Welcome to the International Museotherapy Initiative. We are thrilled you’re interested. You are an integral part of our community. Our initiative is all about bringing people together who are passionate about healthy communities and museum-based art therapy. We explore the intersection of art therapy and museum practice, where researchers, clinicians, and educators share how museums can serve as spaces of healing, reflection, and community.
As a member, you will have access to networking opportunities and educational resources. We are excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to building a community that supports and empowers each other. Thank you for joining us on this exciting new adventure!
Meet The Team
Minette Hand, MS, LPC-A, ATR-P — Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Minette Hand is an art therapist, educator, and creative visionary whose work centers on integrating art therapy practice within public and cultural institutions. She founded the International Museotherapy Initiative (IMI) to expand awareness of museotherapy—the use of museum spaces as restorative, community-based environments for mental health and human connection.
Minette’s graduate thesis research at PennWest University explored creative problem-solving, policy development, and social prescribing as mechanisms for embedding art therapy into museum infrastructures. She presented her work at the 2024 American Art Therapy Association (AATA) National Conference, in the professional practice session “Bridging Art Therapy into Museums Through Creative Problem-Solving, Policy, and Social Prescription.”
As IMI’s CEO, Minette oversees creative direction, grant development, and international partnerships, leading the organization’s long-term strategy for IMI 2026. Her leadership emphasizes accessibility, collaboration, and the translation of therapeutic practice into public cultural dialogue.
Brooke Christensen, MS (c) — Chief Operating Officer
Brooke Christensen is an art therapy researcher, writer, and program developer with a focus on community-based and museum-integrated art therapy. As Chief Operating Officer for IMI, she manages operational logistics, coordinates media production, and leads digital communications for the organization.
Brooke is a graduate student in the Art Therapy & Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at PennWest University and a research assistant in the Positive Psychology Lab at the University of North Texas, where she contributes to projects on gratitude and spiritual wellbeing. Her academic and professional work explores the measurable, evidence-based aspects of creative healing and human flourishing.
In August 2025, Brooke launched and produces The IMI Podcast, which serves as IMI’s primary educational and storytelling platform—featuring international guests who bridge museum practice, research, and art therapy. She supports IMI’s global development by aligning operational systems, communications, and research integration with the organization’s expanding international vision.
Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and eventually, the fully-built website. Never miss an update.
You won’t have to worry about missing anything. Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox.
