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Tomo Hillbo (she/they) is a student in the MA in Art Therapy/Counseling program with a Trauma & Crisis Concentration at ����Vlog, and is also pursuing the New Earth Institute’s Trauma, Grief, and Renewal certificate. Tomo was born and raised in Japan and earned a bachelor’s in graphic design from Tama Art University, one of Japan’s most prestigious art schools. They have been a graphic designer in various settings for over 35 years, while living in Tokyo in Japan; Hamburg and Frankfurt in Germany; Johannesburg in South Africa; and New York and Chicago in the U.S. They moved to Albuquerque, NM, in 2023 with their partner, a Swedish pastor/hospital chaplain.
Tomo has dedicated the last 20 years to Unitarian Universalism (UU), a faith movement known for its activism: first 10 years as the administrative director/graphic designer/music director for a congregation, and then another 10 years as the communications director/graphic designer at a UU-identity theological graduate school in Chicago. Their passion for social justice grew stronger through the work that connected them with the UU denominational offices and ministers across the country. This passion and spirituality are the driving forces behind Tomo’s journey to become an art therapist. As a student trustee, Tomo hopes to support the school’s thriving and evolving by becoming a bridge between the student body and the administration.