Healing Body Image Disorders Through Art

The Allasso Foundation's mission is to increase public awareness of the healing
powers inherent in creative expression and to use the artistic process and works
of art to promote a society free from eating and body image disorders.

"We are living art, created to hang on, stand up, forbear, continue and
encourage others." -- Maya Angelou

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Co-Founders

Comer Rudd-Gates, ATR, LPC, a registered art therapist and licensed professional counselor, is well known for her work in Atlanta body image treatment. She has been practicing for 18 years with a special interest in trauma and the role of art and creativity in the healing process. She has a private practice in Decatur working with children, adolescents and adults. "The art therapy process," says Ms. Rudd-Gates, "is a way for individuals to listen inside and move into their body. There is a great need to deeply connect with one's own truth. Truths then begin speaking in shapes, forms, colors and images." Ms. Rudd-Gates is co-curator of Hungry Souls: Nourishing Ourselves Through Art, an annual art exhibition of work created by individuals struggling with body image issues and eating disorders. She is co-executive producer of the film, Bodyspeaks: Finding a Voice through Art Therapy. Ms. Rudd-Gates is a member of the American Art Therapy Association, the Georgia Art Therapy Association and the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia.

Marilyn Hughes, LPC, is a certified eating disorder specialist with over 10 years of practice experience. She developed ladder to the moon following her departure from Decatur Hospital in 1995 where she had been therapist, inpatient coordinator, and program director working in their Eating Disorder Program. She also directed Decatur Recovery Residence, an independent housing community for women with eating disorders. “I believe the treatment process for eating disorders can be a powerful agent for change when we all work together as a team – this includes the client, family and friends, and the professionals.” Ms. Hughes currently is director of ladder to the moon, an Atlanta eating disorder treatment center, and is in private practice with Psychotherapy Associates of Decatur. She is a clinical member of the International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals. Ms. Hughes has been co-curator of The Hungry Souls Exhibit with Ms. Rudd-Gates since 2000 and co-founded the Allasso Foundation in July 2002.

Dr. Randy Beggs, a licensed professional counselor, is in private practice in Decatur. Dr. Beggs works extensively with couples and individuals questioning or struggling with issues of sexual identity, compulsive sexual behavior, mood disorders, attachment disorders, dissociative disorders, male body image, eating disorders, and relationship difficulties. He is certified by the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and the National Board of Certified Counselors. He also serves as adjunct faculty member at Georgia State University. Dr. Beggs belongs to numerous professional organizations such as the American Counseling Association, Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia, Association for Death Education and Counseling, the International Society for the Study of Dissociation, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Dr. Beggs has served in numerous capacities in the Atlanta community for organizations such as the Georgia Counsel on Child Abuse, the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta, Positive Impact, and local colleges and universities. He uses an integration of several therapeutic approaches in his formulation of client issues and treatment plans.

The Allasso Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organzation. All gifts are tax-deductable as provided by law.

The Allasso Foundation

Street Address:
103 N. McDonough
Decatur, GA 30030

Postal Address:
P.O.Box 2549
Decatur, GA 30031

(404) 378-4167 ext. 6 info@allassofoundation.org