Meet Valerie Batchelder: Retired Play Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Batchelder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, what’s your definition for success?
Success comes when I feel satisfied with my painting. I get an adrenaline rush and a feeling of joy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a retired play therapist – I learned so much from children about the freedom of expression and joy I get when the goal is open ended with no judgement, except my own. There is healing power in play – my art is my play and my paintings are my words.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Galleries around Dallas – always an adventure. Eat on the McKinney Square as well as Thai Food restaurants. Hang out on my screen porch with tea and biscuit in the morning and a glass of red wine in the evening.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Wayne Batchelder. He is a potter and understands the value of art in a personal way. I would also like to shout out my thanks to Mary Catherine, Susan, Monty, Ginger, and my parents for being exactly who they are and always in my life. I will always love them.