Andrew M. Gaines

is the Head of Theatre Arts/Communication at Grays Harbor College and previously taught drama therapy, and educational/applied theatre at New York University and Pratt Institute. His research centers on the power of performance for healing, activism, and human development in marginalized communities. He recently published Therapeutic Teaching Artistry: Towards a Wellness Model for Enhancing Vitality in Older Adults in the Drama Therapy Review special issue on older adults for which he was the Guest Co-Editor. Dr. Gaines co-authored The History, Trends, and Future of Drama Therapy in North America with Jason Butler in the International Handbook of Dramatherapy. His next publication addresses Clinical Applications of Rasaboxes in Drama Therapy. Andrew was the recipient of the Performance Award from the North American Drama Therapy Association for Kindergarten Truck, his mobile, immersive, community-engaged, drama therapy-inspired production that toured nationwide in 2015. Dr. Gaines is the Focus Group Representative for the Wellness, Community, and Aging at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education.