For those who have achieved proficiency in multiple fields, the decision to pursue one career over another can often be challenging. However, Anna Lien, a graduate of Midland College, has found a way to integrate her passions without having to make that choice.
Lien is employed as a certified Mneme therapist, a role that involves a multi-modality process designed to engage the entire brain and stimulate its inherent ability to rebuild lost or undeveloped functions. This information comes from a news release issued by Midland College. The therapy is administered by the Art Without Borders Association, an organization with which Lien is affiliated. Her position allows her to merge her love for fine arts and chemistry in order to assist adults with dementia and children on the autism spectrum.
According to the release, Lien's life underwent significant changes after she began working with this international humanitarian non-profit organization two years ago. Her brother suffers from Hemimegalencephaly, a rare genetic condition that results in part of the brain being abnormally larger than the rest. It was through observing his interactions with a mneme therapist that she decided to pursue this profession.
Lien stated: "When I did further research about Mneme Therapy, I related to the concept of offering a rewarding experience through painting." She continued: "The idea of working with autistic children and people with dementia lit me up inside. I completed the self-paced certification process to become a certified Mneme Therapist for all ages in about nine months. I am totally amazed at everything I’ve learned and how helpful Mneme Therapy can be to those who are affected by brain disorders."
The news release clarified that Mneme Therapy should not be mistaken for art therapy, which focuses on expressing feelings and emotional healing. In contrast, Mneme Therapy incorporates singing, movement, painting and storytelling as instructional tools aimed at stimulating the brain. Lien holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) and an Associate of Science degree from Midland College (MC).
Expressing her passion for her work, Lien said: "I absolutely love this work and definitely feel it is my calling. It is just as rewarding for me as it is for my clients. I am so proud and happy when they are finished, and they and their families can see the results."