fundraiser for Dimensions Clinic, 2018
- Waldorf Handwork Classroom volunteer, 2015
- Jewish Culture panel participant, 2014
- Diversity in Counseling Workshop, 2013
- Liberty Crochet Mural, Northern California section (2023), head of opportunities for public showcasing and speaking about Craftivism at display events
- “Knitting Us Together” – Mill Valley Arts Commission (2022)
- “#100WomenProject” (2015)
- “Yarnopolis” (2014)
- “CAFAM: Granny Squared” – YBLA (2013)
- “PaperGirl SF” (2012)
Grants and Recognition
Grants
- Business Training Grant, Invest SF/OEWD (2023)
- CA Dream Fund Grant (2022)
- CERF+ Get Ready Grant (2022)
- CA Relief Grant (2021)
Other Recognition
- 100+ mentions/citations on Academia.edu (2023)
- RenTank Business Pitch runner-up (2022)
- Various awards and recognitions for writing and blogging endeavors; for example: Crochet Lounge Top 20 Heart-Centered Bloggers, award for best curator and storyteller, 2014
Education
- Master of Arts in Visual and Critical Studies, California College of the Arts, (through Spring 2025)
- Master of Arts in Psychological Studies, California Institute of Integral Studies, 2017
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Agency Service with Community Service Emphasis, Northern Arizona University, Graduated 12/03
- Associate of Applied Science in Social Work with Youth Emphasis, Pima Community College, 2002