Welcoming our new Chair: Sarah Challenger

An experienced art therapist, educator and longstanding member of BAAT Council, Sarah brings a breadth of professional experience from across the NHS, higher education, private practice and the third sector. Having served on Council for the previous four years, she takes on the role at a significant moment for the Association, building on the strong foundations established by outgoing Chair Claire Louise while helping to shape BAAT’s future.

Before training as an art therapist, Sarah worked in television, film and theatre, developing creative problem-solving skills that continue to inform her practice and leadership today. She now works as Arts Therapies Lead within an NHS Older Adults Mental Health Service, alongside sessional lecturing at the University of South Wales and running a private practice. Her experience across a range of settings gives her a broad understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing art therapists throughout their careers.

As Chair, Sarah is committed to ensuring BAAT remains a financially strong and sustainable organisation that can continue to support its members and champion the profession. Her priorities include improving access to continuing professional development (CPD), particularly at a time when many members are experiencing financial pressures, and strengthening representation across all four UK nations so that members’ diverse experiences and perspectives continue to shape the Association’s work.

Reflecting on her role, Sarah said:

“We are at a time of natural change for BAAT, and while these moments bring challenges, they also create opportunities. I hope to bring the learning from my previous time on Council, alongside a desire to look forward and consider how we, as a profession, continue to evolve to best serve our members and the profession.

We are living in a rapidly changing world, where developments such as AI are already influencing both the people we support and us as practitioners. It is more important than ever that we work together to understand these changes and ensure BAAT continues to support its members as the profession develops.”

Samantha Barber, Interim CEO of BAAT, said:

“I’m looking forward to working with Sarah in her new role as BAAT Chair and congratulate her on her election. She brings a wealth of experience to this position that will be beneficial to the organisation.”

Everyone at BAAT would like to congratulate Sarah on her appointment and thank Claire Louise for her dedication, leadership and significant contribution over the past six years. We look forward to working together to continue strengthening the profession and supporting art therapists across the UK.

More council updates

Following the AGM on Saturday 20 June, we are also pleased to welcome four new Council members: Anne Stegmann, Corrine Eastwood, Emma Mills and Hannah McKimm.
They join Catherine Stevens and Jacqui McKoy-Lewens, who were both re-elected for a further two-year term, alongside Simi Warah, Melissa King and Vice Chair Michéle Wood.

Sarah also acknowledged that several questions remained unanswered at the AGM and confirmed that members will receive a further update shortly, including responses to those questions and opportunities for further discussion.