From a young age, Maria “Valeria” Guzman recognized the importance of art as a form of communication – often reserved for those who struggle to be heard.
By IU Health Senior Journalist, TJ Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org
The youngest of six children, Maria “Valeria” Guzman is proud of her close-knit family, legacy and the lessons she learned from her parents.
“It can be a bit chaotic for the six of us and it seems like we lose our voices sometimes, but my parents always encouraged us to follow our dreams,” says Guzman.
Fun fact: Despite being the youngest, she shares that role with a fraternal twin sister, also named “Maria.” Born in Mexico, Guzman and her family immigrated to the United States when she was in fifth grade and settled in a small town near Fort Wayne, Ind.
“In Mexico, we are addressed by first and middle names, so I am ‘Maria Valeria’ and my sister is ‘Maria Carolina’,” she said, adding that they were the first in the family. she attended university. Guzman was also the first to complete a master’s degree. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the Herron School of Art and Design, she earned a master’s degree in art therapy.
She recently joined IU Health Simon Cancer Center, where she works with cancer patients using art therapy to help them heal overall and cope with their diagnosis. Guzman is a member of the CompleteLife group of therapists that include massage, yoga, and music as a way of taking care of the mind, body, and spirit of patients. CompleteLife is part of the Cancer Resource Center located on the first floor of the Simon Cancer Center. Support groups, education, and other special services are also offered through the Cancer Resource Center.
During college, Guzman competed for hospital internships and continued to work with adults and children in a private counseling service.
“I wanted to work with an underserved group of Spanish speakers because I speak two languages,” says Guzman. “For me it’s very important that we fit in, and if we have a patient who speaks Spanish, I want to speak in their language because sometimes a lot is lost,” says Guzman. when translating,” said Guzman.
She also brings personal experience to her role at IU Health Simon Cancer Center.
“Growing up, a loved one has a lot of mental health issues. He received a variety of therapies, and when he started art therapy, I saw what it did to improve his overall health,” says Guzman. “He has trouble communicating and staying in his own world. There is some isolation and I have seen how art therapy has rekindled a family and community support system.”
At IU Health, Guzman hopes to help cancer patients achieve that same sense of well-being.
“I hope I can help them improve their quality of life and give them a safe space to express themselves.”
Her areas of interest are working in mixed media, jewelry making and felting.
Outside of work, she married her high school sweetheart and first time mother of a 5-month-old baby. She is also the dog mom of two squiggly golden retrievers – born the same liter but not the same.
