The heart of ITA’s mission traces back to the vision of our founder, Marilyn “Toddy” Richman—a pioneer in the field of creative arts therapy and a passionate advocate for healing through the arts.
A gifted drama therapist, educator, and leader, Toddy was instrumental in shaping the early landscape of arts in health care. She co-founded ITA in 1975 as a program of the Music Institute of Chicago, recognizing the powerful impact that music, drama, art, and movement could have on emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.
Toddy’s work was grounded in compassion, creativity, and deep respect for every individual’s potential to grow and heal. As a mentor, she inspired generations of therapists and played a key role in establishing professional standards for the field in Illinois and beyond.
Although Toddy has passed away, her legacy lives on in every therapy session, performance, and story shared at ITA. Her belief—that when words fail, the arts speak—continues to guide our work and shape our future.
“When words alone are not enough, the arts can often help”
– Marilyn “Toddy” Richman
A Timeline of Innovation, Impact, and Creative Healing
For over five decades, ITA has been a leader in creative arts therapy – offering transformative care through art, dance/movement, drama, and music. Explore the milestones that have shaped ITA into the organization it is today.
1970s: Our Founding Years
In 1975, a local actress and arts advocate Marilyn “Toddy” Richman was approached by Kal Novak, Director of the Music Center of the North Shore (now the Music Institute of Chicago), to lead a new music therapy initiative. The idea came in response to growing interest from educators and mental health professionals in the emerging field of creative arts therapies.
With $2,000 in funding from New Trier Township, the program launched with 27 children from the Irene Josselyn Clinic, Cove School, and the Music Center. Under Toddy’s leadership, the program expanded quickly and became known as the Institute for Therapy through the Arts (ITA).
1980s: Expanding Modalities and Community Presence
By the early 1980s, ITA offered all four core creative arts therapy modalities: Art, Dance/Movement, Drama and Music Therapy. Staff provided services across schools, hospitals, and community agencies while also training future professionals. From 1977 to 1986, ITA clinicians taught a course series, “Helping Role of the Arts,” at the National College of Education. The organization also moved into its own dedicated space in Chicago, strengthening its identity as a professional therapy provider.
1990s: Building Awareness and Impact
Throughout the 1990s, ITA deepened its community partnerships and expanded its clinical offerings. Programs were tailored to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, neurological challenges, and mental health conditions. ITA became a trusted provider in both school and clinical settings, and continued to offer workshops and trainings for educators, parents, and healthcare professionals.
2000s: Strengthening Services and Leadership
In the 2000s, under the leadership of Director Ted Rubenstein, the Institute for Therapy through the Arts (ITA) grew its clinical team and strengthened partnerships with schools, hospitals, and community agencies. Ted was instrumental in launching the Illinois Yellow Ribbon Military Project, created to support children of military families during the reintegration process.
This innovative work led to additional initiatives, expanded collaborations, and key publications—including Operation Oak Tree, a 2010 handbook offering guidance for working with military-connected families. In recognition of these efforts, ITA staff presented their work to Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden during her 2011 visit.
Board-certified music therapist Jenni Rook joined ITA in 2005, became Director of the Music Therapy Department in 2008, and served as Acting Clinical Director from 2010 to 2015. As CEO from 2015 to 2022, she guided ITA’s transition to an independent nonprofit while remaining deeply committed to compassionate, individualized care.
2010s: Transitioning to Nonprofit Status and National Recognition
In 2015, ITA became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, allowing for greater flexibility and innovation. This decade marked a period of growth, with new programs launched to address memory loss, trauma, and social-emotional development. One of its most notable achievements was the development of Musical Bridges to Memory™, a groundbreaking program for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
2020s: Innovation, Inclusion, and a Vision for the Future
The 2020s began with unprecedented challenges. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ITA swiftly transitioned to virtual therapy services, ensuring continuity of care and expanding access to clients across geographic and economic boundaries. This shift sparked new approaches to service delivery and reaffirmed ITA’s commitment to accessible, high-quality creative arts therapy.
In October 2022, ITA welcomed Chrissy Dale as Chief Executive Officer. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and a passion for mental health, equity, and the arts, Chrissy brings fresh energy and vision to ITA’s next chapter. Under her leadership, the organization continues to expand its reach through research, advocacy, and workforce development.
As ITA moves through its 50th year and beyond, it looks toward a future defined by bold collaboration, greater access to care, and continued innovation in creative arts therapy. The work ahead is rooted in the same belief that has guided ITA since the beginning: When words alone are not enough, the arts can often help.
Help Us Shape the Next 50 Years
As ITA celebrates 50 years of creating, growing, and healing through the arts, we remain committed to building a future where everyone has access to compassionate, innovative care.
Your support ensures that we can continue expanding our reach, training the next generation of creative arts therapists, and offering life-changing services to individuals and communities across all stages of life.