Continuing the Work: Diane Duckler on Expanding Access to Art Therapy

Diane Duckler, Board of Directors, The Art Therapy Project

We’re excited to welcome Diane Duckler back to The Art Therapy Project’s Board of Directors. A dedicated champion of our mission since 2015, Diane brings a deep understanding of our work and a long-standing commitment to expanding access to art therapy across New York City. 

In this Q&A, she shares what continues to inspire her involvement and how she sees us reaching new supporters and strengthening our impact.

Can you share a bit about your experience as a marketing executive and how that perspective translates to your role at TATP? 

My career was rooted in marketing, where my strength was communication and working directly with senior leadership and large corporations. I collaborated closely with operations and sales teams, which required navigating many different working styles while also managing my own team. That experience made me very comfortable working with people across many disciplines; marketing was truly my forte.  

Looking back, what are you most proud of contributing during your first board tenure? 

Coming from the corporate world into the nonprofit space was a learning experience. Early on, I had to recalibrate how business-minded approaches like budgets and efficiency intersect with mission-driven work. Over time, I became more attuned to the clinical perspective and the importance of balancing both. I’m proud of developing that sensitivity and understanding, and of growing personally through that process. 

I’ve also always felt it was important to participate fully at the board table, to speak up thoughtfully, share ideas, and raise questions about what could be strengthened or refined. Communication is at the core of everything we do. 

What excites you most about returning to the Board? 

The people, without question. I wouldn’t still be involved if it weren’t for the incredible staff and community at TATP. I truly enjoy and appreciate the relationships I’ve built here and feel lucky to work alongside such dedicated individuals. 

Are there specific areas where you’re hoping to make an impact? 

A cornerstone of my tenure has always been storytelling; that is, connecting emotionally through how we share who we are, what we do, and why it matters. Keeping clients and their experiences front and center is essential. That’s something I’ve always believed in deeply. 

I’d love to help expand our donor base by building existing relationships and exploring new ways of engaging supporters. That includes developing partnerships and strengthening connections with potential referral sources. 

How do you hope to see TATP grow or evolve in the coming years? 

I’m interested in creating more strategic marketing opportunities and taking a thoughtful look at how we’re using our current resources where additional support, volunteers, or new approaches might be helpful.  

I’d also love to see more opportunities to hear directly from TATP's art therapists about their work. These moments are incredibly powerful and open new doors for connection and support. 

What initially drew you to join the Board?

I was introduced to The Art Therapy Project early on through its founder, David Wasserman, and his wife, Ellen, and was immediately drawn to the organization and its mission. It felt like a place where I could contribute in a meaningful way.

There’s also a personal connection that made the mission resonate even more deeply and strengthened my desire to give back. Mental illness has been present in my family across generations, beginning with my grandmother and then my mother. My mom struggled with depression for as long as I can remember, and it was difficult to grow up watching her navigate that experience, which has reinforced my connection to this work.