MOUNT VERNON – On the way to her goal of becoming an art therapist, Elaina Trace will spend another summer waxing floors and painting walls at the Knox Learning Center.
Meanwhile, her mother, Adri Trace, will be in her high school classroom ready to offer tutoring to any students who want to take advantage of it.
The Learning Center, operated by the Knox Educational Service Center, is in the former Mount Vernon West Elementary building. It is a K-12 alternative school serving students whose emotional issues or special needs prevent them from succeeding in a traditional school environment.
This will be Elaina’s second year as a summer employee, earning money for college while helping custodian Lacy Holt with cleaning and maintenance while the building is empty of most students and staff. A graduate of Mount Vernon High School with a lifelong interest in art, she will be a sophomore at Ohio University this fall.
“As early as I can remember, my mom had me coloring. Later, I learned to express myself by not always staying within the lines,” Elaina said. “Ohio University has a really good art department. I wanted to get more experience in different mediums including ceramics, which I will take this coming year.”
Once she has completed all basic courses, Elaina will focus on art therapy and specific psychology classes.
“An art therapist helps people who have mental issues or other life struggles such as post-traumatic stress disorder,” she said. “Art therapy helps them feel relaxed and find moments when they are at peace. They will open up and talk. Their sketches can reveal things about themselves.”
While Elaina is sweeping, waxing, polishing and painting, Adri Trace will be at her desk, reviewing lesson plans as she awaits students in search of tutoring in core subjects.
“I will be here to help any student who wants it,” Adri said.
While her focus is on academics, she also emphasizes individual responsibility.
“I have only one rule, which I explained to students,” she said. “If you don’t show up for your appointment or call to say you can’t come three times, that’s it. Three strikes and you’re out. Most will keep their appointments.”
Adri Trace explained her approach in the classroom during an interview earlier this year.
“I like to call myself a mentor,” she said. “I’m not only trying to give students an education but help them understand how it is in the real world.”
