Hearts & Crafts began in Suffern, NY in 1994, moved to the carriage house in Ramsey, New Jersey in 2004 and is now in its newest location at 1068 Main Street in Fishkill, NY. Laura Hudson, a Board Certified Art Therapist founded Hearts & Crafts with her former partner Charlie Lochner. Terry DeBrule, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker joined Laura shortly after to fulfill a need they felt existed in the community. In 2011, Samantha Tinter, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker also joined the staff. They all have extensive experience helping children, teens, and adults who are living with the kinds of feelings and problems that are associated with stressful life events.
LAURA HUDSON, ART THERAPIST, FOUNDER
“Art therapy allows me to connect with kids in a creative way that feels natural and comfortable to them. It touches my heart when kids contact me years later and tell me they still have the projects we created together.”
Laura Hudson, MS, ATR-BC, LCAT, a Board Certified Art Therapist, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from Rutgers College in 1981. She continued her education at College of New Rochelle to earn her Masters in Art Therapy. Laura is a former elementary school and special education teacher. She has worked in a variety of settings including hospice, schools, hospitals, and counseling centers. Having helped hundreds of families over the course of her career, Laura boxed up her art supplies retired from Hearts & Crafts in 2022.
SAMANTHA TINTER, DIRECTOR/THERAPIST
“I get to see first hand, the positive changes that happen when people choose Hearts & Crafts Counseling. To be a part of that change is very rewarding.”
Samantha Tinter, MSW, LCSW – Samantha, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both NY and NJ, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and NJ State teaching license from Ramapo College in 2004. She later went on to Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Work to earn her Masters in Social Work. She also holds a NJ State School Social Worker’s Certificate. Samantha’s experience in public schools has provided her the opportunity to work with children and their families in grades first through eighth with issues ranging from self-esteem concerns, to adjustment disorders to DYFS cases. She also brings to Hearts & Crafts her experience working within state and private agencies where she has provided counseling to adolescents, adults and seniors with issues such as homelessness, teenage pregnancy and grief. Samantha provides supervision to all of the clinicians as well as manages the day to day needs of the practice.